- EV9 ADVNTR and PV 5WKNDR Concept bet on off-road excitement
- They are designed to showcase the flexibility of Kia's EV platforms.
- Unique vehicles not yet in production…
The Specialty Equipment Market Association's annual show, or SEMA for short, brings together the world's best and best of the vehicle aftermarket, often acting as a springboard for wacky, extravagant concept and custom cars.
Held in Las Vegas, the show has recently become an excuse for some of the world's biggest automakers to reveal models that probably won't go into production but will steal the show anyway… and Kia did just that that this year.
By introducing the EV9 ADVNTR Concept EV SUV and the PV 5WKNDR Concept electric van (someone turn on Kia's spell checker), the brand aimed to showcase the versatility, ruggedness and overall exterior potential of its existing EV9 platform and demonstrate that its lineup recently announced Vans and commercial vehicles can be really exciting.
As a result, the EV9 ADVNTR concept was physically on the brand's booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, featuring a redesigned front end, a roof-mounted roof rack with a light bar, and reinforced side panels.
A raised suspension, built-in tow hooks, ultra-tough tires, and a line of accessories (think refrigerators and shovels) also elevated the concept above and beyond its already attractive EV9 three-row electric SUV sibling.
Kia would like to point out that these are “one-off” vehicles with no production intent. Still, the EV9-based concept shows a potential avenue for future derivative models or just a glimpse at a handful of official accessories owners can purchase to enhance their drive.
Similarly, the PV5 WKNDR Concept electric pickup truck also has a raised ride height and all-terrain tires, but this concept is designed to showcase the versatility of Kia's upcoming Purpose Beyond Vehicles (PBV) line of vehicles.
Originally introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year, the PBV line will encompass a range of electric pickup trucks of different sizes. All of which are highly flexible, modular and easy to configure for various jobs and tasks.
Analysis: Kia makes its vans interesting
The PV5 WKNDR concept aims to breathe life into the typically boring world of commercial vehicles with a look at what a futuristic caravan from the brand would look like.
It features an integrated “Gear Head” feature, which manifests itself in a storage solution that provides protected storage space outside the vehicle for the kit when the vehicle is stationary. Kia says this allows for “maximum utilization of interior space while also offering easy access to exterior equipment.”
Think of it as a sliding pantry door that appears from the side of the van, complete with mesh netting to keep bugs and bears from mutilating your stuff.
Additionally, 'Gear Head' can also transform into a mobile pantry for cooking, while solar panels and wind-powered 'hydroturbine' wheels recharge the batteries to facilitate off-grid adventures.
The list of onboard adventure equipment is also impressive, with a built-in compressor to adjust tire pressure or inflate a mattress, swiveling captain's chairs, and a modular interior that can be transformed into a cozy lounge-like environment.
It's a smart move on Kia's part: appealing to the crowd with a futuristic caravan while also raising subtle awareness about the fact that it will soon have an electric vehicle platform specially designed for more mundane use.