Kia’s unveiling of its EV9 SUV has been one of the most eagerly awaited events in the world of electric vehicles. The EV9 was officially debuted last week at a global premiere streamed from Korea, and has now been unveiled to the US market at the New York Auto Show. The new SUV is the second all-electric model on Hyundai Motor Group’s 800V E-GMP platform, following the EV6 crossover, and is set to make waves in the growing EV market.
The EV9 is a massive, three-row SUV that has been in development since it was first teased as an SUV concept in November 2021. Kia later unveiled a working prototype of the SUV last summer, which closely resembled its concept form. The SUV has since undergone further development and refinement, with Kia releasing the first full images of the EV9 in mid-March, revealing some of the design elements that were reiterated during its global debut.
During the New York Auto Show, Kia shared further details about its production plans for the EV9, which will soon include assembly in the US. This marks a significant milestone for the Korean automaker, as it will be its first EV assembled on US soil. Kia announced that the EV9 will be built in West Point, Georgia beginning in 2024, which could potentially qualify the third-row SUV for federal tax credits, depending on newly shared battery guidance from the US Department of Treasury.
The EV9 is expected to be a major competitor in the all-electric SUV market, with its dual-motor GT-Line version delivering 379 horsepower and 526 lb.-ft. of torque, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5 seconds. While many details have been shared, Kia has yet to reveal pricing or detailed US market availability. However, the automaker has stated that it is “monitoring several factors to determine optimal pricing for its customers,” indicating that it is committed to providing a competitive price point for the EV9.
As of now, the EV9 is expected to arrive in the US in Q4 of 2023, with more details to come. The continued growth and evolution of the EV industry is highlighted by Kia’s entrance into the all-electric SUV market, with the EV9 set to be a highly sought-after option for consumers seeking a spacious and powerful electric vehicle. As more automakers shift towards electrification, the EV market is poised for significant growth in the coming years.
