Kia Corporation is about to launch its latest electric vehicle, the EV9, and it brings with it a feature that is surprisingly absent in the current electric car market: a third row of seating. According to Kia Vice President of Sales Eric Watson, no other automaker has produced a true family-oriented, three-row EV SUV, which makes the EV9 all the more exciting.
The demand for three-row vehicles in the United States is significant, with Americans purchasing 2 million of these vehicles in the first ten months of this year alone. While some of these purchases are luxury vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade, the majority are aimed towards more modest buyers, with the average transaction price sitting around $57,000. This demand stems from the need to accommodate large families or the ability to transport additional passengers for car trips.
However, electric vehicles have struggled to meet this demand effectively. Out of the 50 distinct electric models available in the US, only four can seat seven people, and none of them offer the desirable combination of seven seats and over 300 miles of range at an affordable price. The main challenge lies in the physics and economics of electric cars: larger vehicles require bigger batteries, which are both expensive and heavy.
Despite the falling prices of lithium batteries, they still account for a significant portion of EV production costs. For instance, the battery on Rivian's R1S truck costs around $18,000 and provides approximately 320 miles of range. In comparison, the Mercedes EQB SUV, a smaller and lighter seven-seater, boasts a 70.5 kWh battery costing around $10,000 but with a range limited to 245 miles.
This affordability issue has forced consumers into an uncomfortable trade-off when choosing an electric vehicle. They must choose between long range, a larger seating capacity, or an affordable price—only two out of three options are possible. However, Kia's EV9 aims to break this equation by offering seven seats, up to 304 miles of range, and a starting price of $54,900.
Unlike other affordable SUVs that sacrifice cargo space to accommodate extra seats, the EV9 manages to offer 20 cubic units of storage while maintaining its spacious interior. This feature, combined with its upscale and quiet design, positions the EV9 as a promising contender in the three-row SUV market.
Kia is not alone in recognizing the demand for seven-seat electric SUVs. Volvo plans to introduce its EX90 next year, promising 300 miles of range and a price around $80,000. Volkswagen is also joining the club with its battery-powered revival of the iconic microbus, the ID. Buzz.
However, many other automakers seem reluctant to invest in three-row electric SUVs, especially at prices that match their gas-powered counterparts. Additionally, there has been no indication of reviving the minivan for the electric era, as recent demand for three-row vehicles stems from a crowd that is averse to traditional minivans.
Apart from families, the appeal for three-row electric SUVs also extends to remote workers who have downsized from multiple commuter cars to a single larger vehicle. Moreover, millennials with active lifestyles are also showing interest in these vehicles, as they offer versatility for various activities.
Kia has already started taking reservations for the EV9 and has received better-than-expected interest from customers all over the US, including states like Texas where trucks are popular. The EV9 proves that electric vehicles have appeal beyond states with zero-emission requirements, with reservations pouring in from all 50 states.
In conclusion, the Kia EV9 is set to address the family conundrum in the US electric vehicle market by offering a three-row seating option. With its combination of seating capacity, range, and affordable pricing, it aims to cater to the demands of families and individuals who require spacious and versatile electric vehicles.