Kia patent reveals a tough-looking off-road electric SUV

This one is more car news than home energy news, but here's what's happening: Kia has filed a patent showing what looks like a production version of its EV9 ADVNTR, an off-road version of its three-row electric SUV. The concept first appeared in 2024 with a roof rack that can hold a pop-up tent, reinforced rocker panels, all-terrain tires, modified bumpers, and front tow hooks.

No powertrain details came with the patent filing. For reference, the current EV9 offers up to 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque from its dual motors, with a 99.8 kWh battery rated for up to 304 miles of range. If the off-road version reaches production, it would likely sit above the EV9 GT-Line trim, which starts at $71,900, putting a starting price around $75,000 or more.

Kia hasn't confirmed the vehicle will actually go on sale. For homeowners thinking about an electric vehicle as part of a broader home energy setup, this doesn't change anything yet, since it's just a patent filing, not an announced product. If it does reach showrooms, it would join a growing group of off-road electric SUVs from brands like Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, BMW, Genesis, and Mercedes-Benz, all chasing the same outdoor-adventure buyer.