For many residents of Owen Sound, the ferry crossing to Manitoulin Island opens the gateway to Northern Ontario's most spectacular destinations. Whether you're heading to Sudbury for business, exploring Sault Ste. Marie, or discovering the natural beauty of Manitoulin Island itself, this familiar routine of driving to Tobermory and crossing Georgian Bay can easily consume half your day. But what if your electric vehicle could transform these necessary travel hours into productive, comfortable moments?
The 2026 Kia EV9 completely revolutionizes this journey experience. This three-row electric SUV offers unique capabilities that enhance every aspect of the ferry trip—from powering your devices during the wait to ensuring maximum comfort during the long crossing. Discover how these five advanced features transform travel time into your personal time.
Power On Demand with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
The EV9's Vehicle-to-Load system transforms your SUV into a mobile power station while you wait for the ferry at Tobermory. Available on Premium Package trims and higher, V2L provides both interior and exterior 120V outlets that can power everything from laptops to camping gear—perfect for the outdoor adventures that await on Manitoulin Island.
During those extended waits at the terminal, you can set up a proper mobile office or entertainment centre. The system delivers enough power to run small appliances, charge multiple devices, or even power a portable coffee maker. For families, this means keeping tablets and gaming devices running without draining your phone's battery.
The front and middle row foot rests in the EV9 create the perfect relaxation setup while you're parked and powered up. Extend the foot rests, recline your seat, and enjoy the wait instead of enduring it—all while maintaining your electric range for the journey ahead.
Captain's Chair Comfort for the Crossing
Once you're aboard and rolling across Georgian Bay, the available second-row captain's chairs of the EV9 become your personal comfort sanctuary. On Premium and GT-Line versions, these captain's chairs in the 6-passenger configuration offer heating, cooling, and generous space for each occupant.
Unlike traditional bench seating, these individual captain's chairs give each passenger their own personal territory to stretch out and relax while the rugged coastline passes by your windows. The EV9's front and middle row foot rests create perfect relaxation zones—extend the foot rests, recline your seat, and transform your space into a first-class lounge.
The 6-passenger configuration of the EV9 also facilitates easy access to the third row, allowing families to organize comfortably for the long journey. This attention to individual comfort sets the EV9 apart from traditional family transport solutions.
Electric Entertainment That Travels with You
The EV9's Premium Meridian Audio system with its 14 strategically placed speakers transforms the cabin into a mobile concert hall on the water. This advanced audio configuration is specially calibrated for the EV9's unique acoustics, delivering crystal-clear sound that takes advantage of the electric motor's natural silence.
The impressive combination of dual 12.3-inch screens plus a dedicated 5-inch climate screen creates a panoramic command centre for your entertainment. With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, you can stream podcasts, audiobooks, or music without cables cluttering your space.
The electric advantage reveals itself here: unlike gasoline vehicles that limit system usage while stopped, the EV9 can power all its entertainment systems without depleting the main battery thanks to its intelligent energy management. Six USB-C charging ports keep all devices powered throughout the journey.
Precision Parking with the EV9's Surround View Monitor
Ferry boarding requires precise navigation through tight lanes and exact positioning—challenges that the EV9's advanced Surround View Monitor system transforms into stress-free maneuvers. Available on Premium and higher trims, this system uses multiple high-resolution cameras to create a seamless 360-degree view perfectly integrated with the EV9's displays.
The system goes beyond a simple bird's-eye view: it offers different camera angles and can even display a 3D view that helps understand the exact position of your EV9 relative to other vehicles and ferry structures. This technology proves invaluable when following directions from ferry staff or positioning your vehicle in the tight confines of the car deck.
The EV9's integrated side parking sensors add an additional layer of confidence with visual and audible alerts, while the Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Reverse can automatically intervene if necessary. This combination of technologies makes the EV9 one of the easiest vehicles to maneuver in these delicate situations.
Connected Electric Convenience and NACS Charging Advantage
Kia Connect on the EV9 transforms your smartphone into an advanced electric command centre, perfect for preparing your electric SUV before even reaching the Tobermory terminal. The EV9's electric preconditioning goes well beyond simple remote start—it can simultaneously optimize battery and cabin temperature for maximum efficiency.
During Ontario's winters, you can preheat your EV9 while keeping it plugged in at home, ensuring a warm cabin and optimally-conditioned battery without reducing driving range. In summer, the system can pre-cool the cabin using grid energy rather than the vehicle's battery.
The EV9's specific Kia Connect features include battery charge monitoring, scheduled charging during off-peak hours, and even locating fast-charging stations along your route. For Owen Sound residents heading to Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie after the ferry crossing, the EV9's new NACS charging port is a game-changer.
The NACS (North American Charging Standard) port provides access to thousands of additional fast-charging locations throughout Northern Ontario that were previously incompatible with other electric vehicles. This dramatically expands your charging options on longer journeys to Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, or anywhere in the region, making these extended road trips faster and more convenient than ever before.
Your Electric Ferry Journey, Elevated
The Tobermory-South Baymouth ferry run doesn't have to be just time spent getting from point A to point B. With the 2026 Kia EV9, these hours become unique opportunities—to work productively with silent power, relax completely in premium comfort, or simply enjoy the journey in a cutting-edge electric vehicle.
The EV9 represents the natural evolution of family transportation, combining the space and versatility of a three-row SUV with the environmental and technological advantages of electrification. For Owen Sound residents who regularly make this ferry crossing, choosing the EV9 means transforming every journey into a demonstration of what the future of automotive travel can offer.
The EV9's estimated range (up to 455 km depending on trim) easily covers the round trip to Tobermory and beyond, while NACS fast-charging access dramatically expands your Northern Ontario travel options. Whether you're continuing to Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, or exploring Manitoulin Island itself, the charging infrastructure is there to support your adventures.
Visit Owen Sound Kia today to discover how the EV9 2026 can transform your next ferry crossing into an impressive demonstration of what it truly means to travel electric in Ontario.
To learn more about the 2026 Kia EV9, visit Kia.ca
