Bob drives a Kia EV9 GT-Line S 99.8kWh

This is Bob’s second EV and he’s owned the Kia EV9 less than a year. He drives 15,000-20,000 miles annually and the current mileage of the car is between 15,000-20,000 miles. Bob achieves on average, 280 miles range from an 80% charge.

Bob says, his GT-Line S comes as standard with: Meridian sound system, slide and tilt panoramic sunroof, V2L capability, HUD, ambient lighting, heated and cooled front seats, front massage seats, 6-seat configuration, 21-inch wheels & anti-gravity front seats.

Why did you choose the Kia EV9?

I chose this car because of its height and size. We are a large family with 3 children and 2 dogs, so the EV9 ticks all the boxes. The car saves us loads of money when charging at home.

Positives 

The tech and the size of the car are unbelievable, it’s like stepping into a 5-bedroom house! The tech is really impressive. Lane assist, massage seats, anti-gravity seats, HUD, V2L, ambient lighting etc etc. The list of tech is endless!!

Negatives

The ride and handling are absolutely dreadful and the suspension is too soft. Along the motorway, its lovely and smooth and refined but once you get out on the A and B roads, that’s when you wish you had bought the sick bags! Round the twisty corners and S bends, you can feel every undulation along that road, every change of camber you feel. You don’t really feel the potholes because of how soft the suspension is, but then the car just wants to pull you to the side. Honestly, I wish I had known this before I had bought the car! It’s been the worst 5 months of ownership. The only way to describe it is like catching the 10:35 from Dover to Calais. The car is lovely in every aspect but the ride and handling are a massive disappointment. If you buy one, make sure you bring sick bags and/or vomit bowls on every journey!

Compared to when you first bought the car, does your battery still charge at the same rate & do you still get the same range?

I haven’t noticed any battery degradation.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

I haven’t had any faults. Obviously, with all these EVs, there are software glitches. For example, I did lose all cameras and reversing aids for 2 weeks whilst the car had technical glitches.

What are the standout technological features of the car?

The ambient lighting looks and feels exotic.

Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about your Kia EV9

The V2L capabilities. If you are a camper, then this is a game changer. Also, if you regularly wait in the car whilst you wife is shopping or kids are at after school clubs, the anti-gravity seats are amazing!

What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?

An Audi SQ8 e-tron, an Audi A6 Avant e-tron or a BMW i4M50.

Home charging unit

Ohme – it’s good and easy to use.

Electricity supplier & tariff 

Intelligent Octopus Go – very good tariff but they changed it recently meaning you can only charge for 6 hours a day!

Insurance

Admiral

Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running a Kia EV9

If you have a home charger, then you are going to be saving yourself money compared to an ICE car.