Like most manufacturers, kia is gearing up to raise the stakes to gain market share in the electronic vehicle (EV) market and hopefully strip Tesla, which continues to dominate as the top electric vehicle maker in the US.
Related: 10 Things to Know Before Buying a 2022 Kia EV6
Kia currently has two other electric vehicles, the Kia EV6 and Kia Niro, both of which are crossover SUVs with a maximum battery range of approximately 240 miles. Tesla still makes the most efficient EVs with the longest ranges, most reaching 350-400 miles, but that hasn’t stopped Kia from taking steps to dethrone Tesla and create healthy competition in the EV market. Details on the Kia EV9 are limited for now, but here’s what we can say for sure.
8 The car is still at the concept stage
kia
The Kia EV9 should be a 2024 model and will likely be released sometime in fiscal 2023. There is almost no information, especially from Kia, about the most important characteristics of the car, such as power, transmission type, torque, etc.
Via kia
This is because the car is still in the concept car stage. There is no information about when the car has already passed prototype tests. The concept car was unveiled by Kia towards the end of 2021.
7 He Will Have A Fully Digital Dashboard
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Based on photos and Kia’s official website, we know the EV9’s interior will be incredibly modern and fully digitized. Concept images show an expansive dashboard that covers almost the entire dashboard, meaning it’s safe to assume the car’s instrumentation and dashboard will be all-digital.
Related: Watch 2022 Kia EV6 Super Bowl Ad: ‘Robo Dog’
6. His steering wheel looks like a Tesla steering wheel
Source: Kiamedia.com
While Tesla’s steering wheel and steering column are getting mixed reviews, their boxy design seems to be catching on in other EVs as we see similar styling implemented for the EV9.
Via: Motorpasion
The steering wheel will also be foldable and height-adjustable, which is also becoming more and more popular and practical. It also makes one wonder if Kia is aiming for later versions of the car to be capable of autonomous driving, but that remains to be seen. Even Tesla hasn’t designed autonomous cars to the point where they can practically be marketed.
5. It will have a built-in solar panel
In an ingenious design, Kia engineers chose to incorporate solar power into the battery chargers of this electric vehicle. It’s not yet known how the solar panel will charge the battery, but Kia could well be on its way to building the first solar-powered consumer electric vehicle.
Kia EV9 Concept Headlights, close-up
However, solar power is not always reliable as a power source on its own, and additional chargers will no doubt be needed to supplement any power available from the panels.
RELATED: This Is Kia’s Best Hybrid SUV
4 buyers will have a choice between rear or all-wheel drive
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The advantage of the Kia EV9 over many other cars will be its options. While some of the vehicle’s features and specifications are still limited, we know that Kia says they plan to give consumers the choice between all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
Source: Kiamedia.com
This means more EV buyers will be able to choose between a vehicle capable of handling high speeds with an RWD option, or a vehicle that is better suited for camping and off-roading with all-wheel drive. Since front-wheel drive is unlikely to be an option, those who need an electric towing vehicle should probably look elsewhere.
3. It will most likely have a battery range of 300 miles
Via: Kia
Tesla dominates the electric vehicle market for several reasons, primarily because their vehicles have the farthest range of most electric vehicles available. While companies like Ford are catching up, none of Kia’s current EVs come close to 300 miles on battery.
Via: Kia
Kia is hoping to change that with the EV9, which the company claims will have a range of over 300 miles. If more EVs with battery ranges in excess of 300 miles start hitting the market en masse, Tesla seems to be in big trouble.
Related: 5 reasons why we would buy a Kia Stinger (5 reasons why we would prefer an Audi S4)
2. It will be cheaper than most Teslas
Via kia
Another advantage that the EV9 will have if everything goes according to plan will be the cost. Tesla is holding the EV market, but as the economy continues to falter, the company is starting to have affordability issues. Teslas rarely sell for less than $100,000, and that’s just the base model of any type.
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The Kia EV9 aims to be one of the most affordable electric vehicles. Kia says they hope to sell the EV9 for a starting price of $50,000. That would make Kia a formidable adversary, and possibly even trouble for Ford, which claims to be famous for having the most affordable EV crossover at the moment, the Ford Mustang Mach E, priced at about the same.
1 It Will Come With A Phenomenal Kia Warranty
DennisM2 via Flickr
Finally, it’s safe to assume that this Kia will have what all Kia have, a fantastic company warranty. One of the things that keeps Kia at the forefront of the market is its 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, which almost no other car manufacturer can match.
Via: Kia
Given the fact that EVs can depreciate exponentially, and the fact that EV technology is still quite risky (fires are still a huge problem for EV owners), an extensive and comprehensive EV warranty could be a game-changer.
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about the author
James J. Jackson (57 articles published)
James J. Jackson is a contributor to TheThings, Sacramento News and Review, Ariel Chart Journal, and other publications. Like many gear lovers, he grew up with a flashlight for his mechanic father.
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