Let’s be honest – electric vehicles (EVs) are all kind of boring. Sure, they’re mind-bendingly fast, but most – if not all – of them are just a little too sterile, too characterless for any sort of real excitement. But why do they all have to be this way? Well, that was exactly what Kia asked when they unveiled their two latest concepts for the 2024 SEMA show in the US.
Instead of making them even faster, the two concept models – dubbed the EV9 ADVENTR and PV5 WKNDR – are designed for when you want to take things a little slower off the beaten path. And with all that’s happening in the world right now? A little bit of off-the-grid living doesn’t sound too bad at all.
The EV9 ADVENTR is based on the familiar Kia EV9 three-row electric SUV, while the PV5 WKNDR is based on the PV5 midsize van from the Korean carmaker’s upcoming line of Purpose Beyond Vehicles (PBV). These vehicles are said to be designed to meet a customer’s specific needs, such as small businesses or transport and delivery services, with more flexibility in terms of customisation to suit their requirements.
While these cars are obviously not production ready, the company says that the SEMA show “acts as a blank canvas for creativity and offers a glimpse into what Kia’s automotive future may hold.”
READ MORE: 2024 Kia EV9 launched in Malaysia, from RM370k – 505km range, 6/7-seater variants
To make these run-off-the-mill EVs off-road ready, Kia has equipped the EV9 ADVNTR with a three-inch lift kit, alongside a full suite of overlanding gear including upgraded rugged tyres and wheels, reinforced rocker panels, and custom front and rear fascias that should help with breakover angles in tricky situations.
There’s also a custom roof rack that Kia says can be used for both luggage storage and bespoke roof-mounted tents, perfect for “getaways in the great outdoors”.
But if living off-grid is your ultimate goal, the WKNDR could be the better fit. It’s also lifted (by an unspecified amount), and will come equipped with a set of chunky off-road tyres and wheels. The interior is where the magic is at, though, thanks to its modular system that the Kia says turns the PV5 into a “Swiss Army Knife on wheels”.
There’s also an outboard storage system – which Kia calls the “Gear Head” – that can be used while the vehicle is stationary, allowing for maximum interior space while still offering easy access to your gear (or food, as a mobile pantry) outside.
Kia says the PV5 WKNDR is “truly self-sufficient”, with on-board solar panels and “hydro turbine wheels” that can recharge the batteries in the wilderness. An onboard compressor also handle needs for inflation, from adjusting tyre pressure for rock climbing to inflating air mattresses for camping.
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