Kia_EV9. Foto: KIA
With the flagship EV9 built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Kia is expanding its EV terrain and aims to further accelerate its transformation into a provider of sustainable mobility solutions. The launch of the first three-row electric SUV will begin in select international markets in the second half of the year. Kia plans to expand its range of all-battery electric vehicles to 15 models by 2027 and increase its annual global electric vehicle sales to 1.6 million units by 2030.
Like other Kia models, the EV9 has been tested in extreme heat and cold during the development process to ensure its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are up to all challenges. The EV9’s thermal system includes a heat pump, climate control, and defrost and defroster functions. Maximum comfort and ease of use are also ensured by a new, intuitive operating concept for the climate control system and additional ventilation outlets on the headliner that optimize air circulation. Engineers tested the systems and functions in northern Sweden and southern Spain, among other places, to ensure maximum performance and efficiency in a wide range of ambient temperatures.
Heat pump maximizes efficiency and range
While many electric cars use conventional electric heating for interior climate control, the EV9 has a heat pump that contributes to its high energy efficiency. It works much like a refrigerator, only in reverse: when it’s cool outside, it makes sure it’s warm inside. The heat pump is particularly efficient because it also uses the waste heat from the electric motors and power electronics to heat the interior. This energy saving has a positive effect on the EV9’s range. This is because the less electricity needed to keep the cabin warm, the more battery power is available to power the vehicle.
Three-zone automatic air conditioning and ventilation outlets on the headliner
With seating for up to seven, the EV9 is the ideal car for family or group trips. The three-zone automatic climate control system with separate settings for the driver’s seat, the front passenger’s seat and the rear is based on two independent heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Another factor contributing to the high level of individual comfort is that the seats in the first row and the outer seats in the second row have a ventilation function as standard and can be heated. This uses optimized heating elements that are particularly energy-efficient.
In the course of the tests, the control algorithm of the climate control system was tuned to ensure maximum interior comfort in extremely hot and cold environments while at the same time maximizing energy efficiency. The air conditioning system can automatically regulate the temperature as well as the intensity and direction of the air flow, but the occupants can also set this manually for the respective area.
The four ventilation outlets in the headliner also contribute to the comfortable climate for all occupants. Thanks to an optimum diffusion angle and very low air resistance, they ensure that all passengers in the second and third rows of seats benefit equally from the air conditioning.
In addition to the systems themselves, their controls have also been improved and simplified: the EV9 will be the first Kia model in Europe to feature a new control concept for the climate control system, which also has an optimized user interface. The new control panel provides an overview of all settings and makes it possible to adjust the climate control by direct selection without having to open the submenus in the infotainment system. This fast and intuitive operability also increases safety because the driver is less distracted and can concentrate fully on what is happening on the road.
Preventing the development of bacteria and odors
The EV9’s air conditioning system features fan tracking. It reduces the formation of condensation on the evaporator and thus serves to prevent the development of bacteria and the formation of odors. The system detects whether the air conditioning system has been used for a long period of time while driving and, if so, uses the fan to dry the inside of the air conditioning system. The function is only activated above a certain outside temperature to prevent additional battery discharge in winter.
High interior variability, long range, ultra-fast charging
The EV9 has a range of up to 541 kilometers (according to WLTP) and, thanks to its ultra-fast 800-volt charging capability, can “refuel” with electricity for a distance of 239 kilometers in around 15 minutes. The three-row interior is available with six or seven seats. Here, the second row of seats enables a variety of constellations tailored to different usage situations including charging stops and longer breaks. www.kia.com; press.kia.com/en.
