Home > Business > Industry

Kia's all-electric EV9 enters Korean market in May

Published: 29 Mar. 2023, 06:00

Kia EV9 sales will begin in May in Korea and in the second half globally. [KIA]

Kia world-premiered the EV9 Tuesday, its second all-electric vehicle and Korea's first large-size electric SUV.

It's the automaker's second electric vehicle developed with its E-GMP EV-dedicated platform after the EV6, which was introduced in 2021.

Equipped with a 99.8-kilowatt-hour battery, the three-row, seven-seater vehicle will be able to travel at least 500 kilometers (311 miles) on a single charge. Kia is working to obtain certificates from the Environment Ministry, and the official mileage will be announced in the second quarter.

Based on WLTP standards, the EV9 will run 541 kilometers per charge.

One of the most notable features is that the second-row seats can swivel 180 degrees to face the passengers seated in the third row.

The SUV only takes 5.3 seconds to reach 100 kilometers per hour from zero. It can haul up to 2,500 kilograms (5,512 pounds), Kia said.

The EV9 takes 25 minutes to charge to 80 percent from 10 percent.

Kia also unveiled the EV9 GT Line. It comes with Level 3 autonomous driving technology, though it still requires the driver to be present at all times in case intervention is needed.

Kia EV9 sales will begin in May in Korea and in the second half globally. [KIA]

The vehicle comes with two lidars, otherwise known as "car's eyes," and 15 sensors for taking the autonomous driving system beyond Level 3 capabilities.

“The Kia EV9 transcends all aspects of traditional SUV thinking and represents the pinnacle of Kia’s design and engineering capabilities," said Kia CEO Song Ho-sung during the unveiling event.

"The EV9 also spearheads Kia’s rapid transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider, not just by its advanced EV architecture, but also through the numerous recycled and sustainable materials used in its creation.”

Sales will start in May in Korea, and in the second half globally, including the U.S. market.

The EV9 and EV9 GT Line will be on display at the Seoul Mobility Show, the country's largest auto show slated to kick off on March 31 in Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi.