In 2021, Kia unveiled the Kia EV6, the company’s first “born EV,” marking the start of the next phase of its electrification approach. By 2027, a number of other Kia electric vehicle types will be available, including the Kia EV9, a premium SUV. According to an exclusive story from ETNews, the second custom Kia EV is known internally as the “Kia MV.”
The Kia EV9, the next in the company’s ambition to have 11 new electric vehicles available for purchase by 2026, is a completely new nameplate for the Kia brand. A production version of the EV9 is expected to make its debut in 2022, followed by customer deliveries in 2023.
The Kia EV9 will be promoted as the flagship and will resemble the Telluride in size, boxiness, and boldness. The present, however, differs significantly from the past! The EV9 won’t be as large even though it might have the same amount of inside room. The EV9 will be manufactured by Kia on a custom electric vehicle platform (E-GMP), which enables it to deliver a roomy cabin in a lower overall size by extending the wheelbase while maintaining fewer overhangs than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. Passengers will benefit from a level floor, and the front overhang and bonnet will be less in particular.
Exterior of Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is one of the only electric SUVs available today that has the same commanding presence as any sizable SUV in a time of low-riding, svelte models that compromise essential SUV characteristics for efficiency. It has an almost straight beltline, roofline, mostly flat, high-set bonnet, and slightly hunched rear end.
The Kia Concept EV9 has a conventional SUV shape, yet its design is a masterpiece of contemporary art and strikes a striking contrast. The EV9 successfully combines a traditional silhouette with modern styling thanks to its three-spoke wheels, geometric body panels, headlamps, and taillamps that have a futuristic appearance. There is plenty of light inside the cabin thanks to a sizable oval-shaped piece of seamless glass that is built into the roof, and there are clear views of the sky. The computerized Tiger Face, which Kia has given the go-ahead to include into the production EV9, is one of Concept EV9’s design highlights. According to the corporation, it has updated its enduring design cue for the EV era. An elaborate star pattern display is hidden behind the SUV’s body panel when not in use and is housed in a novel sort of grille. It’s a light display that emphasizes the concept’s futuristic character. Sequential patterns that produce a welcome light and serve as position lights while driving are used to greet the driver. Notable exterior design features include the solar panel Kia installed in the hood vent duct region.
Interior of Kia EV9
Up to seven persons can potentially sit comfortably in the Kia EV9. It would be a true three-row electric SUV, providing a low-emission alternative for standard gas-powered mid-size American cars. A simple design theme for the interior would make it appear futuristic, increase the amount of usable space, and be more ecologically friendly. For many of the interior touchpoints, Kia might use recycled plastics and wool, plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns, plant-based extracts, and other new kinds of eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials.
A 27-inch ultra-wide display will also be available on the Kia EV9 in production, according to Kia. Returning to the idea version, the interior is purposely small, save for a really useful huge floor console that probably contains a ton of cubby storage areas.
Three rows of seats in various configurations are available on the Concept EV9. In Active mode, it offers the best driving experience. The cabin can also be converted into a first-class lounge using the Pause Mode. The second-row seats may be folded down to create a table, and the front seats can be turned to face the passengers in the back. Another stationary mode is called Enjoy. The tailgate opens in this mode, allowing the passengers to unwind while taking in the scenery.
Specifications of Kia EV9
The outward measurements of the Kia EV9 should resemble those of the Kia Concept EV9. The concept has the following dimensions: 194 inches long, 81 inches wide, and 70 inches high. It has a 122-inch wheelbase.
Rear wheels receive motor power because E-GMP depends on them for propulsion. Customers can choose to have an all-wheel drive drivetrain setup, which drives the front wheels and provides additional traction. Models of the E-GMP platform utilize a standard battery module made up of pouch-style standard cells. However, the battery module can be packed in various numbers depending on the necessary range.
Range and Charging of Kia EV9
According to Kia, the Concept EV9 has a 300-mile range. On the outskirts of the 2022 New York International Auto Show, Steven Center, Chief Operating Officer of Kia America, told Motor Authority that the production EV9 will require roughly 300 miles of range since that is the “sweet spot or minimal entry for a larger vehicle.” The maximum supported DC charging power is 350 kW, and in the concept, charging from 10% to 80% takes 20–30 minutes. These charging rates should roughly represent the goals for the EV9 in production. Additionally, the EV9 will accommodate an 800-volt system, allowing for quicker charging times.
Battery and Motors of Kia EV9
According to reports, Hyundai intends to offer the Ioniq 7 with a single RWD powertrain and a dual 308 horsepower AWD motor. In the EV9, Kia might employ the same motors with identical tunes. A 100 kWh battery pack that uses new lithium-ion cells with a higher energy density of roughly 700 Wh/l compared to the lithium-ion cells now in use with a 600 Wh/l energy density could be another shared core component between the two huge SUVs.
Release Date and Price of Kia EV9
In September 2023, the EV9 will be unveiled. Although Kia has stated that the EV9 will debut in 2023, South Korea may be the vehicle’s first market, followed by Europe, where the EV9’s debut is also set for 2023.
The Kia EV9 will likely start at around USD 50,000 on the American market.
Conclusion
The Kia EV9 and the next Hyundai Ioniq 7 will share a base, and both models should be available with rear- or all-wheel drive, with the latter having two electric motors. The dual-motor arrangement on the company’s smaller Kia EV6 SUV can provide up to 576 horsepower. Although Kia has not disclosed information on the EV9’s battery size or motors, the claimed driving range of the vehicle is up to 300 miles per charge. We will have to wait for further details on the EV9.
