Latest news with #EV9


Edmunds
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Edmunds
2024 Kia EV9: A Year of Testing Cemented Its Award-Winning Status
Brady added, "Love that there's a physical button to activate the 360-degree camera system. That camera view was essential when I was navigating the EV9 in and out of an especially tight spot. The only way to improve this would be to position that camera activation control on the steering wheel the way Tesla does with the current Model 3 and Cybertruck." The EV9's lightning-quick fast-charging capability was another big perk. Kaufman again recounts, "Took the family on a road trip to San Diego and only had to charge once. I found a 150-kW fast charger in a mall parking lot not too far from our hotel, and just had half an hour of quiet time in the car while it added a little over 200 miles of range. At this point, I would absolutely prioritize charging speed over range for any EV I'd buy for myself." The EV9's seating flexibility also meant that whether we needed to ferry the kids, the dog, or half of a living room, the EV9 had the space. From ample legroom across all three rows (yes, even adults could fit in the third row) to quick entry via the power second-row seats, everything about the EV9 lent itself to practicality to suit whatever we needed to move. While we never truly needed it, the EV9's vehicle-to-load feature — which allows you to power home appliances using the car's battery — provided a level of comfort to the inner doomsday prepper within us.


Business Upturn
a day ago
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
Automakers Are Expanding EV Charging Options, Prioritizing Convenience and Accessibility for Drivers
By GlobeNewswire Published on June 27, 2025, 20:03 IST IRVINE, Calif., June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With more than 5.2 million EVs now on U.S. roads, the need for convenient and reliable charging continues to grow. Automakers are responding with new partnerships and upgrades that make charging easier, especially for long-distance drivers. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available in this link. Kia Corporation is helping meet that demand by giving its EV owners access to more than 21,500 additional Supercharging stations nationwide. These join the 22,000-plus public fast-charging stations already available, significantly expanding the charging network. Drivers can locate and charge at these stations using the Kia Access app, which also provides real-time updates on station availability and pricing. For owners of the Kia EV6, EV9 and Niro with CCS1 ports, the update allows charging at Tesla Superchargers using a compatible adapter. This feature is built directly into the app for a seamless user experience. These additions are part of a larger industry effort to reduce 'charge anxiety' and make long-distance travel accessible by expanding options and making them easier to find and use. As more automakers adopt shared charging infrastructure, drivers benefit from greater flexibility and more reliable access. 'Access and ease are top priorities for EV drivers,' said James Bell, head of corporate communications at Kia America. 'Expanding our network and making it user-friendly helps support the future of mobility and brings real peace of mind to our customers.' Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.


Auto Car
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
The best EV of 2025? It's not a Tesla
Like its exterior, the EV3's interior follows the lead of big brother EV9. At a glance, it is effectively the same design, just shrunken down. Like so many modern cars, the dashboard is dominated by a large, curved screen that incorporates the digital gauge cluster and the multimedia system. Between the two main parts is a smaller section that's dedicated to the climate controls, making them permanently and easily accessible. Below the main screen sits a small but sensibly chosen selection of physical buttons that give you quick access to primary infotainment functions as well as the cabin temperature, fan speed and air distribution. Some are rendered as part of a touch-sensitive section of trim, others come as rocker switches set in an 'aluminium' trim strip. Pieces of fabric and the two-tone colour scheme complete the lounge-like ambience. It's pretty convincing, with just a few caveats: Kia proudly claims it's expunging leather from its cars, but in the EV3 it has simply replaced it with a synthetic version, which shows a lack of creativity in the materials department. You can have cloth seats, but only on Air trim, which also replaces some of the soft mouldings with hard plastic. The Air still has a high-quality cabin with a very generous level of equipment, but it would be a good idea to have a poke around one at a dealership to decide whether you find that trade-off acceptable. Although the upholstery is disappointing, the seats themselves are very comfortable. In our GT-Line test car, the driver's side is electrically adjustable and features tilt adjustment and lumbar support. You don't sit particularly low, and the steering column comes out at a bit of an angle, but there's no shortage of head room and the driving position is comfortable. Interior space is undoubtedly impressive. The open, airy cabin provides plenty of storage space, even if the centre console could have been even more practical with a few more bins and shelves. Adults have no shortage of leg room in the back, and thanks to the somewhat high-set front seats, can even put their feet beneath. A Cupra Born or VW ID 3 has slightly more rear space still, but the Kia compensates with a bigger boot that has a remarkable amount of underfloor storage. One strange lapse: the luggage cover leaves a gap of about 10cm to the rear seatbacks. This would make sense if the rear seat were adjustable, which it isn't. Multimedia Kia's multimedia system is shared with Hyundai, save for some unique fonts and graphics, and when it's this good, that's something to be pleased about. The graphics are crisp and clean, and the screen responds quickly to your inputs. There's no physical cursor device, but thanks to a sensible menu layout and a good selection of shortcut buttons (including a few customisable ones), you don't really miss one. There's wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and they're well integrated into the system. The built-in navigation is clear and has good, up-to-date traffic information, meaning you don't just default to Google Maps. Kia's smartphone app is easy to pair with the car and its core functions work well, letting you remotely monitor and control the charging, send destinations to the navigation and check that the car is still where you left it. Kia Connect (all the car's networked functions) is free for seven years, whereas many manufacturers offer just a free trial of a few months.

3 days ago
- Automotive
Edmunds: Five three-row EVs that are great for big families
Most electric vehicles are five-passenger sedans or SUVs. But automakers are increasingly expanding their lineups to cater to shoppers wanting a three-row EV that can serve as a family hauler. These EVs can seat six or seven passengers, haul lots of cargo, and potentially have more than 300 miles of driving range. They also come standard with many advanced safety features. To help you with your search, the car experts at Edmunds rounded up five of their favorites. They are ordered by price, and all pricing includes destination charges. The most affordable three-row SUV on the list is one of Edmunds' favorite electric SUVs. The EV9 delivers lots of safety features, a very comfortable ride, and plenty of passenger space in all three rows. The EV9 is also a good road tripper because it's one of the quickest-charging electric SUVs when hooked up to a powerful fast-charging station. Adding to its appeal is its ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The base EV9 Light trim level has an attractive starting price but comes up short on power and range. Instead, Edmunds recommends getting the midrange EV9 Wind. The Wind has a more suitable amount of power and an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range on a full charge. It also comes with all-wheel drive for more traction in wet and snowy conditions. 2025 EV9 starting price: $56,395 Hyundai's newest electric SUV is sleek and futuristic while providing what families need. It essentially serves as an electric alternative to Hyundai's highly rated Palisade. Like its corporate cousin, the Kia EV9, the Ioniq 9 has luxury levels of comfort, roomy seating in all rows, lots of standard safety features, and fast charging speeds. But the Ioniq 9 boasts a longer max range of 335 miles, which is impressive for a large SUV. And that's in the most affordable S model. All other models offer over 300 miles, which is more than the EV9. The top Calligraphy Design model is about as lush and powerful as a luxury SUV and offers neat tech features like a fingerprint scanner that starts the SUV and sets personalized settings. 2026 Ioniq 9 starting price: $60,555 If you're looking to stand out from the crowded sea of mainstream SUVs, consider the ID. Buzz. This electric minivan's retro styling is a throwback to the old VW Bus, but beneath the quirky design is a cavernous interior. Passengers, even tall ones, have more than enough headroom and legroom in all three rows. Drivers enjoy a high and commanding view of the road ahead. Thanks to the van's tall and boxy body, there's loads of cargo space behind the third row. Maximum cargo space is comparable to that of minivans and large SUVs. The Buzz also comes standard with a package of advanced safety features, but its maximum driving range of 234 miles will limit its appeal if you plan on a lot of long-distance driving. 2025 ID. Buzz starting price: $61,545 This electric luxury SUV hails from Rivian, a relatively new American EV startup. Debuting in 2022, the R1S was one of the first three-row electric SUVs and is a compelling choice if you can afford its high price tag. Rivian has also been making small but significant improvements to the R1S each year. There are a variety of 2025 R1S configurations to choose from, including versions that provide a long range of up to 410 miles and performance models touting 1,025 horsepower. The R1S also comes standard with height-adjustable air suspension that you can use to get more ground clearance when off-roading. The R1S also has plenty of passenger and cargo space, a premium interior, and lots of standard advanced safety features. 2025 R1S starting price: $77,700 Mercedes' EQS SUV is ideal for shoppers looking for a family-friendly EV that delivers a genuine luxury experience. The EQS impresses with its supremely smooth ride, premium cabin design, and extensive list of standard tech and safety features. The base 450+ model gets an EPA-estimated range of 323 miles. In the independent Edmunds EV Range Test, it went substantially farther, going 407 miles on a full charge. On the downside, the EQS SUV's third-row seat is an option. And if you get it, you'll find that it isn't as roomy as those in the other EVs on our list. The EQS' price might also be a prohibitive factor. But few SUVs, electric or gas, offer the EQS SUV's combination of future-forward design, opulent comfort and impressive functionality. 2025 EQS SUV starting price: $106,400 The SUVs above make up most of the electric three-row options in today's market. Fortunately, they are all excellent choices for families wanting lots of space, ample range and advanced safety features.


Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Edmunds: Five three-row EVs that are great for big families
Most electric vehicles are five-passenger sedans or SUVs. But automakers are increasingly expanding their lineups to cater to shoppers wanting a three-row EV that can serve as a family hauler. These EVs can seat six or seven passengers, haul lots of cargo, and potentially have more than 300 miles of driving range. They also come standard with many advanced safety features. To help you with your search, the car experts at Edmunds rounded up five of their favorites. They are ordered by price, and all pricing includes destination charges. Kia EV9 The most affordable three-row SUV on the list is one of Edmunds' favorite electric SUVs. The EV9 delivers lots of safety features, a very comfortable ride, and plenty of passenger space in all three rows. The EV9 is also a good road tripper because it's one of the quickest-charging electric SUVs when hooked up to a powerful fast-charging station. Adding to its appeal is its ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The base EV9 Light trim level has an attractive starting price but comes up short on power and range. Instead, Edmunds recommends getting the midrange EV9 Wind. The Wind has a more suitable amount of power and an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range on a full charge. It also comes with all-wheel drive for more traction in wet and snowy conditions. 2025 EV9 starting price: $56,395 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Hyundai's newest electric SUV is sleek and futuristic while providing what families need. It essentially serves as an electric alternative to Hyundai's highly rated Palisade. Like its corporate cousin, the Kia EV9, the Ioniq 9 has luxury levels of comfort, roomy seating in all rows, lots of standard safety features, and fast charging speeds. But the Ioniq 9 boasts a longer max range of 335 miles, which is impressive for a large SUV. And that's in the most affordable S model. All other models offer over 300 miles, which is more than the EV9. The top Calligraphy Design model is about as lush and powerful as a luxury SUV and offers neat tech features like a fingerprint scanner that starts the SUV and sets personalized settings. 2026 Ioniq 9 starting price: $60,555 Volkswagen ID. Buzz If you're looking to stand out from the crowded sea of mainstream SUVs, consider the ID. Buzz. This electric minivan's retro styling is a throwback to the old VW Bus, but beneath the quirky design is a cavernous interior. Passengers, even tall ones, have more than enough headroom and legroom in all three rows. Drivers enjoy a high and commanding view of the road ahead. Thanks to the van's tall and boxy body, there's loads of cargo space behind the third row. Maximum cargo space is comparable to that of minivans and large SUVs. The Buzz also comes standard with a package of advanced safety features, but its maximum driving range of 234 miles will limit its appeal if you plan on a lot of long-distance driving. 2025 ID. Buzz starting price: $61,545 Rivian R1S This electric luxury SUV hails from Rivian, a relatively new American EV startup. Debuting in 2022, the R1S was one of the first three-row electric SUVs and is a compelling choice if you can afford its high price tag. Rivian has also been making small but significant improvements to the R1S each year. There are a variety of 2025 R1S configurations to choose from, including versions that provide a long range of up to 410 miles and performance models touting 1,025 horsepower. The R1S also comes standard with height-adjustable air suspension that you can use to get more ground clearance when off-roading. The R1S also has plenty of passenger and cargo space, a premium interior, and lots of standard advanced safety features. 2025 R1S starting price: $77,700 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Mercedes' EQS SUV is ideal for shoppers looking for a family-friendly EV that delivers a genuine luxury experience. The EQS impresses with its supremely smooth ride, premium cabin design, and extensive list of standard tech and safety features. The base 450+ model gets an EPA-estimated range of 323 miles. In the independent Edmunds EV Range Test, it went substantially farther, going 407 miles on a full charge. On the downside, the EQS SUV's third-row seat is an option. And if you get it, you'll find that it isn't as roomy as those in the other EVs on our list. The EQS' price might also be a prohibitive factor. But few SUVs, electric or gas, offer the EQS SUV's combination of future-forward design, opulent comfort and impressive functionality. 2025 EQS SUV starting price: $106,400 Edmunds says The SUVs above make up most of the electric three-row options in today's market. Fortunately, they are all excellent choices for families wanting lots of space, ample range and advanced safety features. ____ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds . Michael Cantu is a contributor at Edmunds.