As the automotive world increasingly leans towards electric, Kia is taking a bold step forward—showing just how far electric vehicles (EVs) can go, both literally and figuratively. At this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Kia unveiled two new concept vehicles that redefine the EV landscape with style, adventure-readiness, and eco-conscious design: the EV9 “ADVNTR” SUV and the PV5 “WKNDR” van.
Kia’s new concepts don’t merely keep up with the times; they’re setting the pace. Far from the minimalism or sleek futurism that characterises many electric vehicle designs, the EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR embrace rugged exteriors, functional upgrades, and an ethos of adaptability. These concepts prove that electric vehicles don’t have to be bound to city streets—they can be the ultimate companions for off-road expeditions, camp-side retreats, and sustainable journeys into the wild.
What Exactly is an EV?
An EV, or Electric Vehicle, is a type of vehicle powered by an electric motor instead of a traditional petrol or diesel engine. EVs store energy in rechargeable batteries, which can be plugged into the electrical grid to recharge. This all-electric setup results in zero exhaust emissions, making EVs a more environmentally friendly option compared to conventional vehicles. They also tend to run more quietly, cost less to maintain due to fewer moving parts, and, with the advancement of battery technology, can travel increasingly longer distances on a single charge.
There are several types of EVs, but two of the most prominent are Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), which rely solely on a battery, and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), which combine a battery-powered motor with a conventional petrol engine. Kia’s latest concept vehicles at SEMA—like the fully electric EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR—are examples of BEVs that run exclusively on electric power, reflecting the growing shift toward sustainable, emission-free transportation.
EV9 “ADVNTR” SUV: Charging Towards the Wild
Anyone who loves the idea of an SUV that can tackle mountains, forests, or deserts will find the EV9 ADVNTR an ideal choice. Built on the foundation of the EV9, Kia’s new electric SUV, the ADVNTR variant essentially supercharges the model, not in terms of power output, but capability. It features a lifted suspension, oversized all-terrain tyres, and custom front and rear fascias that lend it an untamed look. With a three-inch lift above the standard model, the EV9 ADVNTR offers the ground clearance needed to glide over rocks, ruts, and whatever else nature throws at it.
The standout feature is the roof rack, designed to handle everything from luggage containers to bespoke roof-top tents. More than just an SUV, it’s a mobile campsite, a portable HQ for explorers, or a family getaway vehicle, all powered by clean energy. Kia’s design team in California built the ADVNTR to be tough enough for rough trails yet comfortable enough for daily drives, blending rugged outdoor capability with Kia’s renowned attention to detail.
PV5 “WKNDR” Van: A Swiss Army Knife on Wheels
Kia’s PV5 “WKNDR” van, meanwhile, stands out as the ultimate companion for weekend warriors seeking to escape the hustle and bustle. Based on Kia’s recently introduced “Purpose Beyond Vehicles” (PBV) platform, the WKNDR van expresses modular ingenuity. Its interior transforms, much like a Swiss Army Knife, depending on the journey’s needs. The WKNDR adapts easily as a cargo carrier, a mobile kitchen, or a cosy, off-grid cabin for outdoor getaways.
Among its standout features is the “Gear Head” storage—a unique compartment that detaches and expands to create a sheltered storage solution outside the vehicle. This compartment can even double as a mobile pantry, ideal for those who enjoy a view while they cook. Paired with solar panels and hydro turbine wheels for eco-friendly power generation, the PV5 WKNDR becomes a self-sufficient mobile retreat.
The WKNDR also includes an onboard compressor, perfect for adjusting tyre pressure to tackle challenging trails or inflating air mattresses for an impromptu overnight camp. This practical design speaks to Kia’s innovative spirit, where the brand reimagines a functional, utilitarian platform as a multi-purpose lifestyle vehicle that’s as dynamic as it is eco-conscious.
Redefining EVs for a New Age
Kia’s presence at SEMA is more than a showcase of design and engineering—it’s a bold statement about the future of adventure vehicles. In recent years, SEMA has been known more for high-octane builds and outlandish customisations, but Kia’s concepts signal a quiet revolution underway. By introducing EVs purpose-built for the outdoors, Kia is meeting an emerging demand from adventure enthusiasts who want to explore responsibly, without sacrificing the capabilities they expect from traditional, fuel-powered vehicles.
Steven Center, COO and EVP of Kia America, described the brand’s vision: “Kia’s rugged and capable utility vehicles have long been known for being versatile, adaptable, and comfortable to suit the needs of a wide range of consumers. We wanted to ‘level up’ the functionality and capability by developing these concepts that take those legendary attributes to the next level.” Center’s words underscore Kia’s vision shift, where electric power is no longer a limitation but an enabler of new adventures.
The Future of Off-Roading: Silent, Smart, and Sustainable
There’s a certain romance to the idea of roaring down a mountain trail or navigating a forest in a powerful vehicle. But as more outdoor enthusiasts seek sustainable options, Kia’s EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR offer an exciting glimpse into the future: an EV off-roading experience that’s not just whisper-quiet but better aligned with the natural world. These vehicles aren’t only about adventure; they represent a shift in automotive thinking—where sustainability, adaptability, and high performance are no longer mutually exclusive.
For South African adventurers, these concepts are especially exciting. While Kia South Africa’s current lineup focuses on versatile passenger and commercial vehicles, the brand’s latest creations suggest a future where even the wildest trails might be navigated in a Kia that’s as gentle on the planet as it is capable on the road. With an extensive local network under Motus Corporation, Kia South Africa has become a trusted name, and these new concepts may very well hint at the direction the brand will take on South African soil.
Kia’s latest innovations reflect a new philosophy in vehicle design—one where the only limits are the edges of the map and the next charging station. By expanding the EV market into territory once dominated by gas-powered machines, Kia isn’t just keeping up with the future—they’re building it. For those eager to hit the road, or even the dirt, Kia’s EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR offer a call to adventure, promising that the next journey might be quieter, cleaner, and a whole lot greener.
