Kia is moving closer to the projected 2014 on-sale date for the Soul EV, its first fully electric vehicle to be marketed outside of Korea. The Soul EV, based on the new 2014 Soul, has a target range of 120 miles on a single charge.
The Soul makes a good electric-vehicle platform, as its tall design offers plenty of space of battery packs and the like. It is currently testing with a 27kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack that provides impressive range and can be recharged in up to five hours with a 240v outlet. The current prototypes are producing 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, delivered through the front wheels. Kia reports a 0-62mph time of less than 12 seconds, and a 90-mph top speed.
To facilitate safety in urban areas, the Soul EV features a Virtual Engine Sound System that plays an audio alert at speeds below 12mph.
Styling should remain the same as the conventional Soul, with the addition of extra LED lighting and unique wheels. Kia plans to use a wider range of eco-friendly materials inside the Soul EV, including recycled plastic, foam and fabrics, as well as low-volatility organic compounds.
Kia Motors America’s executive director of product planning, Orth Hedrick, said, “The new Soul EV will be at the forefront of Kia’s ‘Clean Mobility’ program, which aims to provide environmentally-friendly vehicles to our customers around the world, when it goes on sale globally next year. 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.”
