December 2023 – Pulpaddict (2024)

We road test the Kia EV9 – the stellar South Korean brand’s all-new, all-electric flagship SUV

With its concept car looks, long range and effortless drive, the Kia EV9 is quite the statement.

About the same size as a BMW X5, it’s available as a six or seven-seater – the former sporting swivelling middle-row seats.

Priced from £65,025, it’s expensive for a Kia, but you sure get big bang for your bucks. The big question is – will it tempt buyers away from prestige EV rivals from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz?

First impressions couldn’t be better. It’s an epic car with a bold, boxy design that focuses on maximising interior space and passenger comfort. And despite its size, the EV9 looks much better in the metal than it does in pictures.

Previewing Kia’s future design direction, the combination of a long wheelbase and completely flat floor creates generous space for all in the three rows of seats.

And even with all the seats occupied, there’s still 333 litres of cargo space – expanding to a superb 828 litres with the third-row seats flipped, or an enormous 2,320 litres with the second and third-row seats folded down.

The Kia EV9 is equally impressive on a technical level. All models in the range come with a large 99.8kWh battery, and there are two electric motor options.

First up is the 201bhp Single Motor model that powers the rear wheels. Or step up to the Dual Motor all-wheel drive EV9, which has 378bhp and a massive 516lb ft of torque. If economy trumps performance on your tick-list, then the former delivers a claimed 349 miles of range, while the flagship model still offers a respectable 313 miles.

Or to put it another way, the Single Motor can sprint from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds (19-inch wheels), while the more potent model takes just 5.3 seconds (21-inch wheels).

Ultra-fast charging is standard, meaning 154 miles can be added in just 15 minutes. Or to put it another way, a 10-80% charge will take as little as 24 minutes via a 350kW connection. Naturally, it will also charge overnight at home, if you have a wallbox.

The Kia EV9 is generously equipped too, with a three-screen dash layout combining a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch driver’s display and a 5.3-inch touchscreen for the climate controls. With a few physical buttons thrown in too, it’s as logical and slick as ever – just what we’ve come to expect from Kia.

There’s also wireless phone charging, Apple and Android connectivity, heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning, LED lights all round, a 360-degree camera system, V2L charging, a power tailgate and a three-pin socket in the boot.

I haven’t even mentioned the long list of safety and driver assistance tech which helped to earn the EV9 a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating, or the regenerative braking which is easily adjusted via paddles behind the steering wheel.

The overall build quality is hard to fault, while the interior materials (many of which are recycled) are just the job, though there’s still some way to go for Kia to be challenging the plush interiors of the big German premium brands.

Once you’ve ‘stepped into’ the cabin, it instantly feels spacious and comfortable, with excellent visibility. You don’t feel perched, like some electric SUVs, and there’s plenty of seat adjustment.

I drove the Dual Motor EV9 in GT-Line S spec on a variety of roads around Aberdeen, Inverness and into the Scottish Highlands.

To say progress was relaxed and effortless would be an understatement. It feels big, especially in town and on narrower country roads, but for the most part it’s not an issue and it simply cruises silently along (wind and road noise are hardly noticeable). Ride quality is impressive and the steering is light-yet-accurate.

Despite its bulk, it manages to stay surprisingly flat in more challenging corners, but it would be an exaggeration to call it nimble. Helped by a low centre of gravity, there’s no getting away from the fact that this is a 2.6 tonne car.

As you’d except from the AWD system, traction levels are superb. I didn’t get to try the EV9 off-road, but in addition to the steering wheel-activated Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes, there’s also a terrain mode button, giving the options of Mud, Snow and Sand.

There’s no shortage of power either, but if longer range is more important to you, it might be worth going for the Single Motor model.

Freezing conditions probably didn’t help, but after a couple of days with the AWD EV9, average energy consumption was 2.5 miles/kWh, which is a tad disappointing. Nevertheless, that still equates to a tidy real-world range in the late 200s (more in an urban environment), and I’d hope the RWD version would be able to return around 300 miles.

Finally, a quick word about the seating. If you choose the seven-seater (it’s one of the few such EVs on the market), the third row is useable for adults (I managed perfectly well and I’m 5’11”) – partly because the second-row bench can slide back and forth.

And the two individual ‘captain’s chair’ seats, which swivel and recline in the six-seater version, are a great gimmick, and certainly add to the car’s wow factor.

Verdict: The cool Kia EV9 is as impressive as it’s big. A statement car if ever there was one, this striking SUV is competitively-priced, spacious and safe; delivering an effortless drive and useable real-world range.

Kia UK

As public demand for sustainable transport solutions continues to rise worldwide, electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly being hailed as some of the most innovative and environmentally responsible forms of personal transportation available today. Their popularity is soaring, with a remarkable surge in global sales reaching 10 million in 2022​​. Yet, despite this upward trend, numerous myths about EVs persist and cast doubts in the minds of potential buyers.

This article aims to dispel these misconceptions and offer a clearer picture of the reality of EVs. By addressing the most common myths mentioned below, it seeks to provide an informed perspective on the capabilities and benefits of electric vehicles. Hopefully, these clarifications can encourage a more accurate understanding of the role of EVs in society’s shift towards sustainable transportation.

There’s Not Enough Charging Infrastructure

The myth that electric vehicles suffer from a lack of charging infrastructure is one of the most common concerns that discourage would-be EV buyers. However, while it’s true that EV charging technology is still relatively young, it’s also becoming increasingly ubiquitous in many countries. As of January 2023, the UK alone boasted 37,055 public EV charging devices—and the numbers steadily rising​​. The growth in the number of rapid chargers, which now comprise a significant portion of EV charging devices, further enhances convenience for EV drivers.

Moreover, EV owners now have the option for an EV home charging point installation—an innovation that has revolutionised the notion of charging. The more people install charging points in their homes, the less likely they’ll be to depend on public charging stations. This development is not only convenient but also efficient, as EV owners can charge their vehicles overnight and have them ready for use the next day. This growing trend of home charging facilities in turn helps bridge the gap in charging infrastructure and ensure that the needs of EV owners are met more effectively.

EVs Take Too Long to Charge

Another persistent EV myth is the belief that electric vehicles require an excessively long time to charge. Thanks to rapid advancements in EV charging technology, this misconception is gradually being overturned. Fast-charging stations are now fairly common and can recharge an EV’s battery to 80% in as fast as 30 minutes. This development has been especially game-changing for long-distance travellers who require quick charging solutions.

In addition to public fast-charging stations, the option of home charging has helped make owning an EV significantly more convenient. EVs can now be charged overnight in the comfort of one’s home, much like a mobile phone. This shift towards convenient, accessible charging options is redefining the EV experience, making it more appealing and practical for a broader range of consumers.

EVs Have Limited Range

While it’s true that early electric cars were unable to travel far on a single charge, recent advancements in EV technology have significantly extended their driving range. For instance, many modern EV models now offer ranges well over 320 kilometres on a single charge, with some even exceeding 480 kilometres. This makes EVs more suitable for a variety of driving needs, from daily commutes to longer journeys.

The growing confidence in EV driving range is reflected in the sales of models like Tesla’s Model Y, which led the market in 2023 with over 772,000 units sold​​. This level of consumer trust underscores the progress EVs have made in dispelling range anxiety. Additionally, the expanding network of public charging stations further alleviates concerns because drivers now have easy access to charging points during longer trips.

EVs Perform Worse Than Gasoline Cars

Contrary to the myth that electric vehicles underperform compared to their gasoline counterparts, EVs are increasingly recognized for their superior performance. Some of the most notable advantages of electric vehicles are their instant torque and rapid acceleration. These features provide a smoother driving experience, as well as enable EVs to outperform many gasoline cars in terms of responsiveness and agility.

The market trends reflect this reality, too, with electric vehicles gaining a significant share of the automotive market. In early 2023, EVs were expected to account for 18% of global car sales, a stark increase from just a few years ago​​. This shift is not just a result of environmental considerations but also an indication that more consumers are recognising EVs as high-performing and reliable vehicles. With continuous improvements in battery technology and powertrain efficiency, electric vehicles are setting new standards in automotive performance and challenging the long-held belief that they are inferior to traditional vehicles.

EVs Can’t Handle Cold Weather

The myth that electric vehicles cannot perform well in cold weather is another misconception that needs addressing. It is true that cold temperatures can affect the efficiency of EV batteries, potentially reducing their range. For example, studies have shown that an EV with a rated range of 250 miles might see its range reduced to 150 miles in 20-degree weather​​. However, this impact is not unique to electric vehicles; gasoline cars also experience reduced efficiency when the temperature drops.

To combat this, modern EVs are equipped with advanced battery management systems that help mitigate the effects of cold weather. For instance, many 2023 EV models come with battery preconditioning features that warm the battery before charging to enhance its efficiency in colder temperatures​​. Additionally, drivers can employ strategies such as starting the vehicle while it’s still plugged in. This practice preheats the battery using grid power rather than the car’s own energy reserves. With these technological advancements, EVs are increasingly capable of maintaining robust performance even in colder climates.

A close examination of the myths surrounding electric vehicles reveals that scepticism is often based on outdated perceptions. Continuous advancements in technology have enabled EVs to rapidly overcome former limitations and offer enhanced range, performance, and convenience. As society moves towards a more sustainable future, the evolving narrative of electric vehicles stands as a testament to innovation and environmental progress.