Electric Cars

The 2027 Kia EV9 model introduces subtle yet impactful enhancements, retaining its competitive edge in the electric SUV market with only a slight adjustment to its pricing. Despite a modest increase of $90, select trims of this three-row electric vehicle now boast a suite of additional standard features. This strategic update ensures the EV9 remains an attractive option for consumers seeking a blend of performance, technology, and value in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.

Key updates for the 2027 model year include design refinements and improved packaging across the lineup. The entry-level EV9 Light short-range variant, powered by a 76.1 kWh battery, offers an estimated range of up to 230 miles and starts at $54,990. Higher-tier models, such as the Light Long Range, Wind, Land, and GT-Line, are equipped with a more powerful 99.8 kWh battery, providing up to 305 miles of range in RWD configurations. The Wind and Land trims feature standard all-wheel drive, achieving ranges of up to 283 miles, while the GT-Line, also AWD, offers a slightly reduced range of 280 miles. Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the GT-Line’s dual-motor e-AWD system, delivering 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, enabling a swift 0-60 mph acceleration in just 4.5 seconds. Notably, the 2027 EV9 Wind now comes standard with black-finish 19-inch wheels and Glossy Black exterior paint, with Wolf Gray available as a new option. The EV9 Land trim now includes the previously optional Nightfall Edition Package as standard, priced at $69,990, which is $500 less than the previous year’s equivalent package. This package significantly boosts torque from 379 lb-ft to 516 lb-ft and introduces exclusive black interior and exterior design elements.

Inside, the 2027 EV9 continues to impress with Kia’s Digital Cockpit, featuring nearly 30 inches of combined display space, including dual 12.3-inch instrument and navigation screens integrated into a curved panoramic display, complemented by a 5-inch climate control screen. The spacious interior offers up to 42.8 inches of second-row legroom, surpassing even the 2025 Cadillac Escalade, and is available in both six- and seven-seat configurations. With DC fast charging capabilities up to 350 kW, the EV9’s battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes. All 2027 Kia EV9 models also come equipped with a built-in NACS charge port, allowing seamless access to Tesla Superchargers without an adapter. As the new models arrive, Kia is offering up to $10,000 off 2026 EV9 models to clear inventory, making it an opportune time for buyers to consider either the latest iteration or a discounted previous model.

The 2027 Kia EV9 demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to electric vehicle evolution, offering enhanced value through strategic feature additions and minor price adjustments. This commitment to continuous improvement, while maintaining competitive pricing, reflects a positive trajectory for sustainable personal transportation. Such advancements not only benefit consumers with more sophisticated and efficient vehicles but also contribute to a broader societal shift towards cleaner energy and responsible innovation in the automotive industry.

Ford is poised to transform the landscape of home energy solutions with its forthcoming Fathom electric truck. Priced under $30,000 and slated for a 2027 release, this innovative vehicle integrates a bidirectional charging system directly into its design, thereby eliminating the need for costly external inverters. This strategic move is expected to drastically reduce the overall expense associated with home backup power setups, making vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality a more attainable and economical option for a broader consumer base. The Fathom is engineered to supply more than 10 kW of AC power to residential properties, promising considerable financial benefits for owners and bolstering household energy independence.

The core of Ford's cost-saving innovation lies in its redesigned bidirectional charging system, developed after the acquisition of Auto Motive Power in 2023. Unlike traditional setups that require a separate wall-mounted inverter to convert the EV battery's direct current (DC) to household alternating current (AC), the Fathom's inverter is built directly into the truck's E-box. This integration of components not only streamlines the system but also leads to significant cost reductions, which Ford intends to pass on to consumers through more affordable home charging equipment.

Fathom owners will have two primary methods to leverage their truck's battery for home power. The first, 'Home Power Management,' allows users to charge their vehicle during off-peak electricity hours when rates are low and then utilize that stored energy during peak hours, leading to substantial savings for those on time-of-use electricity plans. This feature requires Ford's new Home Power Station, which is projected to be about half the cost of its first-generation bidirectional charger. The second method, 'Home Backup Power,' enables the truck to serve as an emergency power source during outages. This requires both the Home Power Station and Ford's Home Backup Panel, with the backup hardware expected to be at least 60% cheaper than previous iterations.

Beyond hardware innovation, Ford is proactively engaging with utility companies to ensure a smooth transition for widespread bidirectional EV adoption. A working group, established in July, includes major electric providers like American Electric Power and Pacific Gas and Electric. This collaboration aims to simplify the connection process for bidirectional EVs, differentiate approval processes for home backup versus grid export, and update utility procedures to accommodate new charging standards. The goal is to facilitate easier participation in virtual power plants (VPPs), where parked EVs can contribute to grid stability during peak demand, ensuring that the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are ready before affordable bidirectional EVs become commonplace.

Ford's Fathom represents a significant leap forward in making bidirectional charging a standard, affordable feature of EV ownership. By integrating the inverter directly into the vehicle and drastically reducing the cost of associated home equipment, Ford is making a compelling case for EVs as more than just transportation—they are becoming integral components of a resilient and cost-effective home energy ecosystem. While final hardware prices and installation costs are yet to be disclosed, and utility regulations still need to evolve, this initiative points towards a future where electric vehicles play a dual role, offering both mobility and substantial home energy benefits.