As its first-ever dedicated electric car, the EV6 is an important new model for Kia and was always going to be a smash hit, but the Korean automaker underestimated the demand. Preorders for the limited Kia EV6 First Edition were supposed to start June 3 but the website was closed due to "technical difficulties."

To make sure the ordering process goes as smoothly as possible, Kia is relaunching the reservation website today, June 8 10 am PST, with improved bandwidth to cope with the unprecedented demand for the EV6. Production of the Kia EV6 First Edition is limited to just 1,500 examples and Kia says there are only a few hundred examples available to order in the US, so we're expecting it to sell out fast.

"Early demand for the all-new EV6 has been overwhelming and we quickly reset our special Reservation website to handle expanded access and traffic," said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America. "Fairness is a fundamental component of our corporate culture, and therefore we thought best to suspend the original process, enhance the reservation procedure, and then reopen this exclusive opportunity to the many folks who had been in line and excited to join us on this journey."

Orders require a fully refundable $100 deposit, but pricing details for the Kia EV First Edition haven't been confirmed yet. As standard, the 2021 Kia EV6 First Edition is powered by a 77.4-kWh battery and an AWD dual-motor setup.

Among the extra equipment in the First Edition includes an augmented reality head-up display, sunroof, remote parking assist, a premium 14-speaker sound system, and 20-inch wheels. Three limited color combinations are also available: Urban Yellow with black seats (which is exclusive to the First Edition), Glacier (white) with dark green seats, and Steel Gray Matte with black seats.

Inside, there are illuminated door sills with "First Edition" lettering and a numbered badge highlighting the model's limited production. As a bonus, anyone who preorders a Kia EV6 First Edition will receive at-home charger, a credit for a national charging network, or an Apple Watch as a free gift.