Kia has recently unveiled more details about its upcoming EV9 model. Kia EV9 will boast up to 700 Nm of torque and a range well over 500 kilometers. Its 800-volt electrical architecture promises to recharge energy for up to 239 km of driving in just 15 minutes so your coffee might not even get cold while to wait for it to charge. Today, Kia has revealed more details and technical specifications of its flagship electric vehicle, the EV9, which promises impressive usability for long-distance travel.
Let’s start with the most important aspect – the battery and range. The EV9 is built on the E-GMP platform, which is also used by the smaller EV6, featuring an 800V electric powertrain architecture. This provides higher maximum charging power, allowing Kia to claim that under ideal conditions, it can recharge enough energy for up to 239 kilometers of driving in just 15 minutes.
In the standard version, the battery has a capacity of 76.1 kWh, paired with a 204 horsepower electric motor and 350 Nm of torque. This powers the rear wheels and accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Long Range variant adds a larger, 99.8 kWh battery to the same electric motor. With a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 9.4 seconds, it is slower, but Kia claims a single-charge range of over 541 km according to the WLTP measurement methodology. The actual range will depend on factors such as vehicle load, route profile, driving style, and wheel size, available in diameters of 19, 20, and 21 inches. The maximum range value applies to the smallest wheels.
The top-of-the-line AWD (All Wheel Drive) version features a larger battery and an additional front electric motor, offering a combined output of 385 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. An optional Boost function temporarily increases torque to 700 Nm, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. Without the Boost function, acceleration takes six seconds flat.
In terms of driving assistants, one of the most interesting feature is the HDP (Highway Driving Pilot) system. It will be available later with the GT Line trim and might be worth waiting for, as it provides level 3 autonomous driving, enabling hands-free highway driving without constant driver supervision. Availability of HDP may vary by trim and market due to local rules and regulations though. To ensure this functionality, the EV9 will have two lidars and 13 additional sensors.
It will also be possible to use a smartphone as a car key or remotely park the vehicle using the key fob without anyone behind the wheel. The interior is interesting for its use of sustainable materials and biomaterials, absence of leather, and various second-row seating configurations, including a classic bench, relax chairs, or two independent swivel chairs. Third-row passengers would have access to charging ports and cup holders. The EV9’s interior will be available in six different material and color combinations.
Considering increasing KIA EV sales, it will be interesting how EV9 performs in Kia’s portfolio.
The vehicle should make its physical debut at the Mobility Show in Seoul, South Korea, starting on Thursday, March 30th, and later at the New York Auto Show.
