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Based on our extensive real-world testing, the Kia EV9 can add approximately 181 miles of range in about 33 minutes using a public DC fast charger, averaging a charging speed of 5.6 miles per minute. For most owners, overnight Level 2 home charging remains the most convenient method, replenishing the battery fully while you sleep.
Like all electric vehicles, the EV9's charging speed is governed by several key factors: the battery's size, the power output of the charging equipment, and the vehicle's own maximum charge acceptance rate.
The EV9 is available with two battery packs:
The vehicle's maximum DC fast-charging rate also varies. The smaller battery has a peak rate of 235 kilowatts (kW), while the larger battery can accept up to 210 kW. For slower, AC charging (like home charging stations), all EV9 models have a maximum rate of 10.9 kW. It's crucial to understand that even if you plug into a 350-kW charger, the EV9 will only draw up to its maximum limit.
Level 2 charging is typically used at home or work, operating on a 240-volt circuit similar to a household dryer. Based on our long-term test of a 2024 EV9 Land AWD, this is the most common and hassle-free way to charge.
Our data, gathered from dozens of charging sessions, shows the EV9 averages about 0.4 miles of range added per minute on Level 2 equipment. A typical charging session lasted around 7 hours and 14 minutes—perfect for an overnight plug-in. The vehicle is usually unplugged the next morning once it reaches a 100% state of charge (SOC), which indicates the battery's current energy level as a percentage of its full capacity. This method requires no extra time out of your day and ensures you start each morning with a "full tank."
For long trips or quick top-ups, DC fast charging is essential. Our testing included various public chargers with power levels from 50 kW to 350 kW.
We observed that the EV9 consistently achieved peak charging speeds that matched the output of the charger, up to its 210 kW maximum. On a 350-kW charger, we saw speeds at or very near that limit. The charging rate is not constant; it's fastest when the battery is at a lower state of charge and slows down as it fills up to protect the battery's health. Our standard practice is to stop a fast-charging session at 80% state of charge because the speed decreases significantly beyond this point.
Across all our DC fast-charging sessions, the EV9 averaged a remarkable 5.6 miles per minute. This represents a 1,300% increase compared to Level 2 charging. The average session lasted 33 minutes and added just over 181 miles of range, making it highly effective for road trips.
One note: our single session using a Tesla Supercharger with a Magic Dock adapter peaked at only 88.2 kW, suggesting compatibility or power delivery may vary with adapters.
The key takeaway from our 5,000-mile experience is that the Kia EV9 offers a practical and flexible charging profile for daily life.
It's important to note that cold weather will adversely impact both driving range and charging speed, a factor we have yet to test with the EV9 but will monitor closely.
In summary, the Kia EV9 delivers on its charging promises, with robust DC fast-charging capabilities for travel and efficient Level 2 charging for daily use. The most effective strategy is to charge at home whenever possible and utilize fast chargers for longer journeys.
