The Kia EV9 large electric SUV is taking the final steps in a rigorous testing regime ahead of its world debut in early 2023.
Kia, hoping to take the market by storm with its latest EV in 2023, has offered an interesting preview of an SUV that will boast a high level of technology and be even larger than the well-known and popular Sorento.
Following on from its award-winning and in-demand EV6, Kia has stepped on the accelerator of its electric offensive as part of its plan to become one of benchmarks for sustainable mobility globally, and has accumulated a list of seven pure new electric vehicles due by 2027.
The new Kia EV9 is the carmaker’s second, after the EV6, to be built on the e-GMP platform it shares with Hyundai. Its recent testing program promises an electric SUV that is geared towards off-road handling and creek crossings but all the while delivers a comfortable ride.
Kia wants to introduce the new EV9 SUV as the flagship model of its range, a product that it hopes will underline its commitment to electric mobility.
The development of the EV9, meanwhile, has already accumulated 44 months of testing, necessary to establish new standards of design, performance, range, driving dynamics, technology and comfort applied. The development process commenced in the company’s Namyang R&D centre in South Korea, and then went on to the “unforgiving cobble stones” of Belgium’s roads.
In the final phase of testing, the Kia EV9 underwent an exhaustive test program consisting of steep exit ramps for 4 × 4 vehicles and tracks with rough surfaces. Deep water wading tests were also conducted, revealing another key aspect of this Kia EV9: generous ground clearance.
Other key specifications that will be welcomed include seven seats, and a 4 second sprint from 0-100 in its range-topping format. A roomy interior that makes best use of the e-GMP’s flexible floorspace is also hinted at in the EV9 concept below.
The good news for Australian drivers is that with the change of government in May bringing a more positive attitude to EVs at a national level, Kia has said the EV9 will arrive on local roads. However, when that will be is as yet under wraps – stay tuned.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.