Photo: Kia
The South Korean company's first all-electric, zero-emissions export model has entered mass production and is ready to join the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid in the brand's line of environmentally conscious automobiles.
In Europe, the funky pure-electric drive compact car has been certified with a whopping 212 kilometers range, which translates to 131 miles. As it happens, no other EV of this class can get close to that figure.
Under the eccentric bodyshell you'll find a very compact electric motor rated by the South Korean manufacturer at 81.1 kW (109 horsepower) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque. The drivetrains employs a single-speed, constant ratio transmission that sends power to the front axle.
A lithium-ion battery with 27 kWh provides zap to the Kia Soul EV. A full charge cycle takes approximately five hours when using a 240-volt outlet, while a 110-volt plug will juice up the battery pack in circa 8 hours. Customers can charge up to 80 percent of the battery in 30 minutes or so by using a 100 kW charger or a 50 kW DC plug.
The 192-cell lithium-ion polymer battery pack is mounted beneath the cabin to ensure a low centre of gravity and proper handling characteristics. The Soul EV also employs a regenerative braking system which basically captures kinetic energy and transforms it into electricity when the car is coasting or braking.
As for standard features that equip even the entry-level model, it's worth mentioning that the Soul EV comes with 16-inch alloys wrapped in Super Low Rolling Resistance rubber, LED lights, an interior mostly made from recycled materials, a 3.5-inch OLED instrument cluster and an 8-inch multimedia system with sat-nav capability.
The all-new 2015 Kia Soul EV is slated to go on sale Stateside and in select European countries starting this fall, sporting a starting price expected to surpass the $33,000 mark (€24,400 or £19,610 at current exchange rates).
Under the eccentric bodyshell you'll find a very compact electric motor rated by the South Korean manufacturer at 81.1 kW (109 horsepower) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque. The drivetrains employs a single-speed, constant ratio transmission that sends power to the front axle.
A lithium-ion battery with 27 kWh provides zap to the Kia Soul EV. A full charge cycle takes approximately five hours when using a 240-volt outlet, while a 110-volt plug will juice up the battery pack in circa 8 hours. Customers can charge up to 80 percent of the battery in 30 minutes or so by using a 100 kW charger or a 50 kW DC plug.
The 192-cell lithium-ion polymer battery pack is mounted beneath the cabin to ensure a low centre of gravity and proper handling characteristics. The Soul EV also employs a regenerative braking system which basically captures kinetic energy and transforms it into electricity when the car is coasting or braking.
As for standard features that equip even the entry-level model, it's worth mentioning that the Soul EV comes with 16-inch alloys wrapped in Super Low Rolling Resistance rubber, LED lights, an interior mostly made from recycled materials, a 3.5-inch OLED instrument cluster and an 8-inch multimedia system with sat-nav capability.
The all-new 2015 Kia Soul EV is slated to go on sale Stateside and in select European countries starting this fall, sporting a starting price expected to surpass the $33,000 mark (€24,400 or £19,610 at current exchange rates).
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