In the meantime, the EV9 large SUV is set to go on sale in 2023.
Following the simultaneous announcements by Genesis and Hyundai to launch a combined 17 EVs by 2030 respectively, Kia has increased its EV efforts. Surprised to learn that the expanded zero emission portfolio will not include one pickup, but two. The first is a dedicated model that will be able to ride on an electric platform. The second is a truck that’s “strategic”, and it will likely use an ICE-based design.
Kia plans to begin production in the United States of its bespoke electric ute from 2024. A midsize SUV will follow. Small and midsize EVs, as well as entry- and midsize models, will be made in Europe within a year. All these new additions will follow the midsize EVs that are scheduled to go into production in China starting 2023.
The EV9 concept, which was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2021, will be transformed into a production model next year. Kia says the SUV will be able to travel at approximately 5m (197 in) from a standing start. It can also reach speeds of 62 mph (100 km/h).
The EV9’s maximum driving range will be approximately 540 km (336 mi) when the battery is fully charged. However, Kia does not mention the test cycle on which this number was calculated. The company claimed that the battery could drive 483 km (336 miles) when the concept was first revealed a few months back. After charging the battery for six minutes, it will be able to cover 62 miles (100km) on the EGP platform.
Other reasons are also important to the EV9, as it will allow for OTA updates and FoD. This is an acronym that stands for Feature on Demand. Customers can unlock functions after purchasing. Although it’s not clear how this will happen, there are two possible scenarios. One, you can pay a one-time fee to gain permanent access to the desired feature. Two, you can subscribe to the plan. These goodies will be included in the car, but behind a paywall.
The Kia EV9 will also be the first model to adopt AutoMode. This is marketing talk for advanced driver assistance systems.
The South Korean marque aims for 1.2 million electric cars per year by 2030, and this is achieved by strengthening its EV offerings. This is a 36% increase over the company’s previous commitment. The majority of these sales will be from North America, Europe and South Korea. The company estimates that 45 percent of its vehicles sold by the end the decade will not have a combustion engine.
To launch more EVs, you need to increase battery supply. Kia predicts that demand will rise from 13 GWh up to 119 GWh in 2030. The company has been working to increase its battery supply and reduce manufacturing costs by 40% over the next eight years. Another goal is to improve battery density by 50 percent over the same time period.
Kia expects to be able sell four million cars per year (ICE + EV) by 2030. More than half of these vehicles will be electrified.