Kia is hoping that the Kia EV9 will be the Telluride of electric crossovers. The Korean automaker has already turned towards making more EV models, including the EV6, which has garnered plenty of accolades already. However, the EV9 is essentially aiming to be an electric version of the popular and acclaimed Kia Telluride. Let’s take a look at what information is available about the Kia EV9.
Kia EV9 Release Date
Kia has a very ambitious goal of releasing more EV models in the future. By 2026, Kia hopes to have at least 14 EV models ready to go, even if they are not all for the American market. However, the EV9 is expected to come out very soon with a possible launch in late 2023 for the 2024 model year. Prior to its official release, Kia has been testing the EV9 in South Korea. Wearing camouflage body covering, the EV9 underwent grueling off-road testing. It bears a strong resemblance to the Telluride by all accounts.
The Kia EV9 will run on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) by Hyundai Group. This is the same platform that is being used on the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 right now. The Kia EV9 should benefit from plenty of interior space as well as a long wheelbase with little overhang.
Kia EV9 Range and Specs
The Kia EV9 is expected to have a range of about 336 miles, but it will also offer rapid charging, which means it can deliver a 10-80% charge in about 20 to 30 minutes. Six minutes of charging should add about 62 miles of range to the Kia EV9 at any given time. Compared to the Telluride, the EV9 has a boxier shape and it’s also one inch taller, three inches wider, and three inches shorter in overall length. However, the EV9’s wheelbase is 7.8 inches longer than the Telluride. The EV9 will sport a futuristic interior that is sure to thrill buyers.
The concept version of the EV9 showed some of this with a neat spaceship design on the inside, complete with a pop-up steering pad instead of a wheel and a 27-inch digital display that covers both infotainment and instruments. Kia also opted to use various recycled materials in the EV9 concept car, including recycled fishnet in the flooring and upholstery made from recycled plastic and wool.
Flex Mode and Hyundai Counterpart
The concept version of the Kia EV9 showed front and rear seats that could swivel to create various interior configurations. Active Mode showed forward-facing driving, but Pause Mode showed an interior lounge setup with the front seats able to flex to the rear and the middle seats folding down to make a table. Enjoy Mode shows the rear seats facing towards the trunk for camping or tailgating purposes. The EV9 is also expected to have a Hyundai counterpart in the Ioniq 7, which should be a little like the Palisade.
Even though the Kia EV9’s production release is some ways off, it’s hard not to get excited about the additional choices when it comes to family-friendly EV models.
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