Kia Soul EV Announced, to Arrive in U.S. for 2014
Kia, riding a wave of popularity among U.S. car buyers, is ready to dive into the electric vehicle market with an all-electric variant of the Korean automaker’s incredibly popular Soul. With the Kia Soul EV announced as being in development and headed stateside in 2014, Kia’s first zero emissions vehicle sold outside of Korea is enough to give the automaker high hopes for its urban superstar.
“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,” said Kia Motors America’s executive director of product planning, Orth Hedrick, in a press release.
Hendrick added, “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.”
The Kia Soul EV will be equipped with a high-capacity 27kWh lithium-ion battery pack that will enable to travel up to 120 miles on a single charge. Kia hopes to extend that range through energy-recycling technology the works while the Kia Soul EV is coasting or braking.
The Kia Soul EV will also boast a “head-turning style” inspired by the 2012 Track’ster concept, as well as utilizing a number of recycled materials for the vehicle’s eco-friendly interiror.
With the Kia Soul EV announced at last, how well do you think it will perform in the U.S.? Be sure to share your opinion in the comments below.
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