With next-gen super fast charging, the Kia EV9 Concept could replenish its batteries from 0-80% in just 20 minutes.

The Kia EV9 Concept previews the second addition to the brand’s next-generation all-electric model line-up. Looks to be the brand’s flagship electric SUV, the EV9 is a concept at the moment. Concept cars allow car designers free reign to let their imagination free to exhibit at auto shows. It usually results in ideas that are more science fiction, than down-to-earth. However, one would occasionally drop by, looking plausible, with some hints of being over the top. The Kia EV9 Concept looks like it lives in limbo between being plausible and unsurprisingly, over the top.

Put simply, the concept shows the EV9 would be a mid-size three-row SUV for the larger family. But it previews some cool technologies, features, and design elements that can be expected from the final production model.

Automakers are looking to move towards being sustainable, zero emissions, carbon neutral to be kinder to the environment. So for the EV9, the designers drew inspiration from the natural element which is scarce, but also abundant to our planet — Water.

The EV9 Concept is draped in a spectacular shade of blue with a satin feel to the touch. But we’re only scratching the surface. To push the sustainable, healthy environment agenda, the floor mats inside the vehicle are made from used fishnets that could be left in the ocean and hurt the precious little sea creatures. Using recycled fishnets in the cabin is great, but let's hope they offer a deodorizer as well.

Additionally, plastic PET bottles have been littering the planet and the ocean as well, harming the ecosystem in many ways. So Kia is using recycled PET bottles and wool fabrics to line the seats.

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The cabin itself is designed to be spacious and welcoming of natural light. So the vehicle cabin's Daylight Opening is expansive. It is largely helped by a big panoramic sunroof of course.

The interior design takes on a modern minimalist direction. The most significant feature is the large 27-inch screen that sits on top of the dash. Half of the section in front of the driver is the gauge cluster, while the other half neatly integrates the infotainment. Not very futuristic, but the sheer size is still quite cool.

Another interesting element that Kia is looking to create inside the cabin is the feeling of home. When the vehicle is not in 'Active' mode, i.e., stationary, two modes will be available to rearrange the interior seat layout. In Pause Mode, the middle row folds into a table to resemble a living room which Kia says "allows people to gather and Interact". Enjoy Mode rearranges the third-row seats front to back, and with the hatch open can create a balcony for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the earth as they look outside.

The Kia EV9 uses the same platform as the E-GMP electric vehicle architecture as the Hyundai Ioniq Seven Concept showcased alongside the EV9 at the 2021 LA Auto Show.

At first glance, the Kia EV9 marries the boxy silhouette of the Soul in the size of the Telluride. The EV9 is big and of course, features the brand's new ‘Opposites United” design language. Like the EV6 before it, the EV9 has dramatic styling. But the EV9 looks more muscular than the Hyundai Seven. The chiseled, trepezoidal and sharp body panels look great, especially the 23-inch wheels.

The EV9 takes the Kia signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, and morphs it into a ‘Digital Tiger Face’ instead. The front facia is flush like any electric vehicle. But the headlights feature cool pixel-type LED with a star map pattern and prominent LED DRLs. Switch on the vehicle, and the lights do a little dance which looks quite cool. The taillights are fairly dramatic as they follow the vehicle’s SUV's boxy character lines at the back.

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The EV9 might just be a concept at the moment. But Kia has made it apparent that it previews its next all-electric model. While Kia has not mentioned any specific performance figures, they say it will be a 300-mile range SUV based on an 800-volt architecture. The EV9 can replenish its unspecified battery pack from 10-80% in less than 20 minutes using next-generation 350 kW super fast charging. Additionally, solar panel technology will also be integrated into the hood that would help charge the batteries as well.

Yes, the EV9 Concept is a little over the top. But some design elements could make production or draw heavy inspiration from the concept. The EV9 Concept previews what Kia envisions for the automobile in the near future and we can't help be excited.

Rahull's passion for the automobile started very early at his cousin's garage that restores vintage Ford Model As, Cadillacs and more. He then stumbled upon Formula 1 at the age of 6 and his father's cameras soon after. Life is about passions and he intends to share his through his writing and photography.