Kia unveiled the ev9 concept of the next-generation electric jumbo SUV (project name MV) at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show. It is said to be ready for production this year. It is manufactured on the E-GMP platform, a platform dedicated to modern and Kia electric vehicles. Previously, it was planned to be a medium-sized SUV, but in order to reflect the recent popularity of large SUVs, it was decided to be a large SUV.
The EV9 concept car unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show positioned itself as a large SUV. It is 4930mm long, 2055mm wide, 1790mm high, and has a wheelbase of up to 3100mm. Its dimensions are similar to those of Hyundai Motor Company's large SUV, Paristi (4980mm long, 1975mm wide, 1750mm high, and 2900mm wheelbase), but the interior space is expected to be much larger. The EV9 concept is shorter in its overall length than Paristi, but taking full advantage of the electric car, the wheelbase has been increased by 200mm.
The vehicle unveiled this time is a concept car, and it is understood that there will be a big difference in design from the mass production model. The EV9 doesn't have an air intake that protrudes in the front like an electric car. The shape of Kia's iconic design tiger nose grille still exists. Its headlamps are integrated with the bumper. The sides have an angular design. The design of the rear of the car echoes the front of the car similarly to the front of the car. In the traditional SUV style, it is speculated that it will be a three-row large-size SUV.
The interior features a simple design, with a wide display on the central dashboard combining the instrument cluster and infotainment monitor into one. It is a configuration that takes into account not only the perfection of the design, but also the convenience of the user. The interiors are actively made of recycled materials, demonstrating the future of eco-friendly cars.
Two drive methods are expected. It is determined by the position and number of motors. The basic drive method is rear-wheel drive, in which an electric motor is used in the rear wheels. Users can optionally add an electric motor to the front wheel for all-wheel drive. Thanks to the application of E-GMP, a platform dedicated to electric vehicles, it supports ultra-fast charging up to 350kW.
The battery capacity is currently unknown, but it can be inferred that its capacity is 76Kwh, similar to the EV6. In this case, charging the battery from 10% to 80% of the remaining battery capacity takes about 20 to 30 minutes based on ultra-fast charging. A full charge can cover 482 km. The published data is most likely around 400 km.
The Kia EV9 is expected to be produced at Kia Motor Park's Bright (formerly Sohari plant). In addition to the EV9 concept, Kia also unveiled the Sportage PHEV at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show.