Kia EV9 Electric SUV: A Game-Changer in the Australian Market

Kia Australia is gearing up for a transformative shift in the electric vehicle landscape with the launch of its highly anticipated EV9 electric upper-large SUV. Priced between $97,000 and $121,000 (excluding on-road costs), the EV9 is not just a flagship model but also a strategic move that is expected to bring in over $10,000,000 in monthly sales based on the current volume plans. In this blog, we explore the key details surrounding the EV9 launch, its pricing strategy, and Kia's expectations for its performance in the Australian market.

Pricing Strategy:

The seven-seat EV9 comes with a premium starting price of $97,000, reaching up to $121,000 for the top-spec GT-Line variant. This pricing places the EV9 in the upper echelons of the market, competing in the upper-large SUV segment. The strategy of offering a high-end electric SUV aligns with the growing demand for premium electric vehicles, and Kia is poised to capitalize on this trend.

Revenue Projections:

The ambitious pricing structure indicates Kia's confidence in the EV9's market reception. To put the sales potential into perspective, the revenue generated by a single top-spec EV9 would equate to the sales of six Picanto compact hatchbacks. With a projected volume plan of around 100 units per month or 1200 units annually, Kia aims to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle market and elevate its brand presence.

Supply Dynamics:

Kia Australia has addressed concerns about supply bottlenecks, assuring a smoother availability compared to its predecessor, the EV6. The staggered roll-out seen with the EV6 will not be replicated, with the EV9 launching initially with the Air entry-level model and the GT-Line variant. The mid-range Earth model is expected to join the lineup by the end of 2023. The company anticipates a strong initial demand for the top-spec model, reflecting the typical trend with new-generation products and early adopters of electric vehicles.

Expectations and Availability:

Dennis Piccoli, Kia Australia's chief operating officer, expressed confidence in the EV9's availability, indicating that customer deliveries and dealer stocks are already underway. With a monthly target of 100 units, the company foresees better availability compared to the EV6's initial launch. The first batch of a couple of hundred units is expected to ensure widespread availability across all 137 Kia dealers nationwide from the launch.

As Kia Australia takes a bold step into the premium electric SUV market with the EV9, the company anticipates not only meeting but exceeding market expectations. The strategic pricing, ambitious sales targets, and enhanced availability underscore Kia's commitment to establishing a formidable presence in the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. The EV9's success could serve as a catalyst for Kia's broader electrification goals and contribute significantly to the electrification transition in Australia.