EV9 concept previews Kia’s next electric SUV

KIA has released a series of teaser images of its EV9 Concept, a large, all-electric SUV the Korean brand says embodies its commitment to becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider. 

The images were released at the same time as the brand outlined further details of its roadmap to carbon neutrality, Kia aiming to reduce its carbon emissions by 97 per cent compared with 2019 by the year 2045 via three distinct pillars: Sustainable mobility, sustainable planet, and sustainable energy.

The Kia EV9 Concept follows the recent global launch of the EV6 that will go on sale in Australia next year. It similarly combines a progressive design with state-of-the-art technology and an all-electric driveline. 

A LandCruiser-sized SUV that Kia says has an “upright and capable stylistic stance” coupled with a “highly conceptual cabin”, the EV9 promises flexible and adaptive seating, an ultra-wide instrument and infotainment screen, and a “radical new take” on the steering wheel.

Kia plans to debut its EV9 concept to the world at this month’s AutoMobility LA show.

The Korean car-maker also outlined further information about its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, its ‘Kia Sustainability Movement’ virtual presentation sharing details of the company’s approach to creating “sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and global society”.

This is the first meaningful announcement of the brand’s corporate stance on the topic, outlining its efforts to reduce carbon emissions in all operational facets, from supply, logistics, vehicle production and vehicle use through to disposal of waste.

Kia says it will attain carbon neutrality by implementing additional measures to fully offset its remaining carbon emissions.

“For us, it is not only about setting goals and reaching targets. It is about setting a vision that will inspire others to join the movement to benefit humanity and protect the environment. In line with our vision of becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider, we commit to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045,” said Kia President and CEO Hosung Song.

Mr Song said that Kia plans to achieve full electrification in major markets by 2040 and in Europe by 2035, prioritising the “transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to a full eco-friendly vehicle line-up” while also working with its suppliers to “reduce carbon emissions from the parts supply stage”.

Kia said it aims to create a carbon emissions monitoring system for its partner companies by 2022 and will provide solutions to its suppliers based on the resulting data. A key element to this plan is the use of ‘green steel’, the company citing steel production as one of the biggest global carbon emitters.

It has also committed to the greater use of recycled plastics, targeting a 20 per cent increase in plastic reuse by 2030.

Further, the brand will initiate what it calls its ‘Blue Carbon’ project to “proactively make a tangible contribution to preserving the environment instead of just reducing emissions to achieve its carbon neutrality target”.

The project will focus on marine ecosystems which are one of the most efficient absorbers of carbon, Kia assisting in the restoration and preservation of coastal wetlands in collaboration with external partners and also with the non-profit organisation The Ocean Cleanup.

Finally, the brand says it will achieve zero emissions at all of its business sites by 2045, joining sister company Hyundai Motor Group and its subsidiaries in signing up to the RE100 initiative. 

The decision will result in Kia sites transitioning to 100 per cent renewable energy, starting with overseas sites by 2030 and Kia’s domestic operations by 2040.

To help accomplish this goal, Kia will actively transition to solar energy generation for business sites in Korea, the United States, China, and India.

In line with Kia’s RE100 commitment, Kia’s Slovakia production facility has already turned to 100 per cent green energy in electricity generation.

Kia will also transition all company fleet vehicles to electrified vehicles by 2030.