The New BEVs of the Kia Corp

In 2022, many automakers announced their plans for the rest of the decade with a focus on battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Although some were just starting, the Kia Corp already had a leg up on the industry with many electrified models (hybrids and plug-in hybrids), and had recently finished its global release of the 2022 Kia EV6. Known as the first all-electric vehicle with no gasoline predecessor, the EV6 was the beginning of Kia becoming an all-electric automaker. Part of Kia’s plans was to release two new BEVs between 2023 and 2027, and so far, it looks like the promises made during the 2022 CEO Investor Day for the Kia Corp are coming to fruition. Following its overseas release, the Kia EV9 landed in America during the 2023 Monterey Car Week. Already making headway in China is the Kia EV5.

Kia EV6

Following its 2022 release, the Kia EV6 made its more powerful powertrain the standard, with one or two motors powered by a 77.4 kWh battery. Depending on the drive train – rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) – the Kia EV6 can achieve a total horsepower is 255, plus 258 lb-ft of torque. If choosing AWD, the trims Wind e-AWD and GT-Line e-AWD have an output of 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. The monster GT trim comes with AWD and is able to generate 576 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque. Capable of fast charging at 350 kW, the EV6 can charge up to 80-percent in as little as 18 minutes.

For the foreseeable future, Kia BEVs will be built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated BEV platform built by the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), the parent group of the Kia Corp. The group already plans to design a new BEV platform, but for now, the E-GMP is the bread and butter of BEVs for the HMG. Capable of 800V charging, the EV6 makes good use of its power.

Kia EV9

We’re glad to see this BEV finally come to America. Seemingly based off of the Kia Telluride SUV, the Kia EV9 is boxy and broad, but definitely all-electric. Equipped with a 76.1-kWh battery powering a 160 kW motor capable of 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the EV9 also offers RWD and AWD. Another trim, the RWD Long Range mode can opt-in for 99.8-kWh battery the power a single motor able to generate 150 kW (201 HP) and 258 lb-ft of torque to go greater distances. A dual-motor setup is also available, able to generate 283 kW (379 HP) and 516 lb-ft of torque with all-wheel drive (AWD). This is the first BEV of 2023.

Kia EV5

Not yet global, we’re certain the EV5 will eventually make it to America. First launching in China, the EV5 has yet to release powertrain specs have yet to be released, but most expect something similar to the EV6 offerings of a single or dual-motor configuration. The EV5 is sporting the new front fascia seen in all Kia BEVs, a digital “Tiger Face” versus the original “Tiger Nose” still found on gasoline models. Designed to be a lounge on wheels, the interior is spacious and comes with various features to personalize a consumers’ EV5, such as mood lighting and the Kia Connect Store. The latter gives consumers access to apps they can download to customize their user experience in the cockpit of the EV5.

Ready to get behind the wheel of a BEV from Kia? Find the Kia EV9 and EV6 at Miami Lakes Automall.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media