Kia announced plans to enter the electric-vehicle (EV) market some time in 2014, and the first fully-electric Kia to hit our shores will be an electrified Soul. The boxy urban commuter is well-suited to the gasoline-free lifestyle, as it’s generally confined to large cities. Emissions-free traveling also reaps the greatest benefits in an urban environment.
New for 2014, the second-generation Soul is a comfortable evolution of the car that kick-started Kia’s journey to becoming one of the most dynamic carmakers today. The Soul was designed to be environmentally friendly, with 85% recyclability built in, and the upcoming Soul EV will increase its appeal to environmentally-conscious drivers. Kia hasn’t released details on the powertrain yet, but expect some of the upgraded electric technology found in the Optima Hybrid, including its lithium polymer battery pack, to be adopted for the Soul EV.
