Kia EV9 undergoes HVAC testing

Kia announced that the EV9 is currently undergoing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) testing to ensure better comfort for its passengers.

Being put through its paces — among other things — is the Kia EV9’s thermal system, which includes a heat pump, climate control system, and defrost and de-icing features. Additionally, Kia revealed that the electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) is given a new, user-friendly climate control panel and improved roof vents to offer customers maximum comfort and convenience.

“The all-new Kia EV9 proves customers don’t have to make sacrifices to be sustainable. With these high-tech features, the EV9 sets new standards in the e-SUV segment, delivering all the comfort and convenience of a modern SUV with none of the emissions at the tailpipe,” commented Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center Group Manager HVAC and PT Cooling Richard Peiler.

The abovementioned heat pump, the South Korean carmaker pointed out, keeps the interior of the all-electric SUV warm when it is cold outside. And for even more efficiency, Kia mentioned that the waste heat of the electric motors and Power Electronics system is collected and used to heat the cabin.

As a result, the reduced energy consumption improves the Kia EV9’s driving range.

“Our goal is to tune the climate system to offer the best compromise between cabin comfort and energy consumption. We are confident that EV9 customers will experience both a comfortable cabin and a satisfying driving range,” Peiler explained.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned multi-zone climate control system further enhances the experience of the electric SUV’s occupants with separate climate zones for the driver, the front passenger, and the rear passengers.

In addition, the Kia EV9 comes standard with ventilated and heated seats in both the first and the second rows, meaning the all-new Kia EV9 delivers even more comfort to everyone onboard. And pretty much like how the Kia EV9 conserves power with its heat pump, the heated seats have improved wirings for more energy efficiency.

“Having two independent HVAC systems doesn’t only increase comfort — it also reduces unnecessary power consumption. They can save energy by turning off the air conditioning for empty seats, or for passengers who don’t want it,” said Kia Europe Product Marketing Manager Gregor Krumboeck.

The Kia EV9, according to the Seoul-based automotive brand, is the first Kia vehicle in Europe to feature a new climate control panel, which also improves the vehicle’s user interface. The new panel makes it easier to see and control all climate settings in one click, without needing to open the infotainment sub-menus. This results in a more intuitive user experience and fewer distractions for the driver, allowing them to keep their eyes on the road.

The all-new Kia EV9 also features four new and improved vents on the roof. The vent structure has been updated to optimize air resistance and diffusion angle to heat or cool all second and third-row passengers evenly.

And when the time comes for the Kia EV9 to brave warmer climates, Kia stated that it has improved the air conditioning system of the electric vehicle.

The new after-blow system for the air conditioning reduces condensation build-up on the evaporator, preventing the development of bacteria and odors. Kia revealed that it works by detecting if the A/C has been used over a long period of time while driving and, if so, using the blower to dry the water which may have built up inside of it. The after-blow system only operates above a certain temperature, meaning it won’t lead to additional battery discharge in winter.

Photos from Kia

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