At the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia displayed the Concept EV9 which was expected to be the new flagship SUV of the brand. And with electrification underway, it would be a battery electric vehicle (BEV). 16 months later, here are the first pictures of the production model – Kia’s first 3-row electric flagship SUV – with the official global debut to take place towards the end of the month.
“The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice-President and Head of the Kia Global Design Centre. “The Kia EV9 offers customers an exceptionally high-quality proposition and a fresh EV perspective in the family SUV sector. This new vehicle typology provides instinctive experiences and excellent comfort for not just the driver, but all occupants, through innovative use of space, technology and design.”
These days, there’s a new electric vehicle (sometimes even more than one) being launched or previewed every month and the technical aspects sound pretty much the same. The technologies to are generally similar with each company having some advancements of its own to shout about.
So with the new IONIQ 6, Hyundai Motor seems to skirt the technical parts and instead draws attention to the inside of the first sedan in its EV sub-brand. The interior of the ‘Electrified Streamliner’ is developed to serve as a comfortable and personalized ‘hideaway’, providing a unique and distinctive experience for drivers and their passengers.
“IONIQ 6 is designed and engineered to seamlessly enhance our daily lives as space to awaken your potential,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice-President, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Customer Experience Division, Hyundai Motor Company. “The innovative interior is meticulously thought out as a cocoon-like personal space, enhanced with the latest technologies to create a safe, fun, and stress-free driving experience. The spacious interior, with sustainability and usability at its heart, once again represents a step forward for electric vehicles, in line with the values of our customers.”
The cabin takes advantage of the E-GMP (the Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform) which allows an extremely long 2950 mm wheelbase, supported by a choice of 20-inch or 18-inch wheels. The E-GMP supports a streamlined body with an overall length of 4855 mm, 1880 mm width and 1495 mm height, which puts it in the D-segment.
A modular touchscreen dashboard integrates a 12-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12-inch digital cluster that houses advanced technologies for an enhanced digital user experience that can be customized to meet their needs. The infotainment system provides real-time travel radius mapping based on the current state of charge, while connected car services help search and plan the best route to include a charging station along the way.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bring favourite smartphone apps to the widescreen display. For those without compatible smartphones, there’s also Bluetooth multi-connection support available. Two devices can be paired at the same time — one for phone calls and one for music streaming.
The premium Bose sound system’s 8 speakers, including a subwoofer, are strategically placed throughout the vehicle for a high-quality listening experience. Complementing this is a ‘spaceship-like’ sound with a sound texture that changes based on the vehicle’s driving status. How this will be received by the occupants of the car remains to be seen. Perhaps the new generation of car-buyers brought up in the digital age will appreciate such sounds!
The optional Relaxation Comfort Seats in the first row promote leisure by simply adjusting the seat angle. In addition, all of its seats are specifically-manufactured for all-electric models, and they are approximately 30% thinner than those in other conventional models, providing more space for passengers.
Dual Colour Ambient Lighting allows a driver to customize the look and feel of the interior space by selecting from a spectrum of 64 colours and 6 pre-selected themes. The Speed Sync Lighting mode adds emotion to the driving experience by changing the brightness of the interior lighting in the first row based on the car’s travelling speed.
The IONIQ 6’s personalized driving experience is further enhanced by the EV Performance Tune-up system. This allows the driver to freely adjust steering effort, motor power, accelerator pedal sensitivity and driveline mode. Drivers can create a variety of different combinations with just a few button clicks to meet their individual needs.
Of course, we still need to tell you something about the technical aspects and here, the powertrains are varied. Customers can choose a long-range 77.4-kWh battery with 2 electric motor layouts, either rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD). The top-of-the-line dual motor set-up is an AWD option producing a combined power output of 325 ps/605 Nm, with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h of 5.1 seconds.
Hyundai Motor claims an impressive energy consumption rate of under 14 kWh/100 kms, with the 53-kWh standard battery pack, 18-inch tyres and RWD. It supports 400V and 800V charging infrastructures and with a 350 kW charger, the recharging time from 10% to 80 percent is said to be within 18 minutes. A fully charged battery pack should be good for over 610 kms.
The IONIQ 6, like the IONIQ 5, is also able to function as a mobile power station to charge electric devices. This would be ideal not only for camping but also when there is a disruption to power supply. In addition to the external power outlet, there is a second outlet under the back row seat which can be used for charging laptops, phones and other devices.
This EV Is Hyundai Motor’s first model to offer the Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates for various controllers. This allows owners to upgrade the car’s controllers for electric devices, autonomous driving, battery, maps (and more) without having to go to a service centre. As such, the systems will be kept up to date and optimised.
In the Korean market, the IONIQ 6 is priced between 55 million – 65 million won (about RM185,000 – RM218.000). Production is to begin production in the third quarter of 2022. Sales are expected to begin before the end of the year with exports to selected markets starting in early 2023.
Since it was launched in March 2021, the Kia EV6 has impressed the automotive world and received a number of awards, including the 2022 European Car of the Year award. The first of the Korean carmaker’s next-generation battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), the EV6 embodies Kia’s shifting focus towards electrification. As part of the Hyundai Motor Group, Kia is also very much into electrifying its range with the aim of achieving carbon-neutrality.
The EV6 has progressively made its appearance in many markets around the world and now it is also being offered in Malaysia, although only bookings are being taken for now. The model is distributed through Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd (DMSB), which took over representation of Kia from the Naza Group in April 2021. A subsidiary of BAuto (Bermaz Auto), DMSB is the sole distributor while another company – Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd – has also been formed to manage the assembly of Kia vehicles locally and Kia Motors has majority share in this company.
Dedicated BEV platform
Priced from RM300,668 (click here for the pricelist)for the GT-line version, the EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated BEV produced with the all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of the Hyundai Motor Group. By having a dedicated platform, it means that the architecture of the vehicle can be fully optimised for an electric powertrain. Earlier, carmakers developed BEVs using platforms that were still used for conventional combustion engines, resulting in less than optimum engineering when it came to a BEV.
The EV6 has all-wheel drive with two electric motors generating a total of 605 Nm, and a 77.4 kWh battery pack powering them. Claimed performance figures are 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h. The claimed range on a fully charged battery pack is 506 kms but just as with combustion engines, this figure depends on driving conditions and driving style.
In addition, the flexibility of its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) charging system enables the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kWh of power and is capable of operating lifestyle electronic accessories, so the EV6 can serve as a mobile power station.
Digital Tiger Face
The tiger face which was created by Peter Schreyer in 2007 and became a brand signature is still present, but it is now described as a ‘Digital Tiger Face. A sleek, modern appearance of the daytime running lights and a sequential dynamic light pattern evokes the original ‘Tiger Nose Grille’, taking the brand into the era of electrification.
With the E-GMP, the designers have had new freedom to efficiently package the interior with innovative use of space. Though the exterior dimensions are compact, the generous 2900 mm wheelbase allows a cabin space similar to many mid-size SUVs.
High-tech interior
Being a vehicle that points towards the future, the EV6 is equipped with technological that enhance safety, connectivity and infotainment. There’s a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as wireless smartphone charging. The curved infotainment screen has a simple form language which gives the interior an open feel.
The EV6, which has received the maximum score of 5 stars from Euro NCAP, comes with an extensive list of standard safety features and systems. These included advanced systems like High Beam Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist. In addition, there is also a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning. Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control are also included for reducing driver load on long journeys.
Each new EV6 comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty (or first 150,000 kms). In addition, the battery pack warranty coverage is up to 7 years or maximum of 150,000 kms.
The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has many new models in the pipeline, virtually all electrified either as battery electric (BEV) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). It seems that HMG – which consists of Hyundai, Kia and Genesis – can’t wait to show the world what’s coming and throughout this year, we’ve seen production models being launched as well as concept cars that preview what’s to come.
The Hyundai SEVEN is one of those that will be coming and is described as the brand’s future sport utility electric vehicle (SUEV). It is likely to be a product in the IONIQ EV sub-brand and ‘SEVEN’ suggests that it would be somewhere at the top of the range, the same way the Kia Concept 9 is likely to be a flagship model.
Next-generation customer experience
HMG has developed the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that will be used by all three brands and is optimised for EVs. This includes the SEVEN which has interior architecture to provide greater freedom and comfort for passengers. Following the 45 concept in 2019 and the Prophecy concept in 2020, the SEVEN concept opens a new chapter for the IONIQ brand. It promises a next-generation customer experience with the most advanced technologies within a vehicle that is designed as an innovative living space on wheels.
“The SEVEN concept demonstrates Hyundai’s creative vision and advanced technological development for our electrified mobility future,” said Jose Munoz, President & CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Its innovative interior space, eco-friendly powertrain and cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies reveal an exciting future for Hyundai SUV customers.”
Aerodynamically redefining the SUV
The SEVEN concept makes full use of the flexible E-GMP to have a long wheelbase and flat floor beneath its an aerodynamically pure silhouette. The low, leading edge of the bonnet, a single, streamlined roofline and elongated wheelbase communicate a clear break from traditional SUVs powered by internal combustion engines. The pure volume of SEVEN’s minimal forms contrast with the powerful stance and commanding, rugged presence.
Aerodynamic efficiency and minimum wind resistance are vital for BEVs to go further, and the SEVEN is claimed to have a 480-km range. Thus every area on the bodywork is carefully shaped to allow air to flow smoothly. Even the wheels have integrated Active Air Flaps, which deploy or retract depending on brake-cooling or low-drag requirements.
At night, the SEVEN is easily identified by IONIQ’s signature Parametric Pixel lights that deliver a Welcome Light Sequence on start-up. Parametric Pixels provide a common design thread, linking digital and analog styles, a reminder that its designers considered every aspect of SEVEN’s design, down to a single pixel.
Welcoming premium lounge
The concept SUEV’s interior design priority lies in the innovation of space and makes full use of the 3.2-metre wheelbase. With the flat floor, the designers have explored an alternative to the traditional row-based seat arrangements, creating a more fluid interior layout. The Pillarless Coach Doors offer a grand entrance to reveal a welcoming interior with a completely new dimension of space. The streamlined roofline, long wheelbase and flat floor that extends to the third row opens new opportunities to furnish the interior like a premium lounge.
The SEVEN also embodies Hyundai’s future vision of autonomous mobility. The driver’s seat features a retractable control stick that hides away when not in use. Without the need for the usual driver’s equipment, the ultra slim cockpit and integrated screens create a lounge-like experience. The seat arrangement is unlike traditional SUVs, with swivelling lounge chairs and a curved bench seat. This seat arrangement can be customized depending on driver-controlled or autonomous driving modes.
Highlights of the vehicle are the Universal Island console, specially designed home appliances and a multi-functional Smart Hub graphic user interface. When the Smart Hub and front seats combine with the rear chaise-lounge seating, the SEVEN has an environment where the occupants can experience quality time alone or together in the glow of side-door ambient light. In transit, SEVEN’s built-in mini fridge provides chilled refreshment on the go and there are even shoe-care compartments to refresh passengers’ footwear.
The vision roof features a panoramic screen that not only displays various content based on passengers’ tastes, but also changes the overall interior atmosphere to guarantee maximum relaxation and pleasure during the journey.
Eco-friendly materials
The SEVEN uses various eco-friendly materials while offering segment-leading hygienic features, such as Hygiene Airflow System and UVC Sterilization. The Hygiene Airflow System takes inspiration from the sophisticated airflow management of passenger aircraft. In its vertical mode, air is taken in through built-in air intakes in the roof rails from which the air travels inwards from above, and extracted through the exterior vent behind the rear wheels. In its horizontal mode, the air flows from the slim dashboard to the rear vents.
Most importantly, this system can activate independently whether the vehicle is in motion or not to reduce cross-contamination among passengers and isolates the airflow between front and rear occupants.
Bio-paint is used for the exterior and hygienically-recycled and renewable materials throughout the interior. Mineral plaster, bamboo wood and carpet, bio resin and interior paint are based on renewable sources that can reduce pollution from the production process. Extensive use of copper and hygienically treated fabric with proven antibacterial functions ensure all surfaces inside the SEVEN remain clean at all times.
UV-C Sterilization activates once the vehicle is vacated of its passengers. The control stick, first-row storage drawer and speakers pop up and then, integrated sanitizing UV-C lights help clean the living space of bacteria and viruses. In addition, there are sanitizing storage compartments in the bench and Smart Hub console for personal belongings.
“SEVEN paves the way forward for what an SUV needs to become in the EV era with a unique aerodynamic pure form that does not compromise on its rugged personality. The interior opens up a new dimension of space that cares for its passenger as a family living space,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice-President, Head of Hyundai Global Design.
The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has three brands – Hyundai, Kia and Genesis – and between the three, there’s been a non-stop flow of new models and concepts. While the companies present themselves differently and probably operate differently, they also share a lot of hardware and their combined volume obviously gives HMG an edge where costs are concerned, not to mention sharing of R&D resources.
Moving forward, it’s all about electric vehicles (EVs) these days and the brands have a number of models in the pipeline between now and the end of the decade. Some of them have gone on sale, and more will be in showrooms next year and the years to follow.
In total, Kia has revealed that there will be no less than 10 new full EV (also known as Battery Electric Vehicles or BEVs) models. It’s not the first time Kia is introducing EVs as it has had electrically-powered variants of models like the Niro and Soul. These, however, have been initially developed as conventional models with combustion engines or hybrid powertrains. So the full advantages of a BEV have not been gained and Kia, like other manufacturers, now has a new BEV range that has been originally developed and engineered only for fully electric powertrains.
Dedicated EV platform for all HMG brands
The group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) is a core element in HMG’s electrification plans. Being modular, it can be used for a variety of model types and the wheelbase can be extended beyond 3 metres. It is engineered to accommodate 2WD and AWD drivetrains. At this time, the range on a full charge is 500+ kms but battery technology is constantly advancing, so that will improve in coming years.
The e-GMP was used for the first time in the new Hyundai IONIQ 5 (a different model from the original Ioniq) launched early this year. Next was the Kia EV6 which was officially launched in August and perhaps in 2022, the EV9 will also use the platform. As the end digit suggests, this future model would be positioned higher up in the range and almost certainly the flagship.
We’ll find out full details and see the full model soon at the global debut of the Concept EV9 in Los Angeles next week. For now, the first official visuals of the concept SUV show another distinctive design with the brand’s EV design language.
Large SUV with ‘smart lounge’
The profile is fairly SUV-like and rather upright, bringing to mind the Telluride (a large SUV mode). The renderings also illustrate a highly conceptual cabin that suggest a light, flexible and adaptive interior space for the occupants on three rows. With a lot of state-of-the-art tech, it is conceived as a ‘smart lounge’ where people won’t just be seated but also entertained and connected.
It’s hard to tell if the futuristic forms in the renderings will be what is also used in the production model. The dashboard has an ultra-wide display and the steering wheel seems to be shaped in a very impractical way. Kia says it is ‘a radical new take on the traditional steering wheel’.
Aiming for 6.6% of global EV market
The EV6 and future EV9 will help Kia achieve its target of 6.6% of the global EV market share and 25% in the eco-friendly car segment. This will mean selling 500,000 EVs annually, which its ‘Plan S’ strategy has set 2026 as the target year.
While still improving and innovating its technologies for models with internal combustion engines, the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is also investing substantially in battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology. Such vehicles will grow in numbers in coming years and HMG has been developing core technologies for them.
One of these is the new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which is specifically for BEVs. The E-GMP is ready to be used and from 2021, the E-GMP will support a range of new BEV models. These include the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia’s first dedicated BEV. The platform will be used for as many as 23 BEV models in HMG with the sales target of more than 1 million BEVs worldwide by 2025.
The E-GMP provides various advantages compared to the Group’s existing platforms which have engineering oriented towards internal combustion engines. With a brand new approach that is dedicated to the electrified powertrain, there is increased development flexibility, stronger driving performance, increased driving range, strengthened safety features, and more interior space.
“Today our front-wheel driven Hyundai and Kia BEVs are already among the most efficient ones in their segments,” declared Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group. “With our rear-wheel drive E-GMP, we are extending our technological leadership into segments where customers demand excellent driving dynamics and outstanding efficiency.”
Maximizing development flexibility
The E-GMP reduces complexity through modularization and standardization, allowing rapid and flexible development of products which can be used across most vehicle segments. Moreover, flexible development can satisfy various customer needs for varying levels of vehicle performance.
The new platform will also enable the company to enlarge its EV line-up over a relatively short period through modularization and standardization. This will satisfy consumer expectations of variety and choices.
Driving performance and safety
With optimal weight distribution between front and rear, a low centre of gravity thanks to its low-mounted battery pack, and the adoption of electric motors, handling can also be enhanced. A 5-link rear suspension system, which is typically used for medium and large vehicles, and the world’s first integrated drive axle enhance ride comfort and handling stability.
The platform secures battery safety through a battery support structure made of ultra-high strength steel. Hot-stamped steel components surround this structure for additional rigidity. Collision energy can be absorbed efficiently by energy-absorbent sections of the body and chassis, effective energy load paths, and a central section of the battery pack tightly bound to the vehicle body.
The battery pack itself – mounted between the front and rear wheel axles – will be the most power-dense system that HMG has ever created. It has enhanced cooling performance with a new separate cooling block structure which helps make the battery pack more compact. With energy density enhanced by around 10% compared to existing EV battery technology, the battery packs are lighter, can be mounted lower in the body, and liberate more cabin space.
From the early 1980s, the industry moved towards front-wheel drive which offered space-saving benefits. The E-GMP, however, will have rear wheel drive although there can also be all-wheel drive (with an additional electric motor).
Charging System
Most existing EVs and the fast-charging infrastructure provide 50 kWh ~ 150 kWh charging for EVs equipped with a 400V system; however, the development of 800V infrastructure, with up to 350 kWh charging, will gradually enable even more fast-charging.
In line with this trend, Hyundai Motor Group has invested in IONITY, Europe’s leading high-power charging network, as a strategic partner and shareholder. IONITY operates 298 high-power charging (HPC) stations – using a charging capacity of up to 350 kWh – along highways in European countries. The company plans to increase this number to 400 HPC stations by 2022, including 53 currently under construction.
The E-GMP offers 800V charging capability as standard and enables 400V charging, without the need for additional components or adapters. The multi-charging system is a world’s first patented technology which operates the motor and the inverter to boost 400V to 800V for stable charging compatibility.
A BEV using the E-GMP will be capable of a maximum range of over 500 kms with a fully charged battery pack. If the pack is completely empty, it can receive a high-speed recharge up to 80% capacity in 18 minutes; up to 100 kms of driving range can be available with a recharge of just 5 minutes.
Like many other carmakers, Kia Motors knows that the future is electric. Tougher regulations in Europe and America and growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in China are forcing manufacturers to develop and launch electrically-powered vehicles as quickly as possible.
For Kia Motors, the future direction includes a global EV business strategy that aims to put the brand in a leadership position. To achieve this, Kia will launch a diverse range of dedicated BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) and partner with EV charging companies worldwide.
100,000 BEVs already sold
“Kia has sold more than 100,000 BEVs worldwide since the introduction of our first mass-produced BEV in 2011, the Kia Ray EV, ” said Kia President & CEO Ho Sung Song. “Since then, we have started to introduce a range of new BEVs for global markets and announced plans to accelerate this process in the years ahead. By refocusing our business on electrification, we are aiming for BEVs to account for 25% of our total worldwide sales by 2029.”
Under Kia’s ‘Plan S’ strategy, announced at the start of 2020, the brand plans to expand its BEV line-up to 11 models by 2025. Over the same period, it is aiming for BEVs to account for 20% of the brand’s total vehicle sales in advanced markets such as Korea, North America and Europe.
The first of seven BEVs, code-named ‘CV’, will be revealed in 2021. It will be the brand’s first dedicated BEV, destined for many regions globally.
Transition to electrification
Kia Motors’ ‘Plan S’ is a mid to long-term future strategy that has a focus on BEVs and mobility solutions. It calls for a company-wide transformation which will see a new design philosophy embracing progress, diversity and a rich composition of contrasting elements.
Kia is innovating its vehicle planning, development and production to actively reflect diverse customer needs from the product planning stage. To respond to market demands, there will be diverse product types, with a range of models suitable for urban centres, long-range journeys, and performance driving. Its new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) will enable engineers to develop vehicles with best-in-class interior spaciousness.
Aftersales services
In addition, Kia Motors plans to expand its global aftersales infrastructure for EVs. In its home country, there will be more dedicated EV work bays at service centres, ricing from 600 in 2020 to 2,000 by 2023. There are plans to develop in-house programs to train EV maintenance professionals.
Kia Motors sees the expansion of electric charging infrastructures as a pre-condition for the popularization of EVs and continues to explore activities worldwide to improve charging accessibility for drivers. In Korea, its business activities will directly lead to the construction of a charging infrastructure.
Worldwide, Kia is setting up more than 2,400 EV chargers in Europe and around 500 in North America, partnering with its dealer networks. It plans to continue to increase its charging infrastructure in line with the growing market for EVs.