Kia is hitting the brakes on manufacturing of its first three-row electrical SUV within the US. Regardless of the EV9’s profitable debut, new considerations concerning the EV tax credit score are reportedly inflicting Kia to cut back — a minimum of for now.
After one other record-breaking US gross sales month in October, Kia mentioned the spectacular progress is pushed by “robust demand” for its electrified lineup.
Kia bought over 69,900 automobiles final month, up 16% from the earlier file in October 2023. Electrical automobiles (EVs) led the expansion, with gross sales surging 70% yr over yr (YOY). Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) gross sales had been up 65% and 49%, respectively.
One of many largest elements behind Kia’s rising gross sales numbers is the addition of its first three-row electrical SUV, the EV9.
After delivering the primary fashions final December, Kia has already bought practically 18,000 EV9s within the US via October. That’s much more than its first devoted electrical automobile, the EV6, with round 17,700 fashions bought via the primary ten months of 2024.
Regardless of the early success, Kia reportedly plans to gradual output resulting from new considerations over the federal EV tax credit score.
Kia slowing EV9 output within the US over EV tax credit score guidelines
In line with The Korea Herald, Hyundai Motor Group is slowing Kia EV9 output at its new $7.6 billion EV manufacturing plant in Georgia.
After kicking off manufacturing at its large new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) simply final month, EV9 output is already being placed on the again burner.
Trade sources mentioned Hyundai produced simply 21 EV9s within the third quarter. Solely a type of was bought within the US. In the meantime, Kia remains to be promoting a mean of 1,800 EV9 fashions every month.
Most EV9 fashions, even these for the US, are nonetheless constructed at Kia’s manufacturing plant in Korea. As well as, SK On manufactures its battery cells in China.
Due to this, the three-row electrical SUV solely qualifies for a partial $3,750 tax credit score. “The EV9 is ineligible to learn from the complete IRA advantages as a result of battery subject, together with different elements, together with worth,” A Kia official defined.
Though EV9 costs begin at round $55,000, premium trims, just like the GT-Line mannequin, value upwards of $80,000, which exceeds the IRA threshold for SUVs and pickups ($80,000).
| 2025 Kia EV9 Trim | Beginning Value* |
| Mild Normal Vary | $54,900 |
| Mild Lengthy Vary | $59,900 |
| Wind | $63,900 |
| Land | $69,900 |
| GT-Line | $73,900 |
Hyundai is fast-tracking manufacturing at its battery cell plant in GA with SK On to achieve compliance. The plant is anticipated to have a 35 GWh annual capability, sufficient for over 500,000 EVs. The Korean automaker is constructing one other battery plant with LG Power in GA with an anticipated 30 GWh annual capability.
With President-elect Trump’s transition workforce reportedly planning to kill the EV tax credit score, issues may get extra difficult subsequent yr.
“Decreasing the EV subsidy may successfully finish advantages for international automakers with US amenities,” Kim Pil-su, a automobile engineering professor at Daelim College, defined. If so, Kia will doubtless want to spice up incentives.
Kia’s EV9 is already among the many most discounted EVs within the US. In line with Motor Intelligence, EV9 common reductions reached over $18,000 this summer time.
The corporate is at present providing $7,500 in Buyer Money, a $1,500 supply for Tesla house owners and lesseees, and an as much as $1,000 Season of New Traditions Retail Money Bonus.
With the brand new 2025 EV9 hitting dealerships, Kia is providing clearance costs on 2024 fashions. We may also help you reap the benefits of the financial savings. You should utilize our hyperlink to view offers on 2024 and 2025 Kia EV9 fashions at a supplier close to you.
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