The 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show has been much-awaited by many automakers to showcase their cars and future car concepts. Electric cars and concepts were the highlights of the LA Auto Show this time. Kia has introduced a great concept EV9, an all-electric SUV almost as large as the Range Rover. In Kia’s EV9 concept built inside out, the designers first shaped the interiors, greatly influenced by the design of Opposites United, and then worked their way to the exterior.
The Concept EV9 is a higher range flagship for Kia’s fast-expanding electric car range. It is technically related and similarly positioned as the Hyundai Seven concept. The Concept EV9 is likely to be produced overseas before 2024.
The exterior and interior design of Kia Concept EV9 – Kia design chief Karim Habib oversaw the Kia Concept 9’s styling with a modern and sleek interior space influenced by state-of-the-art tech. The evolution of Kia’s ‘Tiger Face’ front grille has defined its rugged look. It has a new air vent design at the front with less frontal mass and improved aerodynamic efficiency further improved by the 22-inch triangular-design alloy wheels. The front duct’s solar panels charge the battery.
Like the Hyundai Ioniq 7 concept, the Kia EV9 also has a massive 27-inch centrally placed front screen fixed to the dashboard. The EV9’s uniquely configurable interior includes dramatic rear-hinged doors, pared-back, and an ultra-modern three-row interior.. The EV9 can pivot the first and third rows by 180 degrees. The second row can fold flat to form a table transforming the cabin into a lounge-like space with a sense of modernity, naturally lit by the panoramic glass roof. The third row on the EV9 can be turned to face rearward and can also be used to sit with the tailgate popped.
Kia has come up with three interior modes- Active, Pause, and Enjoy. The vehicle’s flooring uses recycled fishnets. The seating fabric uses recycled plastic bottles and recycled woolen fiber.
Dimensions of Kia Concept EV9 – The Kia EV9 electric concept EV is 4930mm long, 2055mm wide, 1790 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,100m. It is almost the same size as the pre-existing Telluride SUV. It is only marginally smaller than a Range Rover. It will introduce its all-electric version around the time the EV9 makes production. The production EV9 is likely to cost around half of what the Range Rover will.
Battery and electric motor of Kia Concept EV9 – The Concept EV9 uses Kia’s E-GMP electric-car architecture, as used in the EV6, including the latter’s lithium-ion polymer battery pack – 77.4kWh – mounted in the floor within the concept’s 3,100mm-long wheelbase. The all-electric SUV has a driving range of up to 482 km on a single charge, next-generation ultra-fast charging technology with a 350kW charger. Its advanced battery-electric powertrain replenishes energy from 10 percent to 80 percent in 20-30 minutes.
The Concept EV9 four-wheel drive has twin motors. It has a 0-100kph time of around five seconds in its ‘performance model’ guise. However, it is unsure whether this version will wear the same GT badge as the top-rung 585hp version of the EV6.
EV range of Kia and India plans – Kia looks forward to having the full range of electric vehicles from EV1 to EV9 for India. The EV6, the firm’s current electric flagship internationally, is set to launch in India late next year and will be placed above the compact EV6 crossover.
Summary – The concept EV9 revealed at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show re-imagines what an all-electric vehicle can be. The EV9 is proof of Kia’s quest for designing and developing desirable, high-tech, zero-emissions vehicles. The EV9 concept also is built on the company’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) similar to the EV6. Kia’s Opposites United design language styling gives it a bold and angular exterior.
It has a 3rd-row capability, a hood with a solar panel built into it, and an interior made from sustainable materials. The EV9 has the bold SUV attitude and the credentials of an EV. The EV9 is Hyundai Ioniq 7 concept’s equivalent as a midsize three-row electric SUV featuring a low-poly body, rear suicide doors, wild interiors, naturally blended pop-up steering wheel, and the 27-inch ultra-wide display. The Kia EV9 electric concept is 4,930mm long, 1,790mm tall,2,055mm wide, and has a wheelbase of 3,100mm. Its production is likely to start in 2024. Kia plans to have a full range of electric vehicles from EV1 to EV9 for India. It looks like the EV revolution in India will roll out faster than forecasted.