AI Generated Custom Forged Wheels Design for Kia EV9 Turbo 2024 by Bête Noire Ver1.6

Custom Forged Wheels for Kia EV9 -- Bete Noire Ver1.6

Every kilowatt-hour in the Kia EV9's 99.8 kWh battery pack has to be earned back at a charging station. Reducing unsprung mass with forged wheels lowers rolling resistance and improves regenerative braking efficiency, which translates directly into additional range -- the one metric every EV owner watches.

The Bete Noire Ver1.6 is a aero-optimised five-spoke design with partially closed spoke gaps to reduce aerodynamic drag. On a vehicle as aerodynamically conscious as the EV9, wheel design is not purely cosmetic -- partially closed spoke areas reduce turbulent airflow around the brake assembly, contributing to the kind of marginal aerodynamic gains that add up over hundreds of kilometres of motorway driving. In satin silver, the wheel complements the EV9's clean, geometric design language without contradicting its efficiency-first philosophy.

Fitment Specifications

The EV9, weighing around 2,600 kg with its 99.8 kWh battery, places enormous demands on its wheels. That mass means higher cornering loads, longer braking distances, and greater energy expenditure to accelerate. Forged aluminium wheels are roughly 30 per cent lighter than cast equivalents of the same size, which directly reduces the energy required to spin them up to speed. On an electric vehicle, this weight saving pays dividends at every traffic light, every motorway on-ramp, and every regenerative braking event. For more on why construction method matters, read our forged vs flow-formed vs cast comparison.

How AI Wheel Design Works

The Bete Noire Ver1.6 was developed through Hodoor's AI wheel design programme. The system produces unique wheel concepts tailored to each vehicle's specific requirements -- for the EV9, that means accounting for the car's substantial kerb weight, its regenerative braking loads, and the aerodynamic considerations unique to electric vehicles. The design consultation is free. Production begins only when you approve a concept for CNC machining.

Alternatively, our in-house designer can create a fully bespoke wheel from your sketches or references. Both routes use the same forged 6061-T6 billet, the same precision machining process, and deliver within four to eight weeks.

Available Finishes

• Gloss black
• Satin black
• Brushed titanium
• Polished aluminium
• Custom RAL colour matching (any colour, applied with ceramic clear coat)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much additional range can lighter wheels provide on the EV9?
Real-world results vary depending on driving conditions, tyre choice, and speed. As a general rule, a 10 per cent reduction in unsprung mass can improve EV range by 1-3 per cent. On the EV9's 99.8 kWh pack, that could mean 5-15 km of additional range per full charge -- a meaningful gain over the life of the vehicle. Our wheel size guide covers how diameter affects range.

Will these wheels handle the EV9's regenerative braking loads?
Yes. Forged 6061-T6 aluminium handles thermal cycling from regenerative braking better than cast alternatives. The aligned grain structure distributes stress more evenly, reducing the risk of fatigue cracking over tens of thousands of braking cycles.

Can I keep the EV9's aero covers with these wheels?
The Bete Noire Ver1.6 is designed as a standalone wheel that does not require aero covers. Its partially closed spoke design already provides aerodynamic benefits. For specific fitment questions, email us with your EV9 variant and trim level.

Complete Your Build

Browse the full AI wheels collection for alternative designs, or read our performance wheel upgrade guide for more on the benefits of forged construction for electric vehicles.

To order or request a custom variation, email [email protected] with your vehicle details.