Kia EV9 Wins Two Awards During the DrivingElectric Awards
The Kia Corp has been busy designing new battery-electric models and concepts to fulfill its “Plan S” business strategy, to build all-new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and purpose-built vehicles (PBVs). One of the first, really the first all-electric vehicles with no gasoline predecessor to join the lineup was the Kia EV6. Even so, even with all of the other concepts that have shown up this year (2023; Kia EV5, and Kia EV4 and EV3), the Kia EV9 remains to be a favorite amongst the masses. Who could hate an all-electric SUV, eh? That may be why the EV9 continues to win all kinds of awards all year long. The latest comes from the DrivingElectric Awards, naming the EV9 their “Car of the Year”.
“The EV9 was already one of the most anticipated cars of 2023, and our UK dealer network has received more interest in this car ahead of launch than almost any other Kia vehicle to date. Our new flagship EV takes Kia into a new segment and puts us up against some very keen competition…we’re delighted to see the car recognised already by DrivingElectric for what it offers customers.” – Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK
In case Philpott’s title doesn’t give it away, DrivingElectric has some UK roots, a part of Autovia, the parent company involved with some of the United Kingdom’s biggest automotive media brands. Compiled of a team of expert road testers that drive tens of thousands of miles in new BEVs every year, DrivingElectric gets down-and-dirty with every vehicle on the UK market to let consumers know what the best BEVs are for their particular requirements and budget. When it comes to the DrivingElectric Awards, the publication celebrates the best new electrified cars and vans on the market today. A panel of expert judges takes into account several factors when choosing a winner, such as overall value for money, performance, and practicality.
The second BEV to hit the UK before coming to America, the EV9 continues to make an impressive name worldwide. We’re very sure that the EV9 is also based on the Kia Telluride, the first car to ever win the “Triple Crown” of Automotive Awards. How could it not with that oh-so-boxy appearance? Consumers still love SUVs and crossovers, but we’re all hoping for a small-performance BEV to come from the South Korean automaker sooner than later. Until then, consumers going electric will continue to froth over the big wheels. The Kia EV9 also hit a double-whammy this year, not only winning the title of “Car of the Year” award, but also the “Best Premium Electric Car” prize.
This wouldn’t be a first for Kia. Last year, the automaker took home a number of awards, a total of four, actually. The models that took home the glory were none other than the EV6 GT, followed by the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro EV, and surprisingly, the previous generation e-Niro. Whilst the BEV lineup of Kia continues to grow, expect to see a BEV for every kind of consumer in the market. They can’t just cater to hatchbacks and SUVs forever. For now, you can find the likes of the Kia EV6 and Kia EV9 at Miami Lakes Automall.