Kia pledges ‘sustainable mobility’ and launches EV 9 November

Kia is previewing its electric SUV the “Concept EV 9″ ahead of its November 17 debut at AutoMobility LA.

The California LA Convention Centre show, which usually features launches of about 50 new vehicles, is heavily into EVs this year and also introduces The ZEVAS – awards for zero-emission vehicles.

Meanwhile, Kia has released teaser images of its Kia Concept EV9 indicating its design and high tech interior such as a new take on the steering wheel, an interactive ultra-wide display, and an adaptive and smart lounge space.

It says the EV 9 embodies the company’s commitment to become a “sustainable mobility solutions provider” with a roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2045 also revealed when it also plans to reduce 97% of the company’s 2019 level of carbon emissions while implementing additional measures to fully offset its remaining carbon emissions.

The Kia model range will go fully electric in Europe by 2035, with key global markets to follow by 2040, it says.

Kia is also pioneering a partnership with ‘The Ocean Cleanup’ to explore innovative ways industry can help protect the planet and is working with its suppliers to reduce carbon emissions from the parts supply stage, aiming to create a carbon emissions monitoring system for its partner companies by 2022, including the use of ‘green steel’.

“For us, it is not only about setting goals and reaching targets. It is about setting a vision that will inspire others to join the movement to benefit humanity and protect the environment,” Kia president and chief executive Hosung Song says.

Kia will actively transition to solar energy electricity generation for business sites in Korea, US, China, and India and it will implement new innovations such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology.

The company plans to transition all company fleet vehicles to electrified vehicles by 2030.