Kia has unveiled its flagship electric vehicle, the Kia EV9, at the 2023 Geneva Motor Show. The new model is the first to use Kia's dedicated EV platform, which promises more space, performance, and efficiency than ever before. The Kia EV9 also showcases Kia's vision for sustainable mobility in Europe, with a range of features that aim to reduce its environmental impact and enhance its social value.
What makes the Kia EV9 stand out?
The Kia EV9 is a large SUV that can seat up to seven passengers in comfort and style. It has a sleek and futuristic design, with a distinctive front grille that features a digital display and a dynamic light signature. The rear of the vehicle also has a unique LED taillight that spans across the car's width.
The interior of the Kia EV9 is spacious and luxurious, with a minimalist dashboard that features a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The seats are made of recycled PET bottles and vegan leather, and the floor mats are made of bio-based materials. The cabin also has a panoramic sunroof that can be opened or closed with a gesture.
The Kia EV9 is powered by two electric motors that deliver a combined output of 313 horsepower and 605 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). It has a battery capacity of 77.4 kWh, which enables a range of up to 480 km (298 miles) on a single charge.
The Kia EV9 also supports fast charging, which can replenish up to 80% of the battery in just 18 minutes using a 350 kW charger. The vehicle also has a bi-directional charging capability, which means it can supply electricity to other devices or vehicles using a V2L (vehicle-to-load) function.
How does the Kia EV9 contribute to sustainable mobility?
The Kia EV9 is not only a zero-emission vehicle but also a vehicle that aims to minimize its environmental footprint throughout its life cycle. Kia has adopted a circular economy approach, which means it uses recycled or renewable materials wherever possible, and designs its products to be easily repaired, reused, or recycled.
For example, the Kia EV9 uses recycled aluminum for its body panels, reducing weight and energy consumption. It also uses bio-based plastics for its bumpers and wheel arches, which reduces its reliance on fossil fuels. The vehicle also has an eco-friendly paint process, which uses water-based paints and reduces volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions by 50%.
The Kia EV9 also strives to create social value by enhancing its users' and communities' safety, convenience, and connectivity. The vehicle has a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision avoidance assist. It also has a remote smart parking assist (RSPA) function, which allows the driver to park or unpark the vehicle using a smartphone app.
The Kia EV9 also has an intelligent infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air (OTA) updates. The system also integrates with Kia Connect, which is a cloud-based service that provides real-time information on charging stations, traffic conditions, weather forecasts, and more. The system also allows the driver to customize various settings and preferences using voice commands or gestures.
What is Kia's vision for the future of mobility?
The Kia EV9 is part of Kia's ambitious plan to become a global electric vehicle market leader. The company aims to launch 11 new electric models by 2026, covering various segments and regions. The company also aims to achieve a 6.6% share of the global EV market by 2025 and sell 1.6 million eco-friendly vehicles annually by 2030.
The company also plans to invest $25 billion in research and development by 2025, focusing on electrification, connectivity, autonomous driving, and mobility services. The company also plans to expand its global charging network, partnering with various providers and governments to increase the availability and accessibility of charging stations.
The company also wants to positively impact society and the environment through its products and services. The company has adopted a new brand slogan: "Movement that inspires," reflecting its vision to inspire people with innovative mobility solutions. The company also has a new brand logo: "Kia," which symbolizes its transformation from a traditional carmaker to a provider of sustainable mobility.
Conclusion
The Kia EV9 is more than just an electric vehicle; it is a statement of Kia's commitment to scalable sustainability. The new model combines cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly design, offering an attractive and practical option for environmentally conscious consumers. The Kia EV9 also represents Kia's vision for the future of mobility: clean, connected, convenient, and inspiring.
