The Kia EV9 Concept debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show as a preview of the next EV in the brand's lineup. On the outside, it has a strikingly angular appearance, which is complemented by exceptional minimalism on the inside. We believe that such a car will soon be among us.
Kia says the sharp-edged exterior draws inspiration from the shapes of crystals and rocks. As an electric vehicle, it does not need a traditional grille opening. Instead, there's a body-colored bar across the nose. The lights in this section are not visible when not in use. Sequential lighting patterns greet the driver as a person approaches. There are vertical daytime running lights on the outer edges.
The hood has a ventilation channel near the bottom of the windshield. Since there is no motor, there is no need for a cooling vent. Kia engineers installed a solar panel there to charge the batteries when the car is not plugged in. All electric cars in the future will have this feature, as they consume energy to maintain the systems even when stationary.
Like many concepts, the Kia EV9 offers a look into the future with so-called "suicide" doors, but it is unlikely that this element will be in the production version. Although electric vehicles and their architecture (battery in the bottom of the vehicle) make this possible. Powerful roof racks are a unique touch that gives the vehicle an "off-road" character. When not in use, they move into the roof to improve aerodynamics. The cameras replace the side mirrors and make the vehicle more stylish. Something that might even make it into production anyway.
The rear has a triangular shape for the D-pillars, and the taillights are also interestingly shaped in the shape of the letter Y. The lower part of the rear of the hatchback has one of the few rounded parts of the design. And thus interestingly completes the entire design language.
Interior EV9 it has no sharp edges on the outside. The driver is surprised by the view of the 27-inch screen, which runs a little over half of the dashboard. The panoramic glass roof lets in a lot of natural light, so the interior feels extremely spacious.
The redesigned cabin includes the ability to swivel the seats in the first row and fold the second row into a table so that passengers can be face-to-face with people in the third row. Alternatively, the third-row seats can be turned so that those people can look out the tailgate. This kind of modularity will adorn all vehicles that will be designed with an eye to the future.
For added sustainability, the cabin uses materials such as recycled fishing nets for the floor. The seats contain materials from recycled plastic bottles and recycled wool fibers. Vegan leather reigns in the cabin.
Kia he says he would EV9 could travel up to 483 kilometers on a single charge. When connected to a 350-kilowatt charger, it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 20 to 30 minutes. The crossover works on this company's electric global modular platform.
