EV9, Kia’s New Electric Mass Market SUVPoised To Redefine The Future Of Mobility
Photo: Kia’s hotly-anticipated EV9 is a fully-electric 7-seater SUV.
BY REENA RATHORE
In the bustling automotive landscape of the U.S., a new electrifying contender has made its grand entrance – the all-new, all-electric 2024 Kia EV9.
The EV9, which marks a significant leap in the burgeon- ing electric vehicle market, particularly in the realm of SUVs, embodies the spirit of a new era in driving – one where performance and environmental responsibility harmonize effortlessly.
the key concerns for electric vehicle owners.
technology features
\With its sleek, futuristic design, cutting-edge features and eco-friendly credentials, the three-row SUV has already garnered a constellation of accolades, underscoring its status as an innovative and engineering marvel. No wonder then it was on TIME magazine’s ‘100 Most Influ- entialCompanies of 2023’ list in the Innovators category, making it the only automotive company in the U.S. to be recognized.
The EV9 is available in Light, Light Long Range RWD, Wind, Land, and GT-Line trim levels, and is offered in two battery sizes and rear-wheel drive or dual-motor AWD configurations. The base price for the 2024 Kia EV9 is $54,900 (excluding destination).
The assembly of the much-anticipated car – positioned as the brand’s flagship electric SUV – will be completed at the company’s facility in West Point,Georgia.
When compared to other cars in its class, the EV9’s ap- peal lies not just in its competitive pricing, but also in its striking exterior design, and impressive driving dynam- ics. Stand out LED headlamps, optional dual panoramic sunroof and optional bold but lightweight 21 inch alloy wheels add to the impact. Its V2L vehicle-to-load) func- tion enables several devices to be conveniently charged directly from the car.
The interior layout is designed to maximize space and versatility, with ample room for passengers and cargo alike. Further elevating the driving experience are features such as ergonomic seating, a cutting-edge in- fotainment system featuring panorama display with triple screens, intuitive controls and user-friendly interfaces.
The Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) platform introduces a software-defined framework, allowing own- ers to personalize their driving experience with digital features tailored to their preferences.
From customizable lighting patterns to remote smart parking assist, the EV9 exemplifies the marriage of technology and convenience.
which enables rapid and hassle-free charging.
One of the most striking features of EV9 is its 800V charging architecture, which enables rapid and has- sle-free charging. With a reported extended range of up to over 300 miles on a single charge, it addresses one of the key concerns for electric vehicle owners.
According to the company, that translates to ultra-fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in under 25 minutes. Starting this year, Kia is also one of seven major automakers uniting to install 30,000 chargers nationwide.
The EV9 will be available in a variety of alluring gloss or factory matte finish paint options.
This newest offering from Kia isn’t just about range — it’s also about performance. Under the hood, the EV9 is pow- ered by a state-of-the-art electric drivetrain, delivering exhilarating performance and instant torque.
At the forefront of its triumphs is the coveted 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award by NACTOY.
The journey of accolades began with the 2023 News- week Autos Awards, where the EV9 was crowned both ‘Best Premium SUV’ and ‘Best SUV Interior.’ From being named Car and Driver’s’ ‘10 Best Trucks and SUVs’ for 2024’ to being honored as the ‘Best 3-Row Electric Vehicle 2024’ by the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards to winning the 2024 ‘Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year’ award, the EV9’s universal appeal and ability to resonate with diverse audiences has been widely acknowledged.
Popular Science celebrated EV9’s innovative prowess by naming it on its ’50 Greatest Innovations of 2023’ list.
The Car Connection’s dual recognition of the EV9 as the ‘Best Car to Buy’ and the ‘Best Family Car to Buy’ in 2024 also underscores its popularity.
Green Car Reports echoed this sentiment by naming the EV9 the ‘Best Car to Buy’ in 2024, while Edmunds’ prestigious Top-Rated Awards bestowed upon the EV9 the titles of ‘Best of the Best’ and ‘Top Rated Electric SUV’ for 2024.
In addition, EV9 proudly received 2024 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards in ‘Best EV’ category and also recognized ‘Best Electric 3-Row SUV’ by 2024 PARENTS Best Family Cars.
But perhaps the most significant aspect of its launch is Kia’s pledge to make electric mobility accessible to all. With a competitive price point and a robust charging infrastructure planned across the country, the EV9 prom- ises to democratize electric vehicles and accelerate the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
