At launch in the fourth quarter of 2023, the EV9 can be available in Light, Wind, Land, and GT-Line trim levels, offered in two battery sizes and rear-wheel drive or dual-motor AWD configurations.
Photo: Kia
Kia America revealed on Aug. 22 additional details concerning the 2024 EV9, including an advance reservation program to order the three-row EV SUV.
At launch, the EV9 can be available in Light, Wind, Land, and GT-Line trim levels, offered in two battery sizes and rear-wheel drive or dual-motor AWD configurations.
As a part of Kia’s EV9 reservation program, the EV9 is predicted to go on sale within the U.S. within the fourth quarter of 2023.
Reservation program details can be announced at a later date, in addition to pricing.
Expected to be assembled in West Point, Ga., starting in 2024, the EV9 can be the primary Kia EV to be assembled locally.
EV9 Interior Design
On the core of the driving force cockpit is an elliptical-shaped dash, artfully designed to have a floating effect. A large panoramic display sits on top of the driving force cockpit, with standard dual 12.3-inch screens and a 5.0-inch HVAC screen integrated into one single panel.
Underneath the screen are centrally mounted, hidden-until-lit haptic switches for key infotainment features that appear when the EV9 is turned on.
Within the seven-seat configuration, the second-row bench allows access to the third row due to a tilting walk-in system, even with a toddler seat installed.
Throughout the cabin are USB-C outlets. Moreover, standard tri-zone HVAC will help ensure true temperature control in back and front.
With all three rows raised, the EV9 offers 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second row folded, volume increases to 43.5 cubic feet, and with each rows down, that expands to 81.7 cubic feet. For a bit of additional space, the frunk (front truck) offers as much as 3.2 cubic feet.
EV9 Technology
The EV9 features Kia’s connected automobile navigation cockpit (ccNC) system.
Navigation-based charging guidance using arrival time and distance-to-empty estimates will help with range anxiety.
Through the upcoming digital Kia Connect store, quite a few digital features and services can unlock the power to remotely upgrade performance, entertainment, and more.
At launch, the EV9 will offer Boost, designed to enhance acceleration through increased front-wheel torque, leading to a 5.0-second 0-60 mph time in certain trim levels.
While the EV9 is already a mobile power source courtesy of an integrated charging control unit (ICCU) and V2L, V2X (Vehicle to All the pieces) may expand on its capabilities.
Expected to be available via the Kia Connect digital store at a later date, V2X can potentially enable the EV9 to return in-vehicle power to the grid to assist balance out electricity demand or return in-vehicle power to the owner’s home via the available Wallbox Quasar 2 Bi-directional charger.
EV9 ADAS
The EV9 expands Kia’s roster of ordinary and available advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Debuting on the EV9 for the Kia brand in North America is the forthcoming advanced highway driving assist (AHDA), an available driving feature that utilizes LiDAR-based technology to assist maintain distance from the vehicle detected ahead and helps keep the EV9 in the middle of detected lane markers.
Central to the EV9’s 20 standard ADAS features is forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA-2), designed to assist detect and forestall collisions from occurring under certain conditions.
The system can be designed to assist provide a level of braking and/or steering input to assist prevent or minimize certain collisions if the system detects: oncoming vehicles while passing other vehicles (FCA-LO); vehicles in front of the automobile while changing lanes (FCA-LS); and obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles in front of the automobile while driving straight (FCA-ESA).
EV9 Powertrain
The EV9 is the second Kia model based on the E-GMP platform and includes a fourth-generation battery technology designed for improved energy density.
From launch, the EV9 can be available with a selection of two powertrain options. Standard is a 76.1-kWh battery with a 160-kW (215-hp) motor that drives the rear wheels.
An optional 99.8-kWh battery can be available in a single-motor configuration (201-hp) targeting 300 miles of all-electric range (AER), or a dual-motor, 283-kW (379-hp) torque vectoring all-wheel-drive configuration with as much as 516 lb.-ft. of torque.
Drive modes available at launch on all trims include Eco, Normal, Sport, and My Mode, while AWD models add Snow Mode.
The EV9’s standard 800V electrical architecture enables charging on high-speed DC chargers, designed to go from a ten to 80% state of charge in under 25 minutes. With a maximum DC charging speed of as much as 236kW, the EV9 can facilitate charging with compatible DC chargers, while the 11kW onboard charger enables expedient Level 2 charging, as well.
The EV9 offers as much as 7.8 inches of ground clearance with as much as 5,000 lbs. of towing capability for AWD versions.
This Article First Appeared At www.automotive-fleet.com
