Kia EV9 sales are heating up in the US
Kia’s new three-row electric SUV is gaining momentum in the US. Over 1,400 Kia EV9 models were handed over in January, topping the EV6 in US sales.
Kia EV9 outpaces EV6 despite record sales month
Kia started the year strong, with EV sales growing 57% YOY. A big reason behind Kia’s success is the launch of its first three-row electric SUV, the EV9.
After launching the EV9 (see our review) in December, Kia sold 1,408 models last month. That’s up 27% from the 1,113 handed over the month before. Kia’s electric SUV even outsold Toyota’s sole EV, the bZ4X, in its first sales month.
Although Kia’s EV6 had a record January with 1,213 units sold, the new EV9 is already outpacing it as the brand expands into new segments.
Eric Watson, vice president of sales at Kia America, said, “Kia will charge ahead in 2024,” with several new or redesigned vehicles rolling out.
After opening EV9 pre-orders in October, Kia said the electric SUV received reservations in all 50 states less than two months later.
Kia calls the EV9’s $54,900 (not including destination) starting price an industry “wake-up call.” The EV9 is slightly bigger than Kia’s Telluride at 197.2″ long but is about the same height.
The EV9 features “true SUV capabilities,” according to Kia, with seating for up to seven, more cargo room than the Range Rover P400 3-Row, 7.9″ of ground clearance, and up to 304 miles EPA range.
With 42.8″ of 2nd-row legroom, the EV9 tops rivals, including the Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover P400 3-Row, and Mercedes EQS SUV. The third row also includes more shoulder and hip room than the Tesla’s Model X.
With up to 350 kW DC fast charging, the EV9 can charge from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes. The interior includes Kia’s next-gen ccNC infotainment with dual 12.3″ screens and an added 5″ HVAC screen.
Kia’s electric SUV comes in five trims. The base Light RWD EV9 starts at $54,900 (not including destination) with up to 230 miles EPA range.
|
Kia EV9 Trim |
MSRP (including $1,495 destination fee) |
EPA Est. Range (miles) |
| Light RWD | $56,395 | 230 |
| Light Long Range RWD |
$60,695 | 304 |
| Wind e-AWD | $65,395 | 280 |
| Land e-AWD | $71,395 | 280 |
| GT-Line e-AWD | $73,900 | 270 |
Although the Light Long Range RWD is over $4,000 more, you gain an extra 74 miles range (compared to the Light RWD).
Kia is building the EV9 in South Korea, but production is slated to move to its West Point, GA, plant early this year to take advantage of the federal tax credit.
For now, Kia continues offering the $7,500 EV tax credit through leasing. This makes the electric SUV cheaper than most rivals and will likely help drive Kia EV9 sales growth in 2024.
Electrek’s Take
At under $55,000, the EV9 is one of the cheapest three-row electric SUV’s on the market. It undercuts the Volvo EX90 ($77,000), Rivian R1S ($78,000), BWM iX ($87,000), and Tesla Model X ($79,990).
Kia’s EV9 is also competitively priced with Tesla’s top-selling Model Y. With the optional 7-seat layout (+$3,000), Tesla’s Model Y is around $52,000. That’s with up to 310 miles EPA range (Model Y Long Range). However, Kia’s EV9 is much larger and has more head and legroom.
At around $20,000 less than the competition, Kia’s EV9 looks like a steal. If you’ve been eyeing Kia’s new three-row electric SUV, we can help you start shopping today. You can use our link to find the best deals on the 2024 Kia EV9 at a dealer near you.
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The US Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $1.2 billion in financing to replace Puerto Rico’s fossil fuel plants with solar and battery storage through 2032.
The DOE’s Loan Programs Office announced two conditional commitments and one loan closing to power producers in Puerto Rico. Each supports a project contracted with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. The announcements include:
- The closing of a $584.5 million loan guarantee to subsidiaries of Convergent Energy to finance a 100 MW solar farm with a 55 MW (55 MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) in the municipality of Coamo and BESS installations in the municipalities of Caguas (25MW/100MWh), Peñuelas (100MW/400MWh), and Ponce (up to 100MW/400MWh)
- A conditional commitment for a loan guarantee of up to $133.6 million to a subsidiary of Infinigen for a 32.1 MW solar farm with an integrated 14.45 MW (4.76 MWh) BESS, and a co-located standalone 50 MW (200 MWh) BESS expansion in the municipality of Yabucoa
- A conditional commitment for a loan guarantee of up to $489.4 million to a subsidiary of Pattern Energy for three stand-alone BESS in the municipalities of Arecibo (50 MW/200 MWh), and Santa Isabel (50 MW /200 MWh and 80 MW/320 MW), and a 70 MW solar farm with an integrated BESS in the municipality of Arecibo.
If all are finalized, these projects would more than double LPO’s support for utility-scale solar generation and battery energy storage in Puerto Rico.
LPO provides low-cost financing and a rigorous due diligence process, making it a valuable resource for Puerto Rico as it works to rebuild an affordable, reliable, and clean energy system. As a result of reliance on imported fuel, the persistent threat of tropical storms, and underinvested infrastructure, Puerto Ricans today face average energy costs that are twice the US average – all while consuming only one-quarter of the energy of the US per capita.
LPO’s initial loan to a power producer in Puerto Rico, Project Marahu, closed in October 2024, and when complete will add more than 200 MW of solar and up to 285 MW of stand-alone energy storage to Puerto Rico’s grid.
Through its September 2023 partial loan guarantee to Project Hestia, LPO also supports virtual power plant (VPP)-ready rooftop solar and battery storage installations in Puerto Rico. As a nationwide project, Hestia’s sponsor is committed to at least 20% of installations under Project Hestia going to homeowners in Puerto Rico.
As part of its procurement plan, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority seeks to install 1,500 MW of battery storage and requires a minimum capacity of storage to be co-located with each utility-scale solar project. Energy storage systems currently online in Puerto Rico are being dispatched every day.
When including Marahu, LPO’s closed and conditionally committed financing supports over 100% of the capacity Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority aimed to procure under its initial request for energy storage project proposals, the first of six.
Read more: Cleantech investments to top fossil fuels for the first time in 2025
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Chevy just introduced new deals on the Equinox and Blazer EV models to make them even more affordable. With 0% interest and a new trade-in bonus, Chevy is offering over $5,000 in savings.
Chevy adds new Equinox and Blazer EV deals in January
Although the Chevy Equinox EV is already “the most affordable” EV in its class with over 315 miles range, it’s getting even cheaper.
Earlier this week, Chevy launched new deals on the 2024 Equinox and Blazer EV models. According to a note sent to dealers, viewed by CarsDirect, the electric SUVs are now available with 0% APR financing for 60 months. You can also choose from 0.9% AP for 72 months and 2.9% APR for 84 months.
This marks the best financing offer on Chevy’s newest EVs to date. The previous best rates were 0.9% APR for 60 months, 3.9% for 72 months, and 5.9% for the longer 84-month option.
On a 7-year $45,000 loan, online auto research firm CarsDirect estimates the new deals amount to around a $5,200 price cut. The lower APR rates are already offered on the Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup.
In addition, Chevy is offering a trade-in bonus of up to $3,000 on the Silverado EV and $1,000 on the electric Equinox and Blazer models. If you choose to lease, the bonus is cut in half: $1,500 for the Silverado and $500 for the electric SUVs.
Chevy’s new EV deals started on January 14 and run through March 3, 2025. The deals come as rivals like Hyundai and Ford recently launched new EV promotions.
On Thursday, Hyundai launched a new promo on the upgraded 2025 IONIQ 5, which includes monthly leases as low as $199 and a free ChargePoint home EV charger (or $400 charging credit). Meanwhile, Ford extended its “Power Promise” program earlier this month, which also includes a free home charger, among several other benefits.
The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV started at $41,900 with up to 315 miles range. Prices for the electric Chevy Blazer start at $43,690 with up to 279 miles range.
If you are ready to try out Chevy’s new electric SUVs for yourself, we’ve got you covered. You can use our links below to view offers on the Chevy Equinox, Silverado, and Blazer EV models near you.
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In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss non-Tesla EVs getting Supercharger access, Cybertruck sales in the spotlight, Rivian getting some money from Biden, and more.
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