The Kia EV9 is the perfect ride even in extreme cold-weather conditions. During its winter testing in Arjeplog, Sweden, under bitterly sub-zero temperature conditions near the polar circle, Kia engineers tested the vehicle to ensure optimal battery and charging performance, despite the extreme low temperature. In addition, they optimised the Traction Control System for the best possible performance when driving on snow and ice.
Under optimal conditions, the Kia EV9
has an all-electric target driving range of over 541 km, according to
the WLTP. With 800-volt ultra-fast charging, it can gain up to 239 km in
range after just 15 minutes of charging. As with all EVs, however,
driving in extreme heat or extreme cold can result in slower charging
and shorter driving ranges.
One of these features is battery
conditioning, which was first introduced with the Kia EV6. Battery
conditioning essentially means pre-heating the battery before charging.
By achieving optimal battery temperature before charging begins, the EV9
can continue to achieve ultra-fast charging, despite the cold.
Another
feature, EV Route Planner, introduced for the first time with the EV9,
offers customers even more convenience by automatically programming
charging points into the route when they are needed. The system analyses
real-time vehicle data, as well as the route that has been entered into
the AVN system, to add charging points when needed. When the estimated
all-electric driving range is insufficient to reach the destination, the
AVN displays a pop-up suggesting possible charging stations and asking
the customer if they would like to add it to the route. This means
customers don’t need to spend time planning out their routes based on
the availability of charging stations - the EV9 does it for them by
showing them when, where, and for how long to charge.
EV Route
Planner and battery conditioning work together to pre-heat the battery
in cold conditions when a high-speed charging point is coming up. For
customers, this means more time at the wheel and less time spent
charging - or thinking about charging.
The low centre of gravity and long wheelbase of the Kia EV9 help stabilise the vehicle while driving - specifically, by reducing roll on corners. To cope with the additional weight and increased acceleration associated with EVs, the engineers expanded the front brake discs. Additionally, the Kia EV9’s regenerative braking system has been improved by applying a second-generation Integrated Electric Booster, or IEB, to reduce the overall weight and improve energy efficiency.
The EV9’s chassis has been optimised, and the suspension has been tuned, to ensure excellent handling capabilities on snow and ice. The engineers aimed to find the right mix between safe and smooth handling and responsiveness and being fun to drive. The result is an overall more balanced driving experience focused on delivering maximum passenger comfort, regardless of driving conditions.
The Kia EV9 was equipped by HMETC with
dedicated winter tires for its testing in Arjeplog, Sweden. These tires
provide maximum stability on the snow tracks. The Kia EV9 will come
with the option of 19- or 20-inch lightweight aluminium wheels, with the
GT line version is available with 21-inch wheels as well.
Another
feature to improve handling on snow and ice is all-wheel drive. The Kia
EV9 with all-wheel drive features both front and rear electric motors.
The RWD model utilises a 150 kW electric motor, and the AWD features a
total power output of 283 kW. This essentially doubles the system power
when AWD is activated.
The Kia EV9’s Traction Control System, or
TCS, is meant to improve performance when driving in challenging
terrain. Drivers can choose from Mud, Sand, and Snow modes by using the
Terrain Mode Select button on the steering wheel to optimise driving
performance or different conditions. The system adjusts motor torque
output and distribution as well as the chassis systems and other
stability control characteristics to ensure a safe performance, even in
low-grip conditions. This means the all-new Kia EV9 can drive off-road.
Snow
mode is optimised to maintain stability and forward momentum in
slippery conditions. When Snow mode is activated, the traction control
system limits torque output from the motor and controls them for optimum
tire grip on all four wheels to maintain forward momentum in slippery
conditions. It also applies the best levels of braking control to
optimise traction. All these features work together to deliver customers
a safe and stable experience - while still being fun to drive.
