Kia shows off new off-road EV concepts and they look like the perfect escape rides from the apocalypse
- EV9 ADVNTR and PV 5WKNDR Concept go for off-road sensation
- They are designed to demonstrate the flexibility of Kia’s EV platforms
- Unique vehicles that are not yet in production
The annual Specialty Equipment Market Association show – or SEMA for short – brings together the good and the good of the vehicle aftermarket world, often serving as a springboard for wild and bizarre custom and concept cars.
The show, held in Las Vegas, has recently become an excuse for some of the world’s biggest automakers to unveil models that probably won’t go into production, but will still absolutely steal the show… and Kia did just that this year .
With the unveiling of the EV9 ADVNTR Concept EV SUV and the PV 5WKNDR Concept electric van (someone turn on the Kia spell checker), the brand wanted to showcase and prove the versatility, ruggedness and overall outdoor potential of its existing EV9 platform that its recently announced line of vans and commercial vehicles could 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 fascia, a roof-mounted luggage rack with a light bar, and reinforced sill panels along the sides.
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Raised suspension, built-in tow hooks, ultra-rugged tires and a range of accessories (think coolers and shovels) also took the concept to the next level beyond its already good-looking EV9, a three-row electric SUV.
Kia would like to point out that these are ‘one-of-a-kind’ vehicles that have no production intention whatsoever. Still, the EV9-based concept offers a potential avenue for future spin-off models or simply a look at a handful of official accessories that owners can buy to improve their driving.
Similarly, the PV5 WKNDR Concept electric van also features an increased ride height and off-road tyres, but this concept is designed to showcase the versatility of Kia’s upcoming range of Purpose Beyond Vehicles (PBVs).
Originally unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year, the PBV range will include a range of electric vans of different sizes. They are all very flexible, modular and easy to configure for different tasks and tasks.
Analysis: Kia makes its vans interesting
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The PV5 WKNDR Concept aims to brighten up the typically dull world of commercial vehicles with a look at what a futuristic camper from the brand could look like.
It features a built-in “Gear Head” feature, which manifests in a storage solution that provides outboard, sheltered storage for equipment when the vehicle is stationary. Kia says this ‘enables maximum use of interior space, while still providing easy access to outdoor gear’.
Think of it as a sliding door that pops out from the side of the van, complete with mesh to keep bugs and bears from tearing up your stuff.
Additionally, ‘Gear Head’ can also be transformed into a mobile pantry for cooking, while solar panels and wind-powered ‘hydro turbine’ wheels charge the batteries to enable off-grid adventures.
The list of adventure kit on board is also impressive, with a built-in compressor for adjusting tire pressure or inflating a mattress, swiveling captain’s chairs and a modular interior that can be transformed into a cozy lounge-style environment.
It’s a smart move from Kia: draw in the crowds with a futuristic camper while subtly raising awareness that a purpose-built electric vehicle platform is coming for more everyday use.
