Kia Soul ie:3 Concept, a Supplier's View of the Future

The North American International Auto Show has proved to be somewhat of a bust when it comes to the number of new exciting models presented. There were, of course, more than a handful of models worth mentioning and, for what it's worth, autoevolution brought you photos and details about pretty much the entire floor of the COBO Center.

As you have seen, most of the models we presented have been brought to Detroit by established manufacturers. Yet, just as it happened at last year's Geneva event, auto suppliers have decided to build their own show cars, meant as tools to demonstrate their technologies and parts.

In Detroit, Johnson Controls (JC), one of the largest suppliers in the world, unveiled the ie:3 concept, a fully electric vehicle based on a Kia Soul. The car has been filled with JC parts, showcasing their integration and adaptability:

• new battery made of lithium-ion prismatic cells packaged in a small space under flat floor as a complete system, enabling a target 100-mile range per charge
• fold flat and "stadium seating"
• seat pads made from natural fibers
• alternative sound system, featuring a headliner with integrated audio that enables increased storage opportunities in vehicle doors
• unique LED lighting for the interior
• driver information system featuring a 6.5-inch "transflective" cluster display with transparent, integrated heads up display

"With the ie:3, we wanted to provide interior and battery solutions for smaller, fuel efficient vehicles without compromising functionality, comfort or spaciousness," said Beda Bolzenius, Johnson Controls Automotive Experience president.

"The features and functions in the ie:3 are adaptable to markets around the world and are available for model-year 2015 and beyond."