Kia targets annual sales of 100,000 units of its new EV9 model

Kia Corp. Chief Executive Officer Ho Sung Song, middle [Photo provided by Kia]

Kia Corp. unveiled its second electric vehicle model that offer more range on a single charge and can seat up to seven people.

The EV9 large sport-utility vehicle, built on Hyundai Motor Group’s EV platform, has a 99.8 kilowatt-hour battery capacity. The automaker aimed for a minimum of 500 kilometers on a single charge. It supports 400 voltage/800 voltage ultra-fast charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in 25 minutes with a 350-kilowatt charger.

“Our EV9 will be talked about for a long time in both the domestic and global EV markets,” said Kia Chief Executive Officer Ho Sung Song during a promotional event a day before the release of the new model. “The EV9 will serve as a milestone in the electrification of Kia vehicles.” Song expected sales to reach 100,000 units a year.

Production will begin in the second quarter. Industry insiders expect the EV9 to be priced between 70 million won ($54,000) and 85 million won, depending on the trim level. “We are making various efforts to introduce the EV9 at a competitive price,” said Song. “We will ensure as many subsidies as possible.” Currently, the upper limit for EV subsidies is below 85 million won.

As for performance, a long range model with a rear motor has a maximum power output of 150 kW and maximum torque of 350 newton-meters, while a 4WD model with front and rear motors has a maximum power output of 283 kW and maximum torque of 600 Nm. The 4WD model can be optioned with a boost feature that lifts the torque figure to 700 Nm, launching it from rest to 100 kilometer per hour in about 5.3 seconds.

The high-performance GT model applied Level 3 autonomous driving technology for the first time. Equipped with a total of 15 sensors, including two lidars, precise maps and an integrated controller, the vehicle can maintain a safe distance from the car in front and stay in its lane when driving on highways or expressways, with a maximum of 80 kph. The driver does not need to touch the steering wheel.

Another feature of Kia’s EV9 is the maximized interior space. In the second row, four different seat configurations are available, including two swivel seats that can rotate 180 degrees. With the third row folded flat and the trunk open, passengers in the swivel chairs can face backward and relax in the car. The second and third rows can be folded flat in any seat configuration, enabling overnight stays in the car and other leisure activities.