Kia has published new details for its upcoming EV9 electric SUV, ahead of the vehicle’s official U.S. reveal at the New York International Auto Show.
Like other models in the lineup of Kia’s parent company Hyundai, the seven-seat EV9 will feature top-of-the-line charging capabilities. When connected to a DC fast charger, the 99.8kWh battery can receive enough power for a 148 mile trip in 15 minutes. The exact driving range of the SUV is yet to be calculated due to differences in international testing standards, however the automaker’s current estimate is 300 miles. The battery can also function as a power source for other devices.
One of the EV9’s exclusive features is Kia’s Highway Driving Pilot, a driver assistance program which will utilize the vehicle’s 15 sensors to provide Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. While the SUV will be the automaker’s first product to include the software, availability will be restricted to certain global markets. U.S. residents will likely be excluded, due to the regulatory restrictions on self-driving classifications. Currently, the only brand in North America with a certified Level 3 program is Mercedes.
Kia has only produced two battery-powered models before the EV9, the 2021 EV6 and 2022 Niro EV. When the vehicle was first unveiled earlier this month in South Korea, executives claimed that it “could be the new flagship for our brand.” The SUV is slated to launch later this year, with pricing details expected to arrive in the coming months.
