![Swivel seats!? Kia reveals new images of EV9 SUV inside and out ahead of global debut [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/Kia-EV9-Rear-Hero.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Swivel seats!? Kia reveals new images of EV9 SUV inside and out ahead of global debut [Video]
Weeks after teasing the public with a peek at its shadowy exterior, Kia has finally shared its first official images of its upcoming EV9 SUV both inside and out. Described with an “opposites united” design philosophy, this all-electric SUV looks like it will offer plenty of space inside and atop Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform and has unique six- and seven-seat options you’ve gotta see.
The Kia EV9 will debut as the second all-electric model donning the Korean automaker’s new “EV” series nomenclature and its first three-row, all-electric SUV. Like the EV6 crossover that proceeded it, the EV9 its built upon Hyundai Motor Group’s 800V E-GMP platform, offering a “technology for life” design philosophy throughout that, “promotes intuitive interactions between humans and machines.”
Last summer, we got our very first look at the EV9 prototype, although it was a camouflaged version. In late January, we reported what we believed to be the expected specs of the Kia EV9, which could arrive in five different trim options. We will learn if that’s true later this month, but more on that below.
In February, we shared what appeared to be the first public sighting of the EV9, which very closely resembled the original concept that debuted back in November of 2021. However, Kia would not confirm if the video was legitimate. Instead, it released some teaser footage of its own featuring a dark silhouetted exterior, promising more visuals to come.
Today is that day and Kia has shared the following exterior and interior images you’ll see below, alongside an official unveiling video. Have a look.
Our first official look at the Kia EV9
As you can see from the images above, the Kia EV9 does in fact closely resemble the original concept EV introduced two years ago. The automaker states that a “bold for nature” design philosophy went into the exterior of the SUV, which combines elements from both the natural and material worlds.
The front features a “digital pattern lighting grill” that helps make up the Kia EV9’s signature “digital tiger face.” Do you see it? Kia points out that two clusters of small cube lamps (notice it’s not calling them “parametric pixels” like Hyundai does) are placed within the body adjacent to each of the headlamps. LED daytime running lights offer an animated lighting pattern than you can see in the video below.
Other exterior features include polygonal design language, particularly noticeable on the SUV’s side profile as well as triangular structures in the fender. The rear features slim lights that mirror its front, offering what Kia describes as a, “strong and confident stance.” Onto the interior.
While we’ve previously been able to surmise what the exterior of the Kia EV9 will generally look like, this is our first real look at its cabin, and it’s pretty. Given the super flat E-GMP platform to build upon, Kia’s designers prioritized space, comfort, and technology throughout the interior of the three-row SUV. Per the release:
Built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9’s long wheelbase, low beltline, and completely flat electric vehicle architecture have facilitated the creation of generous space for all occupants to connect and relax with lounge-style comfort in all three rows of seats. Offered in both six and seven-seat formats, Kia captured feedback from families to evaluate seating configurations and features to ensure the EV9 delivers equality of space, comfort and experience for all occupants without placing all of its focus on the driver.
As you’ve probably already noticed in the images above, the Kia EV9 is unique in that its second row seats can swivel 180-degrees to face the passengers seated in the third row… or if those passengers want to wave at the cars behind them like some of us did in station wagons as children.
The panoramic dash features two 12.3-inch touchscreen to control vehicle functions while limiting physical buttons, simultaneously providing more opportunities for upgrades over-the-air in the future. Charging points are available throughout the cabin, including a wireless pad in the front along with ports in the third-row.
Kia states the EV9 will make its official global debut later this month, when it will share more information about the electric SUVs performance, trim levels, etc. We will be sure to keep you in the loop as those pertinent details come in, but in the meantime, check out the full EV9 unveiling video below:
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![Stig drifts 2,000 hp electric Ford Supervan around Top Gear test track [video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/stig_vs_supervan.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
The Top Gear TV show might be over, but its tamed racing driver – a masked, anonymous hot shoe known only as “the Stig” – lives on … and his latest adventure involves pitching the 1,400 hp electric Ford SuperVan demonstration vehicle around the famed Top Gear test track. Sideways.
Whether we’re talking about record lap times at hallowed motorsports grounds like Bathhurst or the Hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, we’ve been covering the 1,400 hp SuperVan project for some time – but the big boxy Transit-ish racing van with hypercar-slaying performance never seems to get boring.
In this video from the official Top Gear YouTube channel (is Top Gear just a YouTube show, now?), the boxy Ford racer seems to have sprouted an additional 600 peak horsepower in its latest “4.2” iteration, for a stout 2,000 hp total. For his (?) part, the Stig puts all of those horses to work in what appears to be a serious attempt to take the overall track record.
I won’t spoil the outcome for you, but suffice it to say that even the most die-hard anti-EV hysterics will have to admit that SuperVan is a seriously quick machine.
SuperVan 4.2: How fast can a 2000 hp transit go?
[SPOILERS AHEAD] Even with 2,000 hp, instant torque, and over 4,000 lbs. of aerodynamic downforce, the SuperVan wasn’t able to beat the long-standing 1st and 2nd place spots held by the Renault R24 (a legit Formula 1 race car) and the Lotus T125 Exos (a track-only special that sure looks like a legit Formula 1 race car), but after crossing the line with a time of 1:05.3, the Ford claims third place on the overall leaderboard.
That 3rd place is likely to be a permanent spot on Top Gear‘s leaderboard, as well – as the track itself is likely to be demolished somewhat sooner than later.
You can check out the video (above) and watch the whole segment for yourself, or just skip ahead to the eight-minute mark to watch the tire-shredding sideways action promised in the headline. If you do, let us know what you think of Ford’s fast “van” in the comments.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Top Gear.
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Swedish multinational Sandvik says it’s successfully deployed a pair of fully autonomous Toro LH518iB battery-electric underground loaders at the New Gold Inc. ($NGD) New Afton mine in British Columbia, Canada.
The heavy mining equipment experts at Sandvik say that the revolutionary new 18 ton loaders have been in service since mid-November, working in a designated test area of the mine’s “Lift 1” footwall. The mine’s operators are preparing to move the automated machines to the mine’s “C-Zone” any time now, putting them into regular service by the first of the new year.
“This is a significant milestone for Canadian mining, as these are North America’s first fully automated battery-electric loaders,” Sandvik said in a LinkedIn post. “(The Toro LH518iB’s) introduction highlights the potential of automation and electrification in mining.”
The company says the addition of the new heavy loaders will enable New Afton’s operations to “enhance cycle times and reduce heat, noise and greenhouse gas emissions” at the block cave mine – the only such operation (currently) in Canada.
Electrek’s Take
From drilling and rigging to heavy haul solutions, companies like Sandvik are proving that electric equipment is more than up to the task of moving dirt and pulling stuff out of the ground. At the same time, rising demand for nickel, lithium, and phosphates combined with the natural benefits of electrification are driving the adoption of electric mining machines while a persistent operator shortage is boosting demand for autonomous tech in those machines.
The combined factors listed above are rapidly accelerating the rate at which machines that are already in service are becoming obsolete – and, while some companies are exploring the cost/benefit of converting existing vehicles to electric or, in some cases, hydrogen, the general consensus seems to be that more companies will be be buying more new equipment more often in the years ahead.
What’s more, more of that equipment will be more and more likely to be autonomous as time goes on.
We covered the market outlook for autonomous and electric mining equipment earlier this summer, and I posted an episode exploring the growing demand for electric equipment on an episode of Quick Charge I’ve embedded, below. Check it out, then let us know what you think of the future of electric mining in the comments.
More EVs means more mines, equipment
SOURCE | IMAGES: Sandvik, via LinkedIn.
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European logistics firm Contargo is adding twenty of Mercedes’ new, 600 km-capable eActros battery electric semi trucks to its trimodal delivery fleet, bringing zero-emission shipping to Germany’s hinterland.
With over 300 miles of all-electric range, the new Mercedes eActros 600 electric semi truck was designed for (what a European would call) long-haul trucking. Now, after officially entering production at the company’s Wörth plant in Bavaria last month, the eActros 600 is reaching its first customer: Contargo.
With the addition of the twenty new Mercedes, Contargo’s electric truck fleet has grown to 60 BEVs, with plans to increase that total to 90. And, according to Mercedes, Contargo is just the first.
The German truck company says it has plans to deliver fifty (50) of the 600 kWh battery-equipped electric semi trucks to German shipping companies by the close of 2024.
Contargo’s 20 eActros 600 trucks were funded in part by the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport as part of a broader plan to replace a total of 86 diesel-engined commercial vehicles with more climate-friendly alternatives. The funding directive is coordinated by NOW GmbH, and the applications were approved by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility.
Electrek’s Take
Electric semi trucks are racking up millions of miles in the US, and abroad. As more and more pilot programs begin to pay off, they’re going to lead to more orders for battery electric trucks and more reductions in both diesel demand and harmful carbon emissions.
We can’t wait to see more.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Contargo, via Electrive.
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