Kia EV9 sales to hit 50,000 in first year as overseas demand surges

Despite talk of an electric vehicle “slowdown,” Kia EV9 sales are surging. The electric SUV is on track to reach 50,000 within its first year of launching after being “well received in overseas markets.”

Kia EV9 sales are surging in its first year on the market

After officially unveiling its first three-row electric SUV in March 2023, Kia kicked off EV9 deliveries in Korea last June.

Since hitting the market, over 48,000 EV9s were sold globally through April. According to industry sources (via KEDGlobal), Kia EV9 sales are likely to reach 50,000 in May. The sources said Kia has been selling 2,000 to 3,000 EV9s a month.

Exports of the electric SUV accounted for 81.4% (39,309 units) of Kia’s total sales volume during its first 11 months on the market. Between January and April 2024, the EV9 accounted for 93% of exports.

The momentum has picked up this year, with 12,211 EV9s sold overseas through the first four months of 2024. Of them, 5,579 were shipped to the US, Kia’s largest sales market.

“The EV9 became an outstanding large electric SUV as it was well received in overseas markets,” an industry source in Seoul explained.

Meanwhile, despite a strong start in its home market, EV9 sales have struggled to gain traction. Only 970 EV9 models were sold in Korea between January and March 2024.

Several reports from Korea note that higher prices and early quality issues are causing slow domestic sales. To help boost sales, Kia cut EV9 prices by up to $2,620 (KRW 3.5 million) in February.

Charging ahead in 2024

In the US, the EV9 helped Kia achieve a record EV sales month in April. Kia sold 1,572 EV9s in April, for a total of 5,579 year-to-date.

Kia expects EV sales to continue surging, with its entry-level EV3 launching later this year. After previewing a series of affordable electric models at its first annual EV Day in October, Kia revealed more details for the new EV3 last week.

The EV3 will launch in Korea in July, followed by Europe in the second half of the year. Kia said it plans to expand EV3 sales to other overseas markets but did not specify which ones. It’s expected to start around $30,000.

Next year, Kia will follow it up with the EV4, its take on an entry-level electric sedan. The EV4 is expected to start at around $35,000 as Kia looks to meet the growing demand for affordable EVs.

Electrek’s Take

Kia’s (and Hyundai’s) dedication to electric vehicles is already showing. After launching the EV9 last year, with starting prices under $55,000, Kia called its large electric SUV a “wake-up call” for the industry.

Can Kia maintain its strong performance with new competition, such as the Chevy Blazer EV, Chevy Equinox EV, and Honda Prologue?

Kia is expected to begin EV9 production in the US this month, which will qualify it for a portion of the federal tax credit and increase its competitiveness.

To clear inventory, Kia is also offering massive deals on its electric vehicles in the US. With stackable savings, Kia offers up to $12,800 off 2024 EV6 and EV9 models.

Are you ready to take advantage of some of Kia’s biggest discounts so far? We can help you get started today. Check out our links below to see Kia EV9 and EV6 deals in your area.