Connect with us

Published

on

Kia’s first three-row electric SUV is now available to order. The automaker opened EV9 orders Monday with starting prices under $55,000.

After unveiling its largest electric SUV in March, Kia is now accepting orders for the much anticipated EV9.

Kia says the EV9 delivers “sought-after features packed into one powerhouse EV SUV.” With “true SUV capabilities,” like up to 5,000 pounds of towing, seating for seven, 81 cubic feet of cargo space, and 7.8 inches of ground clearance, the EV9 checks all the boxes.

The EV9 is slightly bigger than the Kia Telluride at 197.2 inches, but they are the same height (up to 70.1 inches) and width (77.9 inches). Despite its boxy design, the EV9 has a drag coefficient of 0.28, edging out the Volvo EX90 at 0.29.

You will see Kia’s new design language all over the EV9. The strong and rugged-looking electric SUV features Kia’s new “Digital Tiger Face” with slim LED headlights, replacing the signature Tiger Nose.

On the inside, Kia included its latest in-vehicle tech, like its Connected Car Navigation (ccNC) Cockpit system. A new infotainment makes it easier to navigate while speeding up processing times.

One of the first things you will notice is the new “elliptical-shaped” dash with a floating single panoramic display screen. The screen shows a dual 12.3-inch infotainment and driver display with a 5-inch HVAC screen.

Kia-EV9-orders
Kia EV9 interior (Source: Kia)

Hidden switches for various infotainment features can be found underneath the screen. Still included are physical buttons for volume, temperature, and fan speed.

Powered by Hyundai’s E-GMP platform (the same used for the EV6 and IONIQ 5), the EV9 can charge from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes.

Kia-EV9-orders
Kia EV9 three-row seating (Source: Kia)

Kia opens EV9 electric SUV reservations

The EV9 starts at $54,900 (not including destination) and is available in five trims: Light, Long Range RWD, Wind AWD, Land AWD, and a sporty GT-line.

Last week, Kia shared EPA range estimates (up to 304 miles of range) for each trim. You can view the final details in the chart below.

2024 Kia EV9 Trim Battery EPA Est.
Range
(miles)
MSRP*
Light RWD 76.1 kWh 230 $54,900
Light Long
Range RWD
99.8 kWh 304 $59,200
Wind e-AWD 99.8 kWh 280 $63,900
Land e-AWD 99.8 kWh 280 $69,900
GT-Line e-AWD 99.8 kWh 270 $73,900
2024 Kia EV9 prices (*excluding $1,495
destination fee) and specs (Source: Kia)

If you reserve your EV9 before November 27, you will be eligible for a “suite of gifts” courtesy of Kia. These include a Webasto Go Dual Voltage Portable EV Charger ($549 value), a complimentary three-year Kia maintenance plan, and one year of available digital features and services.

Kia-EV-orders
Kia EV9 electric SUV models (Source: Kia)

The deal includes buying or leasing. In addition, all customers will get a credit for 1,000 kWh of charging with Electrify America.

If you’re interested, Kia EV9 orders are now live. You can head over to Kia’s website to select your trim, color, and package with a $750 fully refundable fee.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

New ‘world’s lightest, most efficient’ e-bike motor lands on another model

Published

on

By

New 'world's lightest, most efficient' e-bike motor lands on another model

Last week, we reported that the e-bike world had a new motor claiming to be the lightest and most efficient. Now, we’re already seeing TQ’s new TQHPR40 motor proliferate on more road and gravel e-bikes, including the recently announced E-ASTR from Ridely.

Ridley’s new E‑ASTR brings lightweight electric assistance to its already impressive ASTR gravel platform, powered by the cutting-edge TQ HPR40 mid-drive system. Unlike bulkier e‑bike setups, this system adds just 1.17 kg (2.6 lb) at the crank and a discreet 1.46 kg (3.2 lb) and 290 Wh battery hidden within the downtube, keeping the frame’s silhouette nearly identical to the non-electric version of the same bike. According to BikeRumor, riders looking closely might spot only a slightly fatter downtube, internal cable routing, and a handlebar-end LED indicator, giving visual clues without shouting “electric bike.”

What the E‑ASTR gives up in sheer power from the petite motor, it gains in ride feel. The HPR40 is said to deliver a modest 40 Nm of torque and up to 200W of assist, or enough to smooth out climbs or offer a tailwind on gravel without overpowering the rider. With support cut off at 25 km/h (15.5 mph), pedal responsiveness remains natural and fluid. Combined with the ASTR’s race-inspired geometry, the bike looks to offer sharp handling and comfort suited to the rigors of modern gravel routes.

Ridley is currently offering the E‑ASTR in three spec levels: a value SRAM Apex XPLR AXS build €7,199 (or approximately US $8,500), a mid-range SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1×13 version for €8,199 (or approximately US $9,700), and a top-tier Shimano GRX 2×12 Di2 model for €8,899 (or approximately US $10,500). Each features high-end drivetrains, integrated cockpit options, carbon wheels, and industry-standard gravel brakes and tires. With its race-ready frame and stealthy, lightweight e‑assistance, the E‑ASTR is positioning itself as a high-performance gravel machine that stays true to its roots, delivering help when needed, without overshadowing the rider.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Wait, you’re telling me that’s an electric bike?!

Ultra-lightweight motors like the TQHPR40 are quietly reshaping the e-bike industry by making electric assistance almost invisible, both in looks and in feel. As systems shrink and integrate more seamlessly into traditional bike frames, they’re opening the door to new categories of performance-oriented e-bikes that preserve the ride dynamics of analog bikes while offering just enough support when it counts.

For riders who value a natural pedaling experience but still want a little help on climbs or longer days, and especially for aging riders who want to maintain their riding habits despite father time taking an impact on joints and muscles, these minimalist systems are proving that you don’t need a bulky battery or a massive motor to get the benefits of going electric. The result is a wave of stealthy, high-performance e-bikes that are less about replacing effort and more about enhancing the ride.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Tesla, Trump alliance falls apart – but there’s BIG news for electric semi fleets

Published

on

By

Tesla, Trump alliance falls apart – but there's BIG news for electric semi fleets

After a month off trying to wrap our heads around all the chaos surrounding EVs, solar, and everything else in Washington, we’re back with the biggest EV news stories of the day from Tesla, Ford, Volvo, and everyone else on today’s hiatus-busting episode of Quick Charge!

It just gets worse and worse for the Tesla true believers – especially those willing to put their money where Elon’s mouth is! One believer is set to lose nearly $50,000 betting on Tesla’s ability to deliver a Robotaxi service by the end of June (didn’t happen), and the controversial CEO’s most recent spat with President Trump had TSLA down nearly 5% in pre-morning trading.

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple PodcastsSpotifyTuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (and sometimes Sunday). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Hyundai is about to reveal a new EV and it could be the affordable IONIQ 2

Published

on

By

Hyundai is about to reveal a new EV and it could be the affordable IONIQ 2

Hyundai is getting ready to shake things up. A new electric crossover SUV, likely the Hyundai IONIQ 2, is set to debut in the coming months. It will sit below the Kona Electric as Hyundai expands its entry-level EV lineup.

Is Hyundai launching the IONIQ 2 in 2026?

After launching the Inster late last year, Hyundai is already preparing to introduce a new entry-level EV in Europe.

Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Europe, confirmed that the new EV will be revealed “in the next few months.” It will be built in Europe and scheduled to go on sale in mid-2026.

Hyundai’s new electric crossover is expected to be a twin to the Kia EV2, which will likely arrive just ahead of it next year.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

It will be underpinned by the same E-GMP platform, which powers all IONIQ and Kia EV models (EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9).

Like the Kia EV3, it will likely be available with either a 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery pack option. The former provides a WLTP range of 267 miles while the latter is rated with up to 372 miles. All trims are powered by a single electric motor at the front, producing 201 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque.

Kia-EV2
Kia EV2 Concept (Source: Kia)

Although it may share the same underpinnings as the EV2, Hyundai’s new entry-level EV will feature an advanced new software and infotainment system.

According to Autocar, the interior will represent a “step change” in terms of usability and features. The new system enables new functions, such as ambient lighting and sounds that adjust depending on the drive mode.

Hyundai-IONIQ-2-EV
Hyundai E&E tech platform powered by Pleos (Source: Hyundai)

It’s expected to showcase Hyundai’s powerful new Pleos software and infotainment system. As an end-to-end software platform, Pleos connects everything from the infotainment system (Pleos Connect) to the Vehicle Operating System (OS) and the cloud.

Pleos is set to power Hyundai’s upcoming software-defined vehicles (SDVs) with new features like autonomous driving and real-time data analysis.

Hyundai-new-Pleos-OS
Hyundai’s next-gen infotainment system powered by Pleos (Source: Hyundai)

As an Android-based system, Pleos Connect features a “smartphone-like UI” with new functions including multi-window viewing and an AI voice assistant.

The new electric crossover is expected to start at around €30,000 ($35,400), or slightly less than the Kia EV3, priced from €35,990 ($42,500). It will sit between the Inster and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s lineup.

Hyundai said that it would launch the first EV with its next-gen infotainment system in Q2 2026. Will it be the IONIQ 2? Hyundai is expected to unveil the new entry-level EV at IAA Mobility in September. Stay tuned for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending