Kia opened online reservations for its flagship EV9 electric SUV in Canada on Monday. Despite only allocating just over 500 EV9 models, the electric SUV received “notably high” reservations. So much so Kia plans to relaunch the program.
Kia launches a new flagship electric SUV
The South Korean automaker’s first three-row electric SUV is expected to serve as a symbol of what’s to come from Kia in the new electric era.
Kia officially introduced the EV9 to the world in March, claiming it’s bringing the three-row SUV into the EV era with available features that matter the most. These include ample interior space (for cargo and passengers), up to 5,000 lbs of towing capabilities, enhanced vehicle dynamics, and modern tech and software.
The electric SUV is based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s 800V E-GMP platform – the same one that powers the IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6, featuring fourth-gen battery tech and fast charging (10% to 80% in under 25 minutes).
At up to 5,015 mm (197 in) long, the EV9 is slightly longer than the Telluride with a similar height of 1,780 mm (70 in) and width of 1,980 mm (78 in). It also puts the electric SUV in the same category as the Ford Explorer at 199 inches long, 79 inches wide, and 70 inches tall.
Kia EV9 GT-Line (Source: Kia Canada)
The exterior features Kia’s new dynamic design with a new Tiger Face grill up front to replace the Kia “Tiger Nose” grill we have grown accustomed to.
Kia’s flagship electric SUV is essentially a mobile living room with the automaker’s most advanced interior yet.
Kia EV9 GT-Line (Source: Kia Canada)
This includes Kia’s next-gen ultramodern Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system, executive seats (for everyone, not just those up front) with included “Relaxation Mode,” and centrally mounted, hidden-until-lit haptic switches for key infotainment features that appear when the EV9 is turned on.
Kia EV9 interior (Source: Kia Canada)
It also includes an optional Digital Rearview Mirror to replace the traditional one, 14-speaker 708-watt Meridian Premium Audio, and LED lighting for the Kia logo on the steering wheel.
The Kia EV9 will feature the latest in-vehicle software and connectivity tech, which includes Kia’s most advanced Highway Driving Pilot, onboard power generator abilities (through V2L), and OTA updates.
Kia EV9 GT-line interior (Source: Kia)
Kia EV9’s strong sales start
Kia reportedly began EV9 deliveries in its home market on June 19, according to information from the Korea Economic Daily. After eight days on the market, the electric SUV gathered over 13,000 preorders.
The automaker sold 1,334 EV9 models during its first month on the market, nearly outselling the EV6 electric crossover. An official from the automaker said over 50% of preorders are from new customers.
Kia EV9 (Source: Kia)
Kia launched the EV9 in another big auto market in Canada Monday. In Canada, the EV9 is offered with a 99.8 kWh battery with a single motor configuration providing 298 mi (480 km) targeted range. Or, Kia is offering a dual-motor 379 hp (283 kW) AWD configuration with up to 516 lb-ft of torque.
After seeing buyers rushing in on social media, Electrek reached out to Kia to see how the first day of sales went.
According to Kia’s Canada website on Monday, there were only 527 vehicles available for sale (I was number 55,542 in the queue Monday afternoon before the site crashed). A Kia spokesperson tells Electrek:
The demand was notably high for EV9 reservations in Canada, so much so that it was higher traffic to the website than anticipated. We’ve temporarily paused reservations, as some requests were not processed.
Kia says it will relaunch the reservation program, and those interested should stay keep a lookout in their email, Kia.Ca, and on its social channels for more information.
Kia EV9 electric SUV models (Source: Kia)
Meanwhile, Kia plans to launch the EV9 in the US by the end of the year. The three-row electric SUV will come in two powertrain options, including a standard 76.1 kWh battery with a 215 hp (160 kW) motor. Buyers can opt for the optional 99.8 kWh battery detailed above.
The EV9 will be Kia’s first electric vehicle assembled in the US. Assembly is expected to begin at its West Point, Georgia facility, starting next year.
Kia has yet to release prices but based on prices in other markets, we expect the EV9 to start around $60K for the standard battery and upwards of $70K for the larger one.
Electrek’s Take
Obviously, 500 units is not a lot to allocate. However, as its flagship EV, it’s encouraging to see higher-than-expected demand in several markets so far.
By the looks of it, Kia may want to consider distributing more (and maybe a new website). Although many of the early units are being allocated in its home market, demand for electric SUVs is growing globally.
Perhaps Kia will have enough to meet the demand once production begins in Georgia next year. We’ll update you as the Kia EV9 rolls out across the US, Canada, and other key markets.
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Lotus Cars’ compelling, high-performance electric sports sedan and SUV received a number of fresh updates earlier this week, but packs superior infotainment tech, styling tweaks, and (of course) a mind-bending 905 electric horsepower. (!)
The next update on the list is the addition of 22″, 10-spoke ultralight alloy wheels across the entire Eletre lineup. Both the 600 and 600 SE variants retain last year’s 6-piston fixed front and floating rear brake calipers, while the top-tier 900 model gets a high-performance, 10-piston, carbon-ceramic braking system that’s more than capable of hauling the Eletre SUV down from speed, lap after lap.
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They’ll need those brakes, too – because these things are fast, and getting faster with seemingly every new software update. “Things can always go faster,” reads the official Lotus copy. “The new Eletre and Emeya ‘900’ provide unmistakable evidence, representing superlatives in terms of performance. Both rely on a 675 kW (~915 hp) strong dual-motor powertrain.”
Both Lotus 900s can put that power to the ground effectively enough to rocket from 0-62 mph (100 km) in a well under 3.0 seconds on their way to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (256 km/h) in the Eletre, and 160 mph (265 km/h) in the Emeya. The 600s aren’t exactly slow, either, packing 405 kW electric motors (~600 hp) good for 0-60 times in the mid 4s.
Inside, the Eletre and Emeya designs carries over without major changes. Lotus enhanced the features list on various trims. The 600 models now include 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, as well as 15-speaker audio systems from KEF. The 600 SE further adds a PDLC smart panoramic sunroof, 20-way power-adjustable front seats, front seat massage function, and active rear-wheel steering.
CarNewsChina reports that the updated 900 model builds upon the 600 SE’s new offerings with an intelligent, active anti-roll control suspension system.
Pricing for the 2026 Lotus EVs starts at 538,000 yuan (74,800 USD) in China, and climbs to over 838,000 yuan (116,500 USD) for the top-shelf Lotus Eletre 900 SUV. All models carry the same two-speed transmission and 112 kWh battery (102 kWh in the UK), good for up to 610 km (~375 miles) of driving between charges.
It wasn’t that long ago that a 900+ hp car was a cammy, rough-riding mess of a machine that you could barely take through a drive thru, but could probably land on the cover of a car magazine. Today, that same 900 hp in a quiet, smooth, reliable EV hardly generates a headline. And, almost in defiance of the “everything just keeps getting more expensive” truism, these mind-bending supercars can be had for less than what cars like this used to cost with gas engines and a third of the power.
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The welding equipment experts at Lincoln Electric know a thing or two about high-voltage equipment. Now, they’re bringing that electrical expertise to a whole new market with a portable, self-contained, 50 kW DC fast charger designed to deliver a quick shot of range and get stranded drivers back on the road.
Lincoln Electric’s Velion 50 kW DC fast charger is pitched as a durable, compact mobile charging unit that’s perfect for tow truck operators and construction fleets dealing with vehicles and fleet assets that couldn’t quite make their way back to a charger. So, you’re looking at this and thinking of one of those red, 5-gallon gas tanks that helps get drivers off the highway and to the next exit, congratulations: you get it!
“[Velion is] Designed for flexible, mobile use,” said Bruce Chantry, Vice President, Electric Vehicle Solutions at Lincoln Electric, during a buzzword-packed introduction of the new machine. “Designed in collaboration with the market and leveraging decades of expertise in power electronics, our solution is engineered to provide the flexibility customers need today, with a future-ready design to meet the demands of tomorrow.”
Designed, engineered, and assembled in the United States with over 70% domestic content, the Velion charger meets all National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) and Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements.
Lincoln Electric plans to sell the Velion DCFC to municipal fleets and state highway agencies, first, and envisions it being deployed in tough environments like construction sites, emergency response arenas, and complex fixed fleet depots. Car dealerships, museums, and probably ambulances too, could benefit – but I’m sure that’s just scratching the surface.
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Watch the Lincoln Electric launch video for the Velion from earlier this summer, below, then let us know how you’d like to see a mobile fast charger get deployed in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Lincoln Electric Velion DCFC
Velion 50 kW mobile charger; via Lincoln Electric.
The company hasn’t announced pricing or battery energy capacity (in kWh) for the new Velion, but I’d guess it’s something higher than 15 kWh, but less than 20. If you guys have a better guess, I’d love to hear it!
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Electric vehicles have come a long way, but let’s be real—they still have their hangups: “range anxiety,” long charging times, and questions about safety and sustainability. But what if all those worries could be put to rest?
At IAA Mobility in Munich, CATL, one of the world’s biggest battery makers, unveiled a new technology that could revolutionize EVs.
Shenxing Pro: Go Far, Last Long
CATL debuted two versions of its next-gen Shenxing Pro battery. One is all about distance and durability. Picture this: a single charge gets you up to 758 km (or about 470 miles). That’s enough to drive from Houston to Memphis without a single stop. And it’s not just about the distance; this thing is built to last. It promises a lifespan of 12 years or 1,000,000 km, with only around 9% degradation after 200,000 km. That’s a huge leap from today’s EV batteries, which often lose up to 30% of their capacity over the same period.
Fast Charging, Even When It’s Freezing
Tired of waiting around for your car to charge? The second version of the Shenxing Pro is for you. It’s the Super Fast Charging model, designed to get you back on the road in minutes. CATL says it can add a whopping 478 km of range in just 10 minutes under perfect conditions. And here’s the best part: it holds its own in the cold. We all know how much cold weather messes with most EV batteries, but the Shenxing Pro still delivers up to 410 km of range in just 20 minutes at a chilling -20°C. That’s better than many EVs perform in normal temperatures!
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No Propagation 3.0: Safety First
Safety is a top concern with EV batteries, especially the risk of thermal runaway—that’s when one cell overheats and triggers a dangerous chain reaction. CATL’s new No Propagation 3.0 platform is engineered to stop that domino effect cold. It uses special fireproof coatings and a cell structure that quickly cools down and relieves pressure. In the rare event of a problem, the battery can still provide stable power for over an hour. That extra time is a lifeline, giving drivers the chance to get to safety and ensuring critical systems like advanced driver-assistance features stay online when you need them most.
Getting Greener, At Scale
CATL is also tackling the sustainability issue head-on. Through a new initiative called the Global Energy Circular Commitment (GECC), they aim to cut the use of new raw materials by half over the next two decades. They’re already a leader in this space, operating the world’s largest battery recycling network. Since 2024, they’ve recycled over 130,000 tons of used batteries, recovering 99.6% of crucial metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
The Whole Package
What’s so impressive about the Shenxing Pro isn’t just one feature—it’s everything working together. By improving range, charging speed, safety, and sustainability all at once, CATL isn’t just fixing a single problem; they’re taking on the biggest obstacles to widespread EV adoption. If these batteries live up to the hype, the next wave of EVs could be more efficient, more reliable, and a whole lot greener.
The bottom line? CATL’s latest battery tech in tandem with other commitments could prove to be the building blocks for the next wave of EVs in Europe and beyond.
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