Revealing the SEVEN concept at the 2021 AutoMobility LA, Hyundai sent shockwaves through the electric vehicle (EV) industry. This three-row behemoth envisioned as a comfortable and powerful family hauler, stood as a perfect counterpart to Kia’s recently launched EV9.
As many anticipated, the natural progression was for the SEVEN to change into the Ioniq 7, further solidifying Hyundai’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle race. However, a recent press release from Hyundai Motor America has thrown a wrench into these seemingly preordained plans.
Their roadmap for the 2025 US market throws a curveball with the cryptic inclusion of an “Ioniq 3-row SUV (EV)”. This conspicuous absence of the “Ioniq 7” label has ignited a firestorm of speculation.
The most prominent theory centers around a potential name change to “Ioniq 9.” This strategic shift could serve a two-fold purpose: firstly, aligning Hyundai’s naming convention with Kia’s EV lineup (which jumps from the EV6 to the EV9).
Secondly, it could pave the way for the introduction of additional Hyundai electric vehicles soon. With two existing EVs the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 Hyundai appears poised for an aggressive expansion in the electric vehicle market, and the “Ioniq 9” moniker could be the opening salvo in this ambitious plan.
Regardless of the final name, the arrival of this family-oriented electric SUV, slated for production at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, signifies Hyundai’s commitment to offering a diverse range of electric vehicles to cater to the evolving needs of American drivers.
Kia is amping up its electric vehicle (EV) lineup with the introduction of the EV9, a spacious seven-seater SUV boasting an impressive range and slated for production alongside other Hyundai and Genesis electric models at a new $7.59 billion assembly plant in Georgia.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the EV9 can travel up to 304 miles (489 kilometers) on a single charge, exceeding the initial estimate based on the SEVEN concept car. Kia has also emphasized the EV9’s fast-charging capabilities, aiming to reach 80% from 10% in just 24 minutes under ideal conditions.
In terms of pricing, the base EV9 offers a compelling combination of range and affordability, starting at $54,900 for a 230-mile (370-kilometer) range. Stepping up to the Light Long Range RWD variant unlocks the maximum EPA-estimated range of 304 miles and starts at $59,200 (excluding destination charge).
Rear-wheel drive is expected to be standard across the EV9 lineup, with buyers having the option to choose between two battery pack sizes: a standard 76.1-kilowatt-hour unit and a larger, longer-range 99.8-kilowatt-hour option.
While US regulations necessitate replacing the aero-enhancing camera mirrors spotted on South Korean prototypes, the EV9 promises a sleek design optimized for efficiency, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.28 Cd. This figure indicates the EV9 will be able to slice through the air with minimal resistance, contributing to its impressive range and performance.
