According to Kia Motors, the Kia Soul EV, an all-electric vehicle with a host of impressive features, will hit the market overseas during the latter part of 2014. The Kia Soul EV is the company's first zero-emissions, electrically-driven family car to be marketed and sold outside of Korea.
Thomas Oh, the Executive Vice President and COO of the Kia Motors Corporation, reports that the Kia Soul will serve as a flagship for the company's Clean Mobility program. This program exists to promote the use of environmentally-friendly transportation methods all over the world. According to Oh, the Kia Soul EV is the first electric vehicle Kia to be sold globally. However, the Soul EV is not the first electric vehicle Kia has manufactured. Kia's first electric vehicle was the Ray EV, which was developed three years ago. Since manufacturing this first electric car, Kia has gained a wealth of experience that it has used to perfect the Soul EV.
The Kia Soul EV is a unique electric vehicle designed with practicality and style in mind. With its impressive range, this car is ideal for daily use by city commuters. In fact, the Kia Soul EV can drive 200 km or more on a single charge because of its 27 kWh high-capacity lithium-ion polymer battery pack.
The Kia Soul EV is built on a modified version of the 2014 Soul. It features front-wheel drive and an 81.4 kW motor that produces generous torque in the amount of 285 Nm. The motor's power reaches the front tires through the vehicle's single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit.
In addition to energy efficiency and class-leading range, the Kia Soul EV delivers impressive speed and acceleration. The vehicle's top speed is approximately 145 kph, and it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in 12 seconds or less. It also features regenerative braking, which collects and recycles energy generated during braking and coasting, thus increasing the car's range and efficiency.
The Kia Soul EV can be charged with any standard electricity supply. When the battery is fully depleted, a fast charge with 100kW output will fully recharge the battery within 25 minutes, while a 230v or 240v household outlet can recharge it within five hours.
To add to the comfort and enjoyment of drivers and passengers alike, Kia used specialized materials to sound-proof the interior of the Soul EV. Since the vehicle also lacks engine noise, it is one of the quietest cars on the market. Since the car is so quiet, Kia has installed a Virtual Engine Sound System to promote pedestrian safety.The VESS system emits an audible alert whenever the vehicle reverses or travels at speeds lower than 20 kph.
Manufacturing of the Kia Soul EV begins some time in 2014. Until then, Kia is conducting intensive tests on a fleet of Soul EV prototypes at facilities in North America and Europe, as well as at its Namyang R&D facility located in Korea.