Photo: Automedia
Why build an electric version of the Kia Soul? The answer is "CARB", which stands for California Air Resources Board. Basically, if you want to sell cars in the sunny state, at least one needs to have a plug.
That's the very reason these Korean engineers are sitting in a Soul EV out in the middle of the Arctic region. These test are crucial because unlike normal vehicles which produce an excess of heat through the engine, the range on an EV is affected by extreme cold.
While Kia doesn't have the resources needed to develop a bespoke EV like the Nissan Leaf, the Soul EV could actually be a better car. Its platform is shared with the European cee'd hatchback and is relatively sporty. Power will come from a 110 hp electric motor powered by a 16.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located in the boot.
What's interesting about this car is that unlike the Fiat 500e, which is only sold in North America, the Soul EV will also come to Europe. With a starting price somewhere in the region of €22,000 to €25,000, it could probe to be a relative bargain, especially considering how spacious this is compared to the Renault Captur.
While Kia doesn't have the resources needed to develop a bespoke EV like the Nissan Leaf, the Soul EV could actually be a better car. Its platform is shared with the European cee'd hatchback and is relatively sporty. Power will come from a 110 hp electric motor powered by a 16.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located in the boot.
What's interesting about this car is that unlike the Fiat 500e, which is only sold in North America, the Soul EV will also come to Europe. With a starting price somewhere in the region of €22,000 to €25,000, it could probe to be a relative bargain, especially considering how spacious this is compared to the Renault Captur.
Google News