Kia previews EV9 concept; plans to go all-electric by 2040

Kia Motors has previewed its new EV9 electric SUV concept and detailed an ambitious plan to go entirely carbon neutral by 2045, which will see it ditch combustion engines in Europe by 2035.

• EV9 concept to be revealed at Los Angeles motor show
• Kia plans to go full electric in major markets by 2040
• Kia EV6 India-bound in 2022

Kia EV9 concept: more details

Kia previewed the EV9 electric SUV concept ahead of its reveal at the Los Angeles motor show next week. The EV9 has been described as an "important milestone" in Kia's sustainability strategy. With a design inspired by nature and various recycled materials used in its construction, it "embodies Kia's vision for the SUV segment". The production version of the EV9 will join the EV6 in Kia’s family of bespoke electric cars.

Kia’s new sustainability strategy

The South Korean carmaker plans to completely overhaul its product line-up and production processes, with a view to becoming a "sustainable mobility solutions provider".

By 2045, Kia's carbon output will be 97 percent lighter than it was in 2019, thanks to a raft of measures that it will implement across its supply, logistics, production and vehicle use operations to offset emissions. The firm also plans to go EV-only in Europe by 2035. But one of Kia's most significant pledges made as part of this strategy is to achieve "full electrification in major markets by 2040".

Elsewhere, Kia will work with suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the components it uses in vehicle production. It plans to introduce a new carbon emissions monitoring system for partner companies by 2022 and will provide solutions in areas where emissions can be reduced.

Kia’s EV plans for India

As we reported earlier, Kia Motors and Hyundai are planning on bringing six EVs to India by 2024. Kia’s first EV in India will be the EV6, which will be brought down as a CBU sometime in 2022. Following the EV6, Kia will also introduce the e-Niro electric SUV in 2023. After the e-Niro, Kia will bring in an all-new mass-market electric vehicle, which is expected in 2024.