A few months after its official release, the new Kia EV9 is further evolving its range. This time, the electric car is increasing its range in order to reach 563 kilometers WLTP. Enough to scare Tesla, with whom the gap is shrinking more and more.
Like Hyundai, Kia plans to accelerate the development of its electric range over the coming years. And to tell the truth, the Korean firm doesn’t really have a choice, since it will have to comply with the wishes of the European Union. Fortunately, she already has a well-stocked catalog and it should only get better.
Increasing autonomy
In addition to the Kia EV6, which we tested a little earlier, the firm unveiled its EV9 at the start of the year, a large electric SUV which will also be supported by the smaller EV5. A few months later, we were lucky enough to be able to take a seat on board, even though it will only begin deliveries next year.
But the manufacturer has already launched a major seduction operation to tempt customers. It must be said that the electric SUV is entering a very competitive market, particularly against a Tesla Model with its very promising new EX90.
Kia must therefore find ways to distinguish itself from the competition. This is how the brand announced a few days earlier the arrival of a new entry-level version with an entry ticket of 73,000 euros. But the manufacturer does not intend to stop there. In a press release just published, it announces that it has improved the autonomy of its large seven-seater SUV.
The latter is now able to reach 563 kilometers in a single charge according to the WLTP approval cycle. A figure valid for the Propulsion version, while the version with four-wheel drive can drive up to 512 kilometers. As a reminder, the maximum range was respectively displayed at 541 and 497 kilometers until now.
Tesla trembles
A nice increase for the electric SUV, which will play the role of flagship for the Korean manufacturer. But this news should hardly delight Tesla, even if its Model X has greater autonomy. The latter is in fact established at 625 kilometers in without standard version, provided you opt for the 20-inch aero rims, which come as standard anyway.
Note that the Kia EV9 GT-Line, currently in the process of being approved, will be able to reach 505 kilometers WLTP. For the record, the Korean SUV embarks a 99.8 kWh battery. A large capacity which is not always very wise, since it increases the weight of the car and its consumption. The latter should be around 17.7 kWh/100 kilometers according to our calculations.
For comparison, that of the Tesla Model But this is by taking into account the energy losses linked to recharging, unlike the figure put forward above for the Kia EV9.
The Korean manufacturer also specifies that its EV9 will now be able to win 249 kilometers of range in just 15 minutes of charge, or 10 kilometers more than expected. This is thanks in particular to its 800 volt architecture, as well as a charging power which should be around 240 kW. Going from 10% to 80% will take approximately 24 minutes.
As a reminder, the SUV is available in two power levels, namely 204 and 385 horsepower. It also comes standard with a nice package including level 2 autonomous driving, the route planner and even battery preheating. However, it is not eligible for the ecological bonus of 5,000 euros.