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Kia EV9 is the Electric Telluride Rather than Kia's Version of the Hyundai Ioniq 7

When Hyundai presents a vehicle, Kia normally follows with its own version shortly after that. They just repeated that habit with the EV9, a concept that Kia plans to unveil on November 11. Hyundai said it would show the Seven concept at the LA Auto Show. A quick look at the teasers shows an interesting design inversion with these EVs.
Kia Concept EV9 Will Be Presented on November 11 6 photos
Photo: Kia
Hyundai Seven, the Future Ioniq 7Kia Concept EV9 Will Be Presented on November 11Volvo Concept RechargeVolvo Concept RechargeVolvo Concept Recharge
With the Ioniq 5 and the EV6, Hyundai went for a square design and Kia for a more aerodynamic one. The EV9 profile that Kia stylized and disclosed suggests a rugged SUV very similar to the Telluride. On the other hand, Hyundai’s concept is very fluid, reminding us a lot of the Volvo Concept Recharge.

Although boxy vehicles have their appeal – especially among SUVs – they do not match well with low drag requirements that are ideal for electric cars. Being very efficient machines that have to maximize range, square lines tend to increase air resistance and make the EV spend more energy at high speeds.

SUVs with a lower frontal area and improved airflow will travel further. That’s what Volvo and now Hyundai seem to be pursuing with their large SUVs. The Kia EV9 design does not seem to be so concerned with that.

We know aerodynamic specialists can make a brick become friends with air fluidity. However, a design that already takes that need into consideration makes their work a lot easier. Although the Telluride presents a drag coefficient of 0.34, it has a massive frontal area. That seems also to be the case with the EV9.

The Korean brand said the new electric concept would be part of the “Kia Sustainability Movement” in the Instagram post that invites people to watch the EV9 premiere. The event will be live streamed on YouTube at 8 AM GMT. We would not doubt that the concept will later be in the LA Auto Show, just like the Hyundai Ioniq 7: both SUVs clearly target American customers.
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About the author: Gustavo Henrique Ruffo
Gustavo Henrique Ruffo profile photo

Motoring writer since 1998, Gustavo wants to write relevant stories about cars and their shift to a sustainable future.
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