When I first plugged in the charger for the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line, an advanced electric sport utility vehicle, I was a little surprised. This futuristic car has brought a new dimension to my driving experience, introducing me to the intricacies of living a connected life, especially when it comes to charging an electric vehicle.
Planning for charging
Living with the EV9 requires a bit more planning. You need to think about when and how you will charge the vehicle to maximize efficiency and contribute to saving the planet. During my test drive, I experimented with various chargers available in my area. The initial experience was in my garage, and it was here that I encountered a fascinating feature – the car announced, “charging started.” Despite my extensive experience in car testing and reviewing, this was a new and startling revelation.
Voice interaction with technology
The reason this announcement caught me off guard was that it pointed towards a future where human-technology interaction becomes even more integrated. We’ve been interacting with virtual assistants like Apple Siri and Amazon Alexa for years, but the EV9 took it a step further. Its voice announcements were audible outside the car, making the interaction public.
When you disconnect the charger, the car also announces, “charging stopped.” This led me to ponder other potential interactions cars might have. For instance, future cars could verbally communicate with pedestrians, warning them when the car is about to reverse. This feature could become crucial as electric vehicles become more silent, lacking the typical engine rumble or exhaust sounds.
Future innovations in verbal alerts
Imagine cars detecting pedestrians around them and verbally notifying them of their intentions. This would involve sophisticated detection capabilities, determining the presence, direction, speed of movement, and even recognizing children. Such advancements could be realized within a few years.
Conversational commands with EVs
Another exciting possibility is engaging in more complex dialogues with our cars. Commands like “EV9, please pull out of the driveway” or reminders such as “John, do you think you should charge up for your commute tomorrow?” could become common. With AI integration, knowing our daily routines and preferences, such interactions are within reach.
Replacing phones with car communication
This verbal communication will eventually eliminate the need for phones in certain contexts. We could interact with our cars from outside, asking about charge status, maintenance needs, travel distances, and more. The car would essentially become an extension of our personal assistant.
Real-world charging experiences
Throughout my test period, every time I found a charger – be it in a downtown area, at a grocery store, or a library – the EV9 consistently announced its charging status. This consistent feedback assured me that the system was working correctly. The voice used for these announcements was distinct, reminding me of a blend between Siri and Alexa but unique enough to be recognizable as its own entity.
Looking ahead
As for future upgrades, I’d love to see the capability to instruct the EV9 to pause charging and resume during off-peak hours, like overnight. This feature would not only be convenient but also cost-effective, aligning with the smart grid technology we’re likely to see soon.
The 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line is not just an electric vehicle; it’s a glimpse into the future of automotive technology, blending advanced AI with practical functionality, promising a seamless and interactive driving experience.
