Kia’s electric vehicle sales soared to unprecedented heights in May, fueled by the successful launch of its groundbreaking three-row electric SUV, the EV9. This surge propelled the automaker to its second-best sales month ever in the US market, solidifying its position as a formidable player in the growing EV landscape.

A significant contributor to this remarkable achievement was the EV9 itself, which sold an impressive 2,187 units in May, marking a substantial 39% increase compared to the previous month. Kia’s overall EV sales experienced an astounding 127% growth, totalling 7,197 vehicles sold. This remarkable feat sets a new record for the company and underscores the growing consumer appetite for electric SUVs.

The EV6, Kia’s first dedicated electric car, also played a pivotal role in the automaker’s success story. May saw a record-breaking 2,260 EV6 models sold, further demonstrating the vehicle’s enduring popularity. Cumulatively, Kia has sold 7,766 EV9s and 8,770 EV6s in the first five months of 2024, a promising trajectory for the company’s electric ambitions.

This sales triumph follows a significant milestone for Kia: the first US-built EV9 rolled off the assembly line at its West Point plant last week. This is a pivotal moment in the state’s automotive history, as it signifies the first EV to be fully assembled within Georgia’s borders. With production ramping up domestically, Kia anticipates a sustained surge in momentum, bolstered by the EV9’s eligibility for the $7,500 federal tax credit.

Kia is positioning the EV9 as a disruptor in the electric SUV segment, with a starting price of under $55,000. The EV9 surpasses even the Telluride in length, measuring an impressive 5,015 mm while offering comparable height and width dimensions. It boasts a spacious interior with 1,087 mm rear passenger legroom, outclassing luxury rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and three-row Range Rover P400.

Kia’s ambitious vision extends beyond US borders, with the EV9 experiencing robust demand in international markets. The company projects global EV9 sales to reach 50,000 units within its first year on the market, with EV9 exports already accounting for over 81% of Kia’s total sales volume after the first 11 months. In the first four months of 2024, a staggering 93% of Kia’s exports were the EV9.

• Also See: Kia Releases A New Electric Vehicle In The EV3 Compact SUV