Kia EV9: another definition of the electric SUV
Unveiled at the AutoMobility show in Los Angeles, the Kia EV9 concept car displays a daring and unique design that does not hide its ambitions, namely to embody the future of the Kia range. What bodes well for the future.
After the launch of the Kia EV6, the Korean brand is continuing its offensive to become “a leader in sustainable, responsible and innovative mobility solutions” by introducing its Kia EV9 concept car. The Seoul automaker does not deny it: this all-electric SUV – which will be on display at AutoMobility in Los Angeles until November 28 – foreshadows the next model in Kia’s range of vehicles. This family-oriented model, like the EV6, has been developed and optimized on the basis of the International Modular Electric Platform (E-GMP) and is therefore powered by a zero-emissions electric powertrain.
The future is drawn by its atypical lines
Therefore constituting a key component of Kia’s strategy and its commitment to sustainable development, the EV9 concept also begins the upcoming production of eco-responsible but above all avant-garde vehicles. This is evidenced by the design of its sharp-edged bodywork, a real visual impact developed on the basis of the brand’s new “Opposites United” philosophy, itself drawing its inspiration directly from “boldness by nature”. With impressive measurements – a length of 4.9 m for a wheelbase of 3.1 m and a width of over 2 m – the EV9 concept claims massive stature and a geometric profile offering a digital reinterpretation of the iconic ” Tiger Face ”.
Breaking away from the traditional radiator grille that equips vehicles with combustion engines, the electric SUV shows a new face housing a display surface with a pattern representing a cloud of stars. Light effects which, by Kia’s own admission, “help to highlight the technological nature” of the EV9 concept. The area of the air intake duct at the hood acts as a solar panel to recover part of the electrical energy consumed by EV9. As a reminder, the EV6 is equipped with the V2L function. Finally, in place of the classic rear-view mirrors there is a surveillance camera system supposed to improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle “while guaranteeing the driver a better perception of his surrounding space. ”
A rolling lounge
Technologically enhanced, the EV9 concept also includes a cockpit with a retractable steering wheel and a 27-inch interactive screen. The model also benefits from a modular interior conducive to increased comfort thanks to innovative interior design methods when the vehicle is stationary.
Thus, in Pause mode, the seats – woven from recycled fishing nets – pivot to allow occupants in the first and third rows to face each other. Enjoy mode, on the other hand, transforms the interior into a real relaxation area by turning the seats in all three rows. In this configuration, the tailgate opens to let in more and more natural light, already imported by a large panoramic roof. Proof that the future of mobility isn’t just about moving at Kia.
Electric car: how Porsche will deliver thermal sound
This is a growing rumor. After many motorists have been grumbling about the quietness of electric cars for years, Porsche wants to act.
It is the CarBuzz media that reveals this very important information. A few days ago, the German manufacturer filed a patent for a new type of exhaust. Fictitious, it would aim to simulate the sound of a heat engine. So drivers frustrated by the lack of hum will finally be thrilled with electric cars.Porsche is currently not satisfied with the “emotionless” sound of its 100% electric motors, even in the Electric Sport Sound version, so the manufacturer has found its new target. And it is with the help of sound amplifier systems that this should be achieved.
An inspiration ?
But Porsche would not be the first automaker to try to coax auto lovers with a mock sound.But a government decree dated May 12, 2021 could thwart these plans. Indeed, the latter targets noise pollution on the road. Decibels therefore tend to be reduced.
Tesla superchargers: faster but more expensive charging
Tesla’s famous Superchargers have received some modifications. In particular at the level of the tariffs applied by the 100% electric manufacturer and that will not please some.
In some areas of the United States, Superchargers charge by the minute rather than by the kWh. We are therefore going to focus on those that take into account the duration of the recharge. These were divided into two categories.Now things have changed a bit and the categories have gone from 2 to 4. The first category does not move but the second is now between 61 kW and 100 kW.
Advantageous? Yes and no
for good reason, they are the only ones able to use the new Superchargers V3 terminals capable of charging at 250 kW. Enough to recover 120 km of autonomy in just 5 minutes.But why is it more advantageous for them? Because before, it was the same price whether charging was fast or slow. Now, the slower will also see their prices increase even if they pay less.For now, these tests of the new pricing schedule are restricted to the United States.
Electric cars: is Rivian the new Tesla?
It seems to be working then, since in 2019, Ford announces a stake of 500 million dollars in the young brand, while Amazon orders 100,000 electrified vans. Yet it was not until this year that the R1T, Rivian’s first mainstream model, was launched.
May be. In any case, this is what its recent IPO suggests, the brand having panicked Wall Street for a few days. Where Elon Musk’s firm is concerned is that this dramatic rise has propelled its rival to No. 2 in the US auto sector on the stock market. But Tesla is still ahead of the game and retains its top spot, with a valuation that recently hit $ 1 trillion. In addition, while Rivian is attracting the attention of investors, the brand is still far from profitable. Indeed, it has yet to generate any revenue and has accumulated more than $ 2.7 billion in net losses since its inception, including $ 1 billion last year .
The success of electricity
As governments around the world put pressure on manufacturers to switch to all-electric, young brands and other startups specializing in this sector are meeting with growing success and gaining the attention of investors.Apple is interested in the electric car. At the moment, nothing is filtering, but the team responsible for bringing the apple to the automotive world continues to form.
The former Tesla Autopilot Development Manager is joining Apple. Christopher “CJ” Moore therefore rallies the multinational specialist in electronics for the Apple Car project (unofficial name).
After seven years at Tesla, “CJ” is therefore changing employers but should not be too disoriented.All these inter-firm movements only confirm one thing. The autonomous car project is becoming more and more concrete at Apple. Even though it’s been talked about for years, we seem to be entering a decisive phase.
Towards a Tesla-Apple war?
And for good reason, many Tesla employees have moved to the other side, including 46 in 2018 alone. But especially most of the thinking heads.Indeed, the person in charge withdrew following his testimony before the DMV (California Department of Motor Vehicles) of California.
Definition and categories
The term “electric car” currently covers several concepts which have in common the use of an electric motor for all or part of their propulsion. They are differentiated by their autonomy and their CO2 emission rate. Three concepts are already available on the market:
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). They are propelled on the road by a heat engine, which they replace, for city traffic, an electric motor. This is powered by rechargeable batteries on the way by the alternator coupled to the heat engine and / or when stopped on the mains;
Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) cars. The vehicle is propelled by an electric motor powered by large capacity batteries kept charged by a small alternator unit – heat engine. This, thanks to a regime stabilized around its optimum rotation speed (1,500 rpm), allows on-road fuel consumption of less than 2 liters of gasoline (or diesel) per 100 km and long ranges; Their large capacity battery must be recharged when stopped on a fixed outlet.
The development of PHEV, EREV and BEV is still limited, among other things, by the cost, weight and lifespan of rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion batteries). Each system has advantages and limitations. They are developing in parallel just as gasoline and diesel coexist today. It seems to be working then, since in 2019, Ford announces a stake of 500 million dollars in the young brand, while Amazon orders 100,000 electrified vans. Yet it was not until this year that the R1T, Rivian’s first mainstream model, was launched.
Note that cars equipped with hydrogen fuel cells are also often qualified as electric vehicles: they have an electric motor but produce their electricity on board from hydrogen stored in pressurized tanks. Their operation is presented in another sheet (“Hydrogen in transport”).
