Ahead of unveiling, Kia's EV9 concept previewed in images
What's the story
Kia is all set to showcase its Concept EV9 SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17. In the latest development, the company has revealed official sketches of the vehicle, along with those of another electric concept called "Seven." As per the images, the EV9 will have a boxy silhouette and will be longer in dimensions than the EV6.
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Why does it matter?
Kia Concept EV9 is a part of the automaker's plan to ditch combustion-based powertrains by 2045. The company will go all-electric in Europe by 2035. The EV9 will arrive as an addition to Kia's line-up and as a strong competitor to the upcoming EVs from other brands. Apart from the zero-emission powertrain, the vehicle is also said to use recycled materials inside the cabin.
Exteriors
The concept car will flaunt sleek LED headlights
The Kia Concept EV9 will feature a sculpted design with chrome highlights on the front, a muscular U-shaped bonnet, and thin L-shaped LED headlights. On the sides, it will have blacked-out B-pillars, sharp character lines, and designer wheels with flared arches and thick body cladding. The rear section of the car will sport a roof-mounted spoiler and slim taillights.
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A range of up to 500km is expected
Details about the performance of Concept EV9 are still under the wraps. It will likely be based on the E-GMP architecture and pack one or two electric motors, paired with a high-power Lithium-ion battery (around 100kWh). The powertrain should deliver a range of around 500km.
Interiors
Kia will use sustainable materials for the cabin
The Kia Concept EV9 will offer a luxurious cabin with vegan leather, an adaptive and smart lounge space, a hexagonal steering wheel, recycled fish nets for the flooring, and recycled plastic bottles and wool for seat fabric. It will also house an ultra-wide display comprising the digital driver's console and touchscreen infotainment panel. New-age safety features should also be provided.
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Kia EV9: Availability
The Kia Concept EV9 will debut on November 17 while the production version is expected to be introduced sometime around 2023. In India, the automaker aims to bring six EVs by 2024.