Drive TV and Kia put EV9 electric car to the test in TV special

Drive TV and Kia have put the Kia EV9 to the ultimate test to prove that electric vehicles can travel the distance in a new eight-part series titled, The Lap. 

The Lap will air at 3:30pm AEST on 11 May on the Nine Network. 

Covering over 15,000 km in 33 days and driven by Drive.com.au managing editor, Trent Nikolic and his friend, Dom Wiseman, the car was taken on a lap of Australia to see if the country is ready for electrified long-distance road travel. 

The new series shares footage of the picturesque scenery, interviews with people from Aussie communities, and the ins and outs of what an EV road trip looks like.

Dean Norbiato, marketing director at Kia Australia, said of the partnership: “Kia has a long relationship with Drive in both the editorial and commercial spaces and we continue to work with Drive TV to make automotive content educational and engaging for everyone, especially those who might be considering an EV for the first time.

“The proposal to partner with Drive on The Lap gave us the opportunity to test the mettle of our brand halo and current Drive Car of the Year, the EV9. It also allowed us to educate the public that while there’s some work to be done, it’s possible to drive even the longest lap (around Australia) in an EV.”

Drive TV executive producer, Terry King, said about the special: “2024 is a big year for Drive TV. We are focused on expanding and creating more lifestyle content for all Australians, broadening our horizons beyond the traditional short road trip format to push cars to their full potential. We know EVs are of interest to Australians, so we want to make them more accessible through our specials.”

The Lap series will run for eight weeks on Nine, Nine Rush, and 9Now. Episode one airs at 3:30pm AEST on 11 May.