Maximizing Regen Charging on the Kia EV6

One of the things I love most about driving my Kia EV6 is the regenerative braking system. It not only extends your range but also gives you that futuristic “one-pedal driving” feel that makes electric cars so fun. But to get the most out of regen on the EV6, it helps to know a few key techniques—because it’s not just about slamming the left paddle and hoping for the best.

A blue car parked on a city street at night

Here’s how I maximize regenerative charging on my Kia EV6 while keeping battery health in mind and using apps that actually help me track the results.

Understanding How Regen Works in the EV6

Regenerative braking takes kinetic energy (momentum) and converts it back into stored battery energy. In the EV6, this happens automatically when you let off the accelerator—but how aggressively it kicks in depends on your regen level setting.

There are five levels of regen on the Kia EV6: Level 0 (no regen) to Level 4 (i-Pedal). You can change the level using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

I usually keep mine around Level 2 or 3 for city driving, and bump it up to i-Pedal when I know I’ll be hitting stop-and-go traffic or hilly terrain. On the highway, I’ll sometimes dial it back to Level 1 or 0 to preserve momentum and reduce battery strain.

Best Techniques for Real Gains

After a year of driving electric, these are the practices that have consistently given me better range and smoother drives:

1. Use i-Pedal Strategically

i-Pedal is great, but I don’t leave it on 24/7. It’s ideal when:

You’re driving in city traffic
Going downhill for extended stretches
Approaching red lights or exits

But on flat roads or the freeway? I switch to Level 1 or 2 for smoother coasting and better energy conservation.

2. Look Far Ahead

This isn’t just a defensive driving tip—it’s a regen tip too. The more you anticipate stops and ease off the accelerator early, the more regen you capture without having to brake suddenly. That means less waste and more recovered energy.

3. Avoid Slamming the Brakes

If you brake too hard, the car switches to friction braking and skips regen altogether. Gentle deceleration through regen first is key if you want to harvest every bit of kinetic energy.

Keeping Battery Health in Check

A silver car parked in a room next to a wall

A lot of EV owners don’t realize that regen braking can heat up the battery, especially during long downhill sections or when the pack is already close to full.

Here’s what I do:

Avoid max regen when the battery is over 90% charged, especially in hot weather
Let regen taper off naturally in winter when the battery is cold, to avoid stressing the pack
Use scheduled charging to keep the state of charge below 100% right before a trip—this leaves room for regen to work efficiently

Apps That Help

Two apps have helped me dial in my regen game:

🔌 EV6’s Built-In Energy Screen

It gives you a breakdown of how much energy is being recovered via braking vs how much is consumed. It’s basic but useful for spotting patterns.

📱 ABRP (A Better Route Planner)

It lets you simulate trips with regen included in the range estimates. I’ve used this to test different driving styles over the same routes—and it’s surprisingly accurate.

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a red car parked on a road with buildings in the background

Regen is one of those features that makes EV driving addictive—but it’s also something you can learn to master. With a bit of timing, some paddle control, and a sharp eye on your battery, you can turn your daily drives into power-saving sessions that extend your range and make every stop count.