Kia plans to introduce a new battery SUV named the EV9 to the international market in 2023, Motor Authority reports quoting Steven Center, COO of Kia North America. According to him, the off-roader will offer up to 300 miles (483 km) of range and be the single most expensive vehicle in any Kia showroom.
Center did not reveal any specific numbers, but hinted that the price gap between the EV9 and the marque’s biggest crossover on offer right now – the Telluride – will be as big as the gap between the Sportage and the EV6. We did some calculations and got a starting price of around $50,000. As of right now, the Kia Sorento Hybrid comes closest with a starting sticker of $45,000.
According to Center, the electric SUV will be sized similarly to the Telluride and share at least 80 percent of features with its concept version. Among other things, the boxy looks and unusual lighting all around will definitely make it into production. He wasn’t sure about the missing b-pillars, though, pointing out that the company was not ready to introduce something as unreliable s that to the market. Perhaps later, after some thorough designing and a series of crash tests, this might become a reality.
When the Kia EV9 reaches the showrooms, it will be running on the same basic platform as the EV6 and benefit from a 800-volt charging system for rapid charge-ups. Center emphasized that 300 miles of driving range was the bare minimum any car in this market segment could be expected to have.