The Kia EV6 is an electric SUV that has garnered praise ever since it was introduced. It offers a long electric range and is cheaper than something like a Tesla. But for those who need a three-row SUV, the EV6 certainly isn’t it. All of that is about to change with the introduction of the Kia EV9.
Is the Kia EV9 a 7 seater?
The new Kia EV9 SUV will have the capacity to accommodate up to seven passengers. Essentially, it will be like a Kia Telluride for those who want an electric SUV. That should be pretty exciting for families interested in exploring the world of electric vehicles, and the EV9 will build on the success of the EV6.
Kia has been working to electrify its lineup, so the introduction of the EV9 makes sense. It’s not for sale yet, but it’s been teased since 2021. Overall, this three-row SUV looks tough, and its interior promises to be quite luxurious. It’s hard not to see it as a winner for this automaker Kia.
The new EV9 will offer Level 3 autonomous driving
According to the hyundai motor group, the Kia EV9 will get the Highway Driving Pilot function. This is a level 3 autonomous driving system, and you may be wondering what exactly it means. Essentially, a Level 3 system allows a vehicle to control itself on the road without user supervision.
Now, in the event of an emergency, the driver will still need to be able to step in to make corrections. But still, Level 3 autonomous driving certainly feels like something from the future.
The EV9 in the United States may not have the feature at launch. At the time of publication, no Tier 3 systems have been approved for use on US highways. But the Kia EV9 is expected to arrive for the 2024 model year. So maybe by then, we could be enjoying this kind of technology.
How much autonomy will the Kia EV9 have?
Kia has stated that the EV9 will have a maximum range of approximately 340 miles. Along with that, this electric SUV will be capable of fast charging. Like the Kia EV6, that means being able to go from 10% to 80% charge in less than 30 minutes. That will make this EV quite practical in terms of daily use.
The EV9 will ride on the Electric Global Modula Platform, or E-GMP. This is the same platform used by the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. It has a flat floor, allowing for great versatility. That means more room for things like passengers and cargo.
This Kia EV will be larger than the current EV6. It also looks boxier based on current renderings. It really does feel like the EV9 is trying to look like a rugged SUV, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Consumers seem to appreciate a vehicle that appears to be ready for adventure.