A 1,482-Mile Road Trip in a 2024 Kia EV9 Delivers 3.3 mi/kWh, $350 in Charging, The Owner Says “I Might as Well Have Been a Passenger in the Backseat 75% of the Trip”, Even Through 60-MPH Kansas Crosswinds

Long-distance electric road trips continue to test both vehicles and infrastructure, but one Kia EV9 owner says his nearly 1,500-mile journey through the central United States proved that modern three-row electric SUVs are more than capable.

Jesse Hart recently completed his first major EV road trip, traveling from Oklahoma City to Denver and back in his 2024 Kia EV9 Wind. The round trip covered 1,481.59 miles and included highway speeds of 70 to 75 miles per hour, mountain driving, and extreme wind conditions across Kansas with gusts reaching 40 to 60 miles per hour.

“Total DC charges: 10

Total AC charges: 3

Total distance: 1481.59 miles

Total kWh used: 447.95

Miles per kWH: 3.3

Total cost: $350

Hwy speed: 70-75mph

Mountain travel and regenerative braking: Amazing

Would I do it again? Absolutely

Model: 2024 Wind

Best feature of long-distance travel: Hwy Driving Assist. I might as well havebeen a passenger in the backseat 75% of the trip.

*traveling across Kansas, there with 40-60mph wind gusts from Salina to Denver. So, perfect conditions may have yielded better results. All DC charges were Electrify America, and I encountered zero issues. Avg charge time was 17-20 min. Charged to 100% once on my home AC charger, and then once on a DC charge.”

Over the course of the trip, Hart used a total of 447.95 kilowatt hours of energy, averaging 3.3 miles per kilowatt hour. Charging consisted of 10 DC fast charging sessions and 3 AC charging sessions, with all DC charging handled through Electrify America. According to Hart, every Electrify America stop worked without issue, and average charging times ranged from 17 to 20 minutes per session.

Kia EV9: Bodystyle & Interior Volume 

• The EV9’s upright, squared-off design prioritizes interior volume and third-row usability, giving it a more traditional SUV presence than many aerodynamic-focused electric crossovers.
• Ride tuning favors comfort and stability over agility, helping manage the vehicle’s size and weight during highway driving while limiting responsiveness in tighter corners.
• Interior layout emphasizes flexibility, with flat floors and configurable seating arrangements that support family use but reduce the sense of driver-focused orientation.
• Large battery options enable competitive range figures, though real-world efficiency is influenced by the vehicle’s boxy shape and substantial curb weight.

Total charging cost for the trip came in at approximately $350. Hart charged to 100 percent twice, once at home on AC charging and once at a DC fast charger. While some commenters questioned the effective per-kilowatt-hour rate based on Kia’s app data, Hart noted that real-world costs were still comparable to what a gasoline vehicle would have consumed over the same distance.

Despite the energy use and charging stops, Hart described the overall driving experience as remarkably relaxed. Kia’s Highway Driving Assist played a major role, with Hart saying he “might as well have been a passenger in the backseat 75 percent of the trip.” The system handled long highway stretches smoothly, reducing driver fatigue and making extended driving days easier to manage.

Mountain driving and regenerative braking were also highlights of the journey. Hart reported strong efficiency recovery during elevation changes and praised the EV9’s composure through mountainous terrain. Even during the punishing crosswinds in Kansas, the vehicle maintained stability and consistent energy consumption.

Hart says he would absolutely do the trip again, viewing the experience as a confirmation that EV road trips are no longer a novelty or compromise. While charging adds some planning and time, he found the stops manageable and well integrated into meal and rest breaks.

Other EV owners chimed in with similar experiences, noting that energy costs for long gasoline road trips can easily match or exceed Hart’s $350 total, especially with today’s fuel prices. Several also highlighted the EV9’s comfort, driver assistance systems, and confidence in snow and mountain conditions.

For Hart, the trip reinforced that EVs shine not just as daily commuters but also as capable long-distance family vehicles. Even under harsh wind conditions and sustained highway speeds, the Kia EV9 delivered consistent efficiency, stress-free driving, and a level of comfort that made the journey feel easier than expected.

In short, the trip showed that with the right vehicle and realistic expectations, long-range electric road trips are no longer a question of if, but simply how often.

Image Sources: Kia Media Center

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.