What’s The Best Electric Car In The World? You’re Looking At It | The Green Lane
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3 weeks ago
Here's why Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Saunders think the Kia EV9 is tough to beat
The Kia EV9 has just won the Car of the Year and Best Electric Vehicle titles at the World Car of the Year Awards. Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and sustainable fashion expert Jessica Saunders give it their votes.
Car Review: Kia EV9
JT – Yes, it’s true. An all-electric South Korean car has been awarded the prestigious 2024 World Car of the Year title. Not only that, the Kia EV9 was picked by a jury of 100 automotive journalists as the top World Electric Vehicle, too!
JS – I read that’s Kia’s fourth and fifth wins at the awards since 2020. The EV9 won for its innovative design, spacious seven-seat interior and value-for-money. It costs from £65,000 in the UK – which is amazing value for such a versatile vehicle.
Yes, and just remember, there’s an all-wheel drive version too, which means the Kia takes on the Land Rover Discovery for practicality, while the Disco doesn’t even offer an all-electric version yet, neither does the Range Rover, or the latest Defender.
After last year’s victory for the mid-size Kia EV6, the space, versatility and value of the new EV9 seriously impressed 2024 judges – and I’d have to agree.
The EV9 is one of only a handful of battery-powered, seven-seat utility vehicles, alongside rivals such as the Tesla Model X and Mercedes EQB. It also beats the forthcoming Volvo EX90 and long wheelbase VW ID. Buzz to market.
It’s certainly big and bold. I love the looks, but I guess some people will hate it. However, they can’t ignore the fact that the EV9 offers occupants supreme luxury in a cool-looking package. Kia’s latest flagship model is packed with neat kit, including a triple screen dashboard, head-up display and aircraft-style seats with powered leg-rests.
And note how the designers have made best use of every inch of space – even the back-row seats will carry a full-grown adult in comfort. Need more room? Electrically lower the third row and the Kia will swallow up 828 litres of luggage.
Buyers can choose from five different models, ranging from the rear-wheel drive, up to the dual motor GT-Line AWD 4×4 we drove. The EV9 will also dash from 0 to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds, although soft suspension is set up more for comfort than speed.
An EV9 travels up to 304 miles on a single charge of the 99.8 kWh battery and, hooked to a fast charger, will power to 80 per cent capacity in just 24 minutes. Capable of hauling 5,000 lbs, the Kia is also one of the best EVs for towing.
There’s so much about this modern, immensely practical vehicle to like – only the strangely ugly steering wheel and the high-speed handling let it down. Built to premium standards at a more affordable price, this could be the best Kia yet.
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Discover more about the Kia EV9 at kia.com
Jessica Saunders is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.
