The Kia EV9 has received its public debut at the LA Auto Show, showcasing a large all-electric SUV concept which will pave the way for a full production model within the next year or two.
Boldly styled and as large as a Range Rover, the EV9 Concept is built on Hyundai-Kia's E-GMP platform, which is designed exclusively for pure-electric cars.
This not only allows for a large battery and significant driving range, but also opens up packaging for engineers, allowing Kia to provide a spacious cabin for occupants.
By using the architecture, Kia is able to incorporate high-power recharging capabilities at 350 kW, getting the EV's battery from 10-80% in less than half an hour.
Materials used in the cabin have been designed with sustainability in mind, including using recycled fishing nets used in the floor of the vehicle, whilst seat fabric is produced from recycled plastic bottled and wool fibres, or vegan leather.
There are three interior 'modes' for users; Active positions the seats in a conventional setting when driving, Pause modifies the space to become more like a lounge - folding the middle seats to become a table, and having the front and rear-most seats face each other - and Enjoy spins the rear seats about and opens the boot lid to give "all occupants the opportunity to connect with the outside environment and gaze ahead and beyond the vehicle while sitting comfortable inside".
