Days after teasing a significant reveal on the 2024 Specialty Tools Market Affiliation (SEMA) present, Kia has unveiled two distinctive and custom-built EV ideas designed for journey off-road. In the course of the unveiling, we acquired a have a look at a brand new spin on the ever-popular EV9 SUV referred to as the “ADVNTR” and a rugged tackle one in all Kia’s new purpose-built automobiles (PBVs), the PV5, referred to as “WKNDR.”
On October 30, Kia America posted a clandestine press launch about an upcoming reveal on the annual SEMA present in Los Angeles. The primary launch featured a shadowy picture of what gave the impression to be some off-road automobile, with its recognizable Kia entrance fascia shining on the digital camera lens. The textual content learn, “All roads result in SEMA.”
We speculated that SEMA is likely to be the occasion the place Kia lastly unveils the primary of its two promised BEV pickup vans. Because the headlamps carefully resembled these of an EV9, we thought it may very well be the mule pickup we reported being examined within the US earlier this yr. We have been shut.
Later that very same day, Kia adopted up with a second press launch with the identical title and quote however a picture of a distinct off-road EV shining via the darkness, one which was a lot much less recognizable.
Each releases had superb print stating that the automobile in every picture was an idea, so we curbed our expectations heading into this week’s 2024 SEMA present. This morning, Kia formally unveiled these two new off-road idea EVs, and so they’re fairly cool wanting. Have a gander on the EV9 ADVNTR and the PV5 WKNDR.
Kia unveils off-road ideas of its EV9 and PV5 EVs
In response to the Korean automaker, designers from Kia Design Middle America (KDCA) in Irvine, CA, imagined each off-road ideas. SEMA is often a stage for OEMs to showcase ideas and equipment which can be extra rugged or heavy-duty.
Therefore, the Kia crew introduced its A-game to Vegas with two new idea EVs that “intrinsically mix kind and performance into machines designed for accountable engagement with nature.”
The primary is the EV9 ADVNTR, primarily based on the three-row SUV that contributed to document gross sales for Kia within the US in October. Right now, Kia shared that its off-road idea model of the EV9 is supplied with new {custom} entrance and rear facias, strengthened rocker panels, and rugged tires for extra maneuverability within the parts.
Moreover, the EV9 ADVNTR can carry 3 inches increased than the usual 2025 SUV mannequin and includes a new roof rack that may haul baggage and mountaineering gear or assist a roof-mounted tent.
Along with the EV9 ADVNTR, Kia unveiled an off-road idea model of its new PV5 referred to as the WKNDR. The PV5 is a middle-of-the-pack BEV in Kia’s newest ‘Function Past Automobile’ lineup, which debuted at CES 2024.
Whereas the usual PV5 was designed for business operations and last-mile deliveries, the Kia design crew determined to take it off-road with the brand new WKNDR idea. This BEV van has been lifted and rigged with some hefty off-road tires, however like its predecessor, the inside of the PV5 WKNDR is what actually stands out.
Kia describes the off-road idea van as a “Swiss Military Knife on wheels,” providing a modular cabin that may be personalized to an proprietor’s needs and wishes. The conceptual design includes a first-of-its-kind storage resolution referred to as the “Gear Head” characteristic that delivers off-board, sheltered cupboard space for tools when the automobile is stationary, maximizing inside area whereas offering homeowners with easy accessibility to all their belongings.
Because of its modularity, Kia shared that the off-road van’s “Gear Head” area may also be transformed right into a cell pantry for these foodies who need to assemble an array of delicacies whereas parked out in nature, or anyplace for that matter.
Kia additionally shared that its crew designed the PV5 WKNDR to be self-sufficient as an off-road BEV. It options photo voltaic panels and hydro turbine wheels that may recharge the automobile’s batteries and energy different elements, like an onboard compressor.
Since these stay mere ideas, we don’t have any efficiency specs for the Kia EV9 ADVNTR or PV5 WKNDR, nor can we affirm that both mannequin will attain bonafide manufacturing on the market. Nevertheless, Kia is pondering past its present lineup and is a minimum of flirting with the thought of delivering some new fashions that may compete towards the likes of Ford, Rivian, and latest reveals from VW Group’s Scout Motors.
On the very least, we may even see a few of these options and design parts in Kia’s upcoming BEV pickups. For now, nevertheless, these off-road EV ideas are an thrilling train in design that after once more reveals how modern and inventive Hyundai Motor Group is throughout nearly all BEV segments.
We hope to see extra concrete unveilings from the Korean automaker quickly.
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