Kia has (very briefly) teased images of its forthcoming EV9 SUV, which is expected to be the next model built on the brand’s new electric car platform (E-GMP). The car appeared for a few seconds in a live presentation that was focussed on Kia’s committment to sustainability. 

According to an equally brief description in the acccompanying media release, Kia says the EV9’s design has been ‘inspired by nature’, and uses upcycled materials developed from ocean waste, including plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets.

Although Kia officially calls the new model Concept EV9, judging by the images (which we have enhanced from the video) the car will take the form of a large SUV that appears to be similar in size to the brand’s Telluride model, which is a strong seller in the North American market. While the EV9 is likely to be sold in Europe, Kia will target the US market where larger SUVs are in much higher demand. No launch date has been announced, but given the usual timeline, we’d expect EV9 to be launched in 2023.

Nothing yet is known about the battery options or range, but Kia has stated previously that the E-GMP platform is modular and can be adapted to accommodate different numbers of battery cells. Given the size of the EV9, it’s likely that it will come with more than the 77.4kWh pack currently offered in the EV6. 

The wraps will officially come off the Concept EV9 on November 17 at AutoMobility LA, which takes place at the LA Convention Center in the US. 

Vast Kia SUV is likely to get a 100kWh battery pack to deliver more than 350 miles of range