After launching the EV6 electric crossover earlier this year, India’s Kia is expected to step up its EV game in the coming days. The South Korean automaker will bring the EV9 concept electric SUV to India early next year as it teases the three-row electric vehicle ahead of its debut in the country. The EV9 will make its debut at the Auto Expo at Delhi’s Pragati Maidan on January 11 next year. Globally, Kia expects to start producing the EV9 electric SUV from 2023.
On Tuesday, Kia India shared a teaser image of the EV9 concept, saying the automaker is “coming soon” with the product. The EV9 was first revealed to the world earlier this year at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show as a “cutting-edge exterior design, interior space based on modern and innovative technologies, and an advanced all-electric powertrain.” Kia says all of its future SUVs will be based on these principles.
The EV9 Concept is based on the same EV platform that underpins the EV6 crossover. Kia’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) is used in all of its next-generation electric vehicles and is shared with its partner brand Hyundai Motor, on which its Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 EVs are based. In terms of size, EV9 is 4930mm long, 2055mm wide, 1790mm high, and has a wheelbase of 3100mm.
As far as design is concerned, the EV9 showcases Kia’s new approach with a redesigned Digital Tiger Face that mixes a traditional grille with an electric car’s closed grille. The grille features a nebula pattern display that comes to life when the EV9 is driving. The grille is flanked by LED sequential headlight units and vertical daytime running lights (DRL). The electric SUV rides on a set of 22-inch alloy wheels. It also has solar panels built into the hood.
Inside, the Kia EV9 is more futuristic, using sustainable materials such as fishing net scraps, recycled plastics, natural wool yarns, and extensive use of plant extracts. The electric SUV seats up to six people in three rows. It also gets a 27-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, a panoramic sunroof, and a pop-up steering wheel.
Kia has yet to release details about the EV9’s powertrain, battery and performance figures. However, given its size, the EV9 will likely pack a 77.4 kWh battery pack, the largest of any Hyundai and Kia EV. The EV9 concept car is expected to travel about 540 kilometers on a single charge. The EV is also reportedly capable of going from zero to 100 km/h in just 5 seconds.
First published date: December 28, 2022 at 11:07 AM CST
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