In anticipation of the imminent market entry of the Kia EV9 electric SUV in the United States, the South Korean automaker has disclosed additional insights into the vehicle’s specifications and production strategy.
As the three-row, all-electric SUV continues to garner success with over 1,000 monthly sales in South Korea during June and July, its highly anticipated US debut is slated for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Kia has unveiled its intention to initiate the reservation program for the EV9 in the near future. While precise details and pricing remain undisclosed, certain key features have been confirmed.
Variety in Trims and Powertrains
The 2024 Kia EV9 is poised to offer versatility to consumers through its array of four initial trim levels: Light, Wind, Land, and GT-Line. Complementing this diverse selection are two battery pack options: 76.1 kWh and 99.8 kWh. The powertrain configurations further extend the choices, encompassing both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive setups.
The 76.1 kWh battery variant will exclusively pair with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain, delivering a robust 160 kW (215 hp). On the other hand, the 99.8 kWh battery option will be available with either rear-wheel drive, delivering 150 kW (201 hp), or dual-motor, all-wheel drive, boasting an impressive 283 kW (379 hp) and up to 516 lb.-ft. of torque.
Range and Performance
Notably, the 99.8 kWh battery option combined with rear-wheel drive is projected to achieve the longest range of up to 300 miles, as per the manufacturer’s estimates (pending EPA validation). This commendable performance is enhanced by the vehicle’s aerodynamic coefficient of drag measuring 0.28.
For those valuing acceleration, the dual-motor versions are expected to shine. Kia has hinted at a potential 0-60 mph acceleration time of less than five seconds, particularly in Boost mode. During AMCI-certified testing conducted in August 2023, the pre-production vehicle achieved an impressive 4.5 seconds with a 1-foot rollout.
Towing and Charging Capabilities
The all-wheel-drive iteration of the EV9 will boast a remarkable towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. Meanwhile, the vehicle’s ground clearance reaches a commendable 7.8 inches.
Underpinning the EV9’s capabilities is Kia’s E-GMP platform, renowned for its swift charging capabilities. The EV9 is expected to adhere to this trend, with Kia indicating that charging from 10 to 80 percent state-of-charge should necessitate no more than 25 minutes. This rapid charging is achieved at rates of up to 236 kW, based on testing at an Electrify America’s 350 kW, 800 V charger. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that charging times could vary depending on diverse factors and charger specifications.
In terms of AC charging, the SUV will incorporate an onboard charger with a capacity of 11 kilowatts.
US Production and Tax Credit Eligibility
A significant development accompanying the EV9’s US launch is the announcement of local assembly in West Point, Georgia, commencing in 2024. This marks a pivotal milestone as the first all-electric Kia to be domestically manufactured in the United States. The move makes the vehicle eligible for the federal tax credit of $7,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). Kia is poised to invest over $200 million in the Georgia plant, underscoring its commitment to electric vehicle production.
