Autoblog Takes A 580 Mile Winter Road Trip In An EV9 With No Drama

Electric vehicles are a major hot topic for numerous reasons. However, cars like the 2024 Kia EV9 are helping to turn the tide of opinions, especially since Kia is making it easier than ever to charge and get going. In a recent review, Autoblog.com took an EV9 to the Chicago Auto Show in February. While the writer, Joel Stocksdale, was worried about driving from Detroit to Chicago during winter. “I learned a number of things from this trip, all of which point to the fact that EV transportation actually has the potential to be stress-free, and it’s not as far off as it might seem.”

Who Is Autoblog?

Autoblog.com is a renowned automotive website that reviews new cars and features industry news. They have been covering the auto industry since 2004 with daily articles about everything from car buying advice, aftermarket information, and, as mentioned, news and reviews, such as their road trip review of the new all-electric Kia SUV. 

Power & Trim Options

The Kia EV9 is a great choice for families thanks to its three usable rows and choice between rear- and all-wheel drive, as well as two different motor options. The base model EV9 Light has rear-wheel drive and develops 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque with a 76.1 kWh battery pack, which Kia says is good for 230 miles of range. Stepping up to the Long Range trim gives buyers a 99.8 kWh battery that is good for 304 miles. The Wind, Land, and GT-Line trims feature the same 99.8 kWh battery but with e-AWD. Each output 379 combined horsepower from the front and rear motors and up to 516 lb-ft of torque. The range of the Wind and Land is 280 miles, with the GT-Line driving for 270 miles. 

Maybe We’re Too Worried

Charging times are also a concern for people who are always on the go. Where putting gas in a car seems so easy and quick these days, an EV that needs roughly half an hour to charge up to 80% seems inconvenient. Or, as Joel points out, maybe we have been making it sound more complicated than it is: “For one thing, we actually have charging speeds that are more than acceptable for road trips. No, fueling is not as fast as the 5 to 10 minutes of filling a gas tank. But there’s a key advantage that isn’t usually mentioned: You don’t have to be with the car while it’s filling up. When you’re on a road trip, there’s a good chance you’re still going to pop into the shop to recharge yourself (or drain). Even if you’re really quick, you’re often looking at about 15 minutes in total, maybe 20-30 if you’re waiting on others. As I only needed about 30 minutes in the EV9 to charge to 80% on each stop, recharging didn’t really add any extra time to my drive and was just as convenient. I was even able to refuel at my destination, something you can’t do with a gas car.”

Charging Is Getting More Convenient 

One of the issues people are worried about when purchasing an EV is the ease of charging when they are away from their homes. Do you need to use an app for each brand of charging station you visit? Can you just use a credit card like at a gas pump? Autoblog had a relatively easy experience with Mr. Stocksdale saying, “Planning my trip was pretty easy, too. I did NOT need to have 10 different apps to charge along the way because I could simply pay with my card. You know, the thing I use to purchase goods and services from literally every other physical retail place in the country.”

Cargo Capacity

While Autoblog didn’t address the cargo capacity in this review, they have in a previous article. Behind the third row, owners will find 20.2 cu.ft. of space. When the third row is folded, that volume grows to 43.5 cu.ft. and will grow to 81.7 cu.ft. of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. That will be plenty to haul home weekend projects. The EV9 also has a frunk featured in the Light model. Light Long Range models have 3.2 cu.ft. of frunk space that can hold up to 88 lbs., while the top of the line Wind trim has 1.8 cu.ft. in the frunk that can hold 44 lbs.

An Excellent Trip With No Hiccups

“I experienced the best-case scenario of road tripping with an EV. This is how it’s supposed to work and one assumes will work as the infrastructure continues to be built out … this trip shows that carefree EV road tripping is not fantasy, it can be a reality. Not a common enough reality, but a reality nonetheless. I’m feeling more excited and optimistic that as dependability and availability improves, EV life will be as pleasant, if not more so, than internal combustion life.”

At Kia of Mankato, we value our customers. You can find new Kia inventory, including the Kia Telluride, brand new EV9, as well as the Carnival, and Seltos, plus an unmatched collection of used car and SUV inventory at our dealership. Are you interested in leasing or financing your next vehicle? The Finance Department at Kia of Mankato can help you find the right lease offer or finance solution that fits your budget. We cultivate relationships with many banks, lenders, and other financial organizations to provide great options for purchasing your new vehicle. In addition to the comprehensive factory warranty that comes with your new vehicle, we offer extended warranty and protection programs to safeguard your investment. Get the best deals and specials available to you on a Kia. Our knowledgeable sales staff wants to help you find the perfect fit in a new Kia or used car. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Kia of Mankato family and help you find your new car or used vehicle. Your support and customer service doesn’t stop after you sign your deal. The expert Service Department at Kia of Mankato is always ready to help with any repairs or maintenance you might need to keep your vehicle running perfectly. Our Express Service Lane will quickly get you back on the road when you need basic maintenance, like an oil change or tire rotation. Would you like to make your new car all your own with personalized upgrades? Our well-stocked Parts Department has all of the authentic Kia accessories you need for the best customization of your vehicle. Make your car, truck, or SUV uniquely yours to fit perfectly in your lifestyle. We are eager to help you on your car buying and vehicle ownership journey. Visit us today at Kia of Mankato!