Undoubtedly the hottest new automotive segment is EV trucks and SUV’s. With all the excitement surrounding the likes of Rivian and Hummer, it should come as no surprise that Kia has unveiled a concept to get in on that.
Revealed at AutoMobility LA last month, the EV9 is an all-electric three row SUV concept based on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which also underpins the companies EV6. Measuring in at 194 inches in length, 81 inches in width, 70 inches in height, and a wheelbase of 122 inches the EV9 is about the same size as the current Nissan Armada or outgoing Toyota Land Cruiser. Kia doesn’t provide ground clearance figures, but judging by the pictures it’s pretty substantial.
The other figure that matters is range. Kia claims a driving range of 300 miles off a single charge; though this is undoubtedly highway miles, not off-road. The EV9 also features ultra-fast charging technology with a 350-kW charger that allows its advanced battery electric powertrain to replenish energy from 10% to 80% in 20-30 minutes.
Being a concept, the interior is, well, straight out of The Orville. Kia calls it the “Bold for Nature pillar of Opposites United design philosophy”, so basically its super futuristic with a big screen for the dash and a yoke instead of a steering wheel.
Seating appears to be totally modular with both front seats and the rear seats being able to spin around and the center row flipping down to form a table. Oh, and the car has suicide doors; which is pretty cool.
While the EV9 is unlikely to make it to production, the big boxy design does give us a preview of what Kia is thinking about for this segment. And I for one like where they’re headed!
