With the successful launch of the acclaimed EV6, Kia has proven it can deliver a compelling, cutting-edge electric vehicle. But the Korean automaker is just getting started with its EV ambitions. Next up is the highly anticipated EV9 – a three-row, family-sized SUV that promises to push the boundaries of range, charging speed, and interior flexibility.
Although full details have yet to be revealed, let‘s dive into everything we know so far about the Kia EV9 as excitement builds for its expected launch in late 2023.
Unveiling the Concept
Our first glimpse of the Kia EV9 came in November 2021, when the company unveiled a bold concept version at the Los Angeles Auto Show. With its striking, boxy design and innovative interior, the EV9 concept turned heads and generated buzz about Kia‘s next entry into the fast-growing electric SUV segment.
While concept cars often change significantly before reaching production, the EV9 prototype gave strong hints about the general direction Kia is headed with this flagship model. The automaker described it as "a preview of Kia‘s next model in the dedicated EV lineup," confirming plans to bring a vehicle heavily inspired by the concept to market.
Targeting 300+ Miles of Range
One of the most crucial factors for any electric vehicle is driving range, and Kia is aiming high with the EV9. Without providing an exact figure, the company has stated its goal is for the SUV to "set new standards in range" and exceed 300 miles on a single charge.
Achieving this impressive range will likely require a large battery pack, possibly around 100 kWh. By comparison, the smaller Kia EV6 uses a 77.4 kWh pack in its long-range variant. The EV9 will benefit from being built on Hyundai‘s advanced E-GMP platform, which was purpose-designed for electric vehicles and is already underpinning EVs from Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis.
Of course, the official range estimate will have to wait for EPA testing closer to launch. But based on Kia‘s track record and the capabilities of the E-GMP platform, 300+ miles seems like a realistic target for the EV9. If achieved, it would make this electric SUV a viable option for long road trips and put it near the top of its class for range.
Rapid Charging Capabilities
In addition to an ample driving range, Kia is engineering the EV9 to take advantage of the latest fast-charging technology. The company says it‘s aiming for the ability to recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes when using a powerful DC fast charger.
This would be a major advantage, as charging speed is nearly as important as maximum range for electric vehicle owners. If Kia can deliver on this ambitious target, it would make the EV9 one of the quickest charging EVs on the market and greatly enhance its appeal for families who take frequent long trips.
The E-GMP platform‘s 800-volt electrical architecture enables these impressively short charging times, which are similar to what‘s possible with the Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Genesis GV60. As the charging infrastructure continues to expand and evolve, the EV9 will be well-positioned to take advantage of the fastest charging speeds available.
Flexible, Family-Friendly Interior
As a large three-row SUV, the EV9 is clearly aimed at active families who need lots of passenger and cargo space. But Kia is going beyond just making the cabin big – they‘re also exploring innovative ways to make the interior highly flexible and adaptable to different situations.
The EV9 concept showcased several interior modes that could make it into production:
- Active Mode: A conventional SUV layout with three rows of forward-facing seats to accommodate 6-7 passengers
- Pause Mode: Front seats that swivel around to face the second row, with the second-row seats folding into a table
- Enjoy Mode: Third-row seats that also swivel to face backward, ideal for tailgating, picnics, or camping
While the final production version may not include all of these seating arrangements, the concept demonstrates Kia is thinking creatively about how a spacious, electric SUV can better meet the needs of modern families. With a flat floor enabled by the underfloor battery pack and no engine up front, designers have more freedom to reimagine the interior space.
Beyond the seating configurations, expect the EV9 to incorporate plenty of clever storage solutions, durable, family-friendly materials, and a comprehensive suite of infotainment and connectivity technology. If the concept‘s 27-inch widescreen display makes it to production, it would be one of the largest and most impressive in any SUV.
Exterior Design: Blending Boldness and Practicality
Spy photos of camouflaged EV9 prototypes undergoing testing give a hints of the final exterior design, which seems to maintain the concept‘s chunky, angular aesthetic. The upright proportions maximize interior space and give the EV9 a commanding presence on the road.
Some key exterior dimensions for the concept include a length of 194 inches, a width of 81 inches, a height of 70 inches, and a long wheelbase of 122 inches. Expect the production model to have similar proportions, which would make it noticeably larger than Kia‘s popular Telluride SUV.
The EV9 appears to take some design cues from the Telluride, particularly in the boxy, muscular shape. But it will have unique EV-specific touches like a blanked-off grille, aerodynamic wheels, and possibly the concept‘s camera-based side mirrors. Overall, the EV9‘s styling looks distinctive and futuristic while still having the rugged, capable character buyers expect in a large SUV.
Potential Pricing and Availability
Kia hasn‘t announced official pricing for the EV9 yet, but it‘s expected to start around $50,000 for the base model. Higher-end trims could reach into the $60,000 or $70,000 range, but Kia will likely aim to keep the EV9 as affordable as possible to appeal to budget-conscious families. With the average new vehicle transaction price now over $48,000, a mid-$50,000 EV9 would be competitively priced for its size and capabilities.
In terms of availability, Kia says the EV9 will begin production in late 2023 and go on sale in the second half of the year as a 2024 model. It will be built at Kia‘s new dedicated EV factory in Georgia, alongside other upcoming electric models. Customers may be able to place pre-orders or reservations before then, but Kia has not yet announced any plans for that.
Driving Kia‘s Electric Future
The EV9 will play a crucial role in Kia‘s rapid transition to electric vehicles, serving as the flagship for its next generation of EVs. By 2035, Kia plans to exclusively sell EVs in Europe, with other key markets like the US following by 2040. Larger electric SUVs like the EV9 will be essential for achieving these ambitious goals, as they are the most popular vehicles in many regions.
If the EV9 can deliver on Kia‘s promises of 300+ miles of range, rapid charging, and a spacious, flexible interior at a reasonable price point, it has the potential to be a game-changing electric family SUV. It will face stiff competition from rivals like the Tesla Model X, Rivian R1S, and Volvo EX90, but Kia‘s strong reputation for value, quality, and innovation should serve it well.
While many details about the EV9 have yet to be revealed, all signs point to it being a compelling addition to the growing field of electric SUVs. As more information and specs emerge ahead of the late 2023 launch, expect excitement to build for what could be Kia‘s most significant EV yet. Stay tuned for more updates as the Kia EV9 gets closer to hitting the road.
