Electric Soul to start selling next year
THE development of Kia Motors’ all-electric version of the Kia Soul is on track and the vehicle is scheduled to go on sale next year.
The “Kia Soul EV” will be Kia’s first allelectric, zero-emissions vehicle marketed outside of Korea.
“The new Soul EV will be at the forefront of Kia’s ‘Clean Mobility’ programme, which aims to provide environmentally-friendly vehicles to our customers around the world when it goes on sale globally next year,” said Kia Motors America’s executive director of product planning, Orth Hedrick.
“Although it is Kia’s first globally sold, all-electric vehicle, the Soul EV is our second-generation battery electric vehicle and significantly benefits from the in-depth knowledge gained during development of the Ray EV sold in Korea.”
The Soul EV takes its design cues from the recently-launched second-generation Kia Soul.
With a target range of more than 190km, this uniquely designed battery electric vehicle is practical for everyday use and perfectly suited for city commuters.
Equipped with a high-capacity 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, the Soul EV is expected to offer a driving range of more than 190km on a single charge.
In an effort to maximise efficiency and range, the vehicle recycles back into the battery the energy generated while the car is coasting and braking.
Recharging times are up to five hours for a fully depleted battery using a standard 240v outlet, or 25 minutes on “fast” charge with 100 kW output.
The front-wheel drive Soul EV prototype test cars currently under development are built on modified versions of the 2014 Kia Soul and are powered by a 109hp electric motor, producing a generous 284Nm of torque.
The motor delivers its power to the front wheels through a single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit. Accelerating from 0-100kph in less than 12 seconds with a top speed in the region of 144kph the Soul EV promises to remain true to the Soul’s fun-todrive reputation.