Kia has confirmed that an all-electric version of its Soul city car is scheduled to go on sale in export markets in the second half of 2014. The Soul EV will be its first battery-powered, zero-emissions family car marketed outside Korea.
Embodying the cheerful design language of the recently-launched second-generation Soul, the Soul EV is intended for city commuters, its 27kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack giving it a range of up to 200km.
The Soul EV prototype test cars are built on modified versions of the 2014 Kia Soul and are powered by an 81.4kW/285Nm electric moto, driving the front wheels through a single-speed constant ratio gear reduction unit.
FULL CHARGE IN FIVE HOURS
Thanks to instantly available torque, acceleration to 100km/h is predicted to take less than 12 seconds, and top speed should be about 145km/h. Regenerative braking stretches the electric Soul's range by recycling the energy generated while the car is coasting and braking back into the battery .
Recharging times are up to five hours for a completely flat battery using a standard 220v household plug, or 25 minutes on 'fast' charge with a 100kW industrial power connection output.
Because of its nearly silent operation the Soul EV will be equipped with a virtual engine sound system) that emits an audio alert at speeds below 20km/h, and whenever the car is reversing, for the benefit of pedestrian safety.
TEST PROGRAMME
A fleet of disguised Soul EV prototypes is going through an intensive test programme at Kia's Namyang research and development facility in Korea, as well as in Europe and North America, before production of customer cars begins in 2014.
The Soul EV is based on the new 2014 Soul, which shares the current Kia cee'd platform, with a longer (2570mm) wheelbase, stiffer bodyshell and upgraded suspension. Its smooth new styling was inspired by the 2012 Track'ster concept, although it retains the signature square-shouldered stance of the original Soul model, discreetly highlighting its electric powertrain with projector-beam headlights, LED daytime running lights and tail light clusters, as well as aerodynamically-shaped 16" alloy rims.
Infotainment hardware will include a special Supervision instrument cluster and centre stack with a 200mm display screen.
Appropriately for an eco-friendly vehicle, interior components and trim will use an increased range of recycled materials including, plastic mouldings, foam, fabric and PET felt, together with low-volatile organic compounds and newly developed antibacterial materials and paint.
We’re waiting on a reply from Kia SA as to whether or when the Soul EV will be released in South Africa.