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Kia Soul EV Awarded First-Ever Automotive UL Environment Validation

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2015 kia soul ev

The 2015 Kia Soul EV uses organic materials as part of its interior.

The all-new 2015 Kia Soul EV recently debuted at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, and a lot of attention has been paid to its sleek (if not strikingly familiar) design and its revolutionary electric powertrain.  The Soul EV is powered by a 27kWh, 200-watt lithium-ion battery that is expected to deliver a range between 80-100 miles, but the gasoline-free propulsion system is not the only place where the Soul EV is displaying environmental awareness.

The interior of the 2015 Kia Soul EV uses bio-based organic carbon content for 10 percent of its interior plastics, which is big deal for a carmaker and people are taking notice.  In fact, the Soul EV has become the automotive industry’s first anything to receive Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Environment validation.


More on the Soul EV: Kia Introduces Its First Electric Vehicle, the 2015 Soul EV


“We are proud that our Kia Soul EV has achieved the auto industry’s and the world’s first UL Environmental claim validation for its bio-based organic carbon content for 10% of its interior materials,” said Jong-Dae Lim, Vice President of Material Development Center of Hyundai-Kia R&D Center, in a press release.

“We will continue our efforts to develop cutting-edge products that satisfy not only the evolving market, but also customer needs.”

Does the use of environmentally-friendly products in a vehicle’s production sway your opinion on whether or not to buy a certain car?  Let us know why or why not in the comments below!


Related: The 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid Is Almost Here!