Kia America is using the Kia Forum in Los Angeles to demonstrate how its flagship EV9 electric SUV can extend beyond transportation to support both fleet operations and residential energy needs.
The Kia Connected Home exhibit, open July 28 through Jan. 29, shows how the EV9’s advanced charging and energy-transfer technologies could benefit drivers and fleet operators alike.
The EV9’s vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality allows properly equipped residences to draw power directly from the SUV. For fleet drivers, the vehicle can charge at home overnight and later provide household backup electricity during outages or peak-demand hours. The feature supports operational readiness and offers a cost-saving and energy-resilient solution for fleets.
“We see our vehicles not just as transportation, but as an extension of your home,” said Russell Wager, VP of marketing for Kia America, in a news release. “Bringing the Kia Connected Home to the Kia Forum lets us show the community how Kia’s vision for the future fits into everyday life.”
A Fleet-Centered Perspective
For fleet operators, the EV9’s ability to integrate with a driver’s home energy system represents a step toward more efficient, sustainable mobility. Charging at home allows drivers to begin shifts with a full battery, while V2H capability ensures energy can be redirected to a household grid, potentially reducing energy costs. In the long term, these features can contribute to lower total cost of ownership for fleets.
Technology Demonstrations
The Kia Connected Home also features an interactive EV9 driving simulator, which allows participants to experience Kia technologies such as Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA-2). These systems highlight advanced safety and convenience features, especially relevant for fleet drivers managing long hours and tight schedules.
By showcasing the EV9’s dual role as a transportation asset and a home energy resource, Kia underscores how electrified fleets can play a larger role in mobility and energy resilience.
