In a spectacular display of automotive innovation, Kia America unveiled the game-changing Kia EV9 and Kia Connected Home at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. The showcase highlights the revolutionary all-electric vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging capabilities of the Kia EV9.
The all-electric SUV isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s a powerhouse that can potentially keep your home powered for days.
The Kia Connected Home, revealed amidst the glitz and glamour of CES, stands tall as a two-story oasis, offering a sensory journey through sight, sound, taste, and touch. This immersive experience introduces visitors to the EV9’s bidirectional charging and the EV6’s onboard power generator functionality, redefining the intersection of automotive prowess and sustainable living.
Steven Center, COO and EVP of Kia America, expressed the brand’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility, stating, “Kia’s Plan S commitment takes shape at CES through demonstrations of versatile applications of V2H technology.”
The Kia Connected Home is a testament to Kia’s design philosophy, Opposites United, drawing inspiration from nature and humanity. The front yard proudly displays the Concept EV3 and Concept EV4 models, while an interactive EV9 simulator invites visitors to experience the all-electric SUV without leaving the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Empowering Homes: The EV9’s Vehicle-to-Home Integration
As the first Kia EV supporting V2H capabilities, the 2024 EV9 could revolutionize bidirectional charging for properly equipped homes.
Connected to the Wallbox Quasar 2 (coming soon), an innovative 11.5-kW DC charger, the EV9 becomes a mobile power source. The Quasar 2 automatically initiates charging and, during power outages, can switch to drawing power from the EV9 into the home. With a battery capacity surpassing standard home energy storage, the EV9 could sustain a household’s energy consumption for days.
Adjacent to the EV9 V2H simulation, the EV6 showcases the benefits of V2L technology, supplying power to electrical appliances, devices, tools, or recreational equipment.
Seoul in Vegas: EV9 Driving Simulation
The immersive test drive simulator, inspired by Kia’s Unplugged Ground experience in Seoul, offers visitors a firsthand experience of the EV9.
Transplanting the essence of Seoul’s electric vibes to the lively atmosphere of Las Vegas, this simulator sets the stage for a truly dynamic encounter with Kia’s groundbreaking all-electric SUV. Unlike conventional simulations, the experience goes beyond the ordinary, placing users in the actual driver’s seat of the EV9. With 3D video screens creating a vivid and realistic driving sensation, visitors embark on a captivating 15-minute journey, exploring not only the thrilling aspects of the EV9’s performance but also delving into Kia’s cutting-edge in-vehicle technologies. As the virtual drive unfolds, participants are introduced to the advanced features of Highway Driving Assist 2 and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, showcasing Kia’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of convenience and innovation on the road to an electrifying future.
Juxtaposing Nature and Technology: Concept EV3 and Concept EV4
The Kia Connected HomeTM introduces the “10 Must-Have Items,” showcasing Kia’s color, material, and finish (CMF) strategy.
Showgoers explore innovative materials, including bioplastics produced from biomass sources and bio polyurethane, aligning with Kia’s dedication to sustainability.
Tom Kearns, Chief Designer at Kia Design Center America, emphasizes, “In the realm of design, sustainability is not just a choice—it’s a powerful statement.” The materials showcased in the Concept EV3 and Concept EV4 interiors embody this ethos, delivering technology, practicality, and design with a focus on emotional well-being and responsible innovation.
In an era where mobility meets sustainability, Kia’s groundbreaking EV9 and the immersive Connected Home experience set a new standard, not just for electric vehicles but for the future of sustainable living. The automotive world has just witnessed a leap into a future where our vehicles power not only our journeys but our homes too.
Triumph of the Electric Revolution: EV9 Clinches 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year
As the icing on the electric cake, the Kia EV9 has been crowned the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) jury.
This prestigious recognition solidifies the EV9 as a groundbreaking force in the three-row SUV segment, showcasing not only its utility but also its exemplary status as an electric vehicle. President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, Seungkyu (Sean) Yoon, aptly notes, “This win proves that EV9 is not only a top utility vehicle, but also an exemplary EV.” Kia’s triumph in the NACTOY awards for the second time with an electric vehicle underscores the brand’s dedication to leading the charge towards a sustainable and electrifying future. The EV9 is not just an SUV; it’s a symbol of innovation, utility, and a paradigm shift towards a greener tomorrow.