As electric vehicles continue seeing massive growth in demand, automakers big and small are racing to deliver practical and affordable EVs. Korean manufacturer Kia made big waves in 2021 when they unveiled the EV9 – a concept for a 300+ mile range electric SUV packed with innovative features.
For families wanting roomy interior space, lots of cargo flexibility and access to the latest tech, this EV9 preview sparks lots of excitement. In 2024 when the production model arrives, it could shake up assumptions of what a mainstream electric SUV can offer.
Let‘s explore why the Kia EV9 deserves a spot on every EV enthusiast and car shopper‘s radar over the next year leading to its launch…
A Bold Vision for Interior Flexibility
The EV9 concept model reveal made clear Kia is pursuing innovations not seen yet from major automakers in the EV space. Showcasing unique interior seating configurations and a massive panoramic center display, their vision carves out a unique high-tech and family-friendly niche.
In "Active Mode", the EV9 offers a traditional forward-facing 3-row SUV layout seating up to 7 passengers. But switch to "Pause Mode" and the front seats swivel to face inward while the 2nd row folds down into a table. This creates a more social environment for meals or work on the go.
Cargo needs driving the day? Throw the EV9 into "Stationary Mode" with rear seats folded completely flat and 3rd row benches rotated rearwards. Now the full interior transforms into a versatile mobile workspace or gear hauler.
Early concept images also showcase a curved 27-inch wide display spanning pillar to pillar across the dashboard. It consolidates all vehicle information and controls into a single ultra-wide panel.
While that exact screen likely won‘t reach production models, it signals Kia‘s EV9 should carry over beautiful panoramic center displays making other SUV cabins feel dated. Combining such seamless next-gen digital integration with unrivaled seating adaptability gives us high hopes around the final interior design.
The Heart of a High-Tech Electric SUV
As exciting as the interior innovation appears, the EV9 also aims to deliver where performance counts under the sheetmetal. As Kia‘s first model built on their new dedicated E-GMP platform, expectations are set high around range, charging speed and power output.
Their concept model targets over 300 miles on a single charge. Our analysis indicates 280-320 miles is a realistic estimate given the weight and size of a 3-row SUV like this.
That would keep pace with (or even beat) alternatives like:
| SUV | Max Range |
|---|---|
| Kia EV9 | 300+ miles |
| Rivian R1S | 260 miles |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 260 miles |
Kia also evolved the EV6‘s acclaimed 800V ultra-rapid charging for the EV9 concept. This architecture allows adding over 200 miles of range in just 20 minutes when plugged into compatible 350 kW charging stations.
While such powerful public infrastructure remains relatively scarce today, major networks like Electrify America are planning hundreds more high-output charge points supporting 800V EVs arriving by 2024. That perfectly aligns with the Kia EV9‘s production timeline.
So buyers can enjoy confidence in both long-range driving capacity AND access to next-gen charging speed as they hit the road.
Expected Pricing Lands Squarely in Mass Market Territory
What could the Kia EV9 price tag look like once this cutting-edge SUV hits dealer lots? While complete details remain closely guarded secrets in Kia HQ, there are clues to set reasonable expectations.
The brand‘s first dedicated electric vehicle – the EV6 – currently starts between $40-$55,000 depending on the trim. As a larger 3-row SUV, add some premium to that for extra interior space and capabilities.
That suggests a starting MSRP somewhere around $50,000 makes sense for the EV9 before any federal or state tax incentives. In other words, shoppers gain access to a 300-mile family hauler with the latest tech for LESS than economy rivals like:
- Tesla Model X Plaid – $120,000+
- Rivian R1S – $78,000+
- Mercedes EQB – $55,000
Carving out such an affordable niche for a LONG-RANGE jumbo-sized EV gives the Kia EV9 huge mainstream appeal. Tech-loving families no longer need luxury paychecks to ride an electric wave into the future.
Charging Infrastructure Investments Set the Stage
While range and horsepower numbers dominate headlines for new EVs, charging accessibility plays an equally crucial role determining usage feasibility. Here as well there are positive tailwinds suggesting 2024 brings a prime launch timeline for the Kia EV9.
Public charging stations supporting cutting-edge 800V EV architecture crucial to leveraging the EV9‘s ultra-fast charging still number only in the hundreds nationwide rather than thousands. But momentum is building…
Electrify America alone – the largest open DC fast charging network in the U.S. – has 800V chargers planned at many new stations opening across 42 states in coming years. This perfectly matches the Kia EV9 launch window for owners to enjoy next-gen charging capabilities opening near them.
Aggressive infrastructure investments combined with technical innovations like smart preconditioning for charging optimization points toward an expanding ecosystem ready to welcome the EV9 by 2024.
Final Thoughts
Kia made a splash in LA previewing such a head-turning vision for their first proprietary electric SUV. If the production Kia EV9 carries over even portions of the interior versatility, 27-inch panoramic display or 300-mile targeted range outlined in its concept origin, this new EV undoubtedly deserves a spot on shopper short lists once it launches.
Combining such boundary-pushing design with the residential scale pricing also hinted at so far, we see strong mainstream family-market potential here. As Kia aims for a slate of 14 new electric models globally by 2027, the innovative EV9 serves as a flagship for what promises to be an intriguing electric journey.
So buckle up – the ride to production over the next year will surely bring exciting new revelations and possibilities from a brand laying fresh rubber toward ambitious electric horizons!
