The first 3-row electric SUV from a non-luxury automaker will be built in the U.S. Kia announced today that the South Korean automaker will build its upcoming 2024 EV9 electric SUV in Georgia.
Edgier Than an Electric Telluride
The EV9 isn’t just an electric version of the Kia Telluride, though it fits in a similar niche. It brings more distinctive styling to the party, with an angular take on the classic SUV form that looks out of the year 2034, not 2024. A restrained, spacious interior could make it a great choice for families.
Kia claims it will have an all-electric range of up to 300 miles (though the EPA hasn’t rated it yet). The base version will offer 215 horsepower and rear-wheel drive. We’ve driven an all-wheel-drive dual-motor variant with 379 horsepower. Our test driver called it “an enjoyable drive” with light steering and an exceptionally quiet cabin.
Kia says a high-power GT-Line variant will come later.
However, we can’t evaluate it against its competition because the company hasn’t released pricing. But the Georgia announcement makes the pricing question a bit more interesting.
Might Qualify for $7,500 Tax Incentive
The federal government provides a tax rebate of up to $7,500 on the purchase of certain electric vehicles (EVs) built in North America. Kia’s announcement might mean the EV9 will be the first Kia eligible for it.
The company’s current EVs – the aggressively-styled EV6 and more staid Niro EV – are built in South Korea.
But qualifying for the rebate isn’t as simple as building the car on this continent. A vehicle earns half the credit if its battery is assembled in North America and the other half if critical elements inside the battery originate in the U.S. or in certain trade partners. Those requirements grow more stringent each year.
Cars also must fall under certain price caps to qualify – SUVs are eligible only if the sale price stays under $80,000.
Kia’s announcement tells us the EV9 may be eligible. But the government will need to hear more about where critical parts come from before deciding whether the vehicle is eligible for a big discount that could make it a reasonable option for many more shoppers.
