Chicago 2014: Kia Soul EV Debuts
by TTAC Staff
February 6th, 2014 11:10 AM
Share
While sister brand Hyundai has yet to offer an EV, Kia will step up to the plate and offer an electric version of the Soul, with a range between 80-100 miles via a 27 kWh battery pack. The Soul EV puts out 109 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, relatively tame figures for an EV. Level 1 and Level 2 fast charging is supported, with provisions for DC fast charging and even conventional outlet charging, which can take as much as 24 hours. On the other hand, charging via a 50 kWh charger can provide 80 percent juice in as little as half an hour. Notably, the battery pack lies flat, so you only have to give up 5 cubic feet of cargo room and a 3.1 inches of leg room to attain a zero-emissions Soul.
Comments
Join the conversation
Why aren't EVs allowed to have open grilles? I've never understood this, every EV seems to either have no grille at all or the grille of a non-EV but filled in.
The Soul's a good fit for EVization. Aside from the flat battery pack not cannibalizing too much cargo space, it's always been one of the most charismatic (and more importantly, successful) efforts to come out of Hyundai/Kia. The "hipest" models Hyundai offers are the Genesis (which still has an identity crisis as it shares its name with a completely different model) and the Veloster (which while funky doesn't enjoy nearly as broad appeal or sales as the Soul due to its diminished impracticality in the service of style.)
Interesting battery, but otherwise a poky CARBmobile :/
Despite being a "box" - makes sense as a city-car or driving mostly in the 'burbs where the box shape matters less (aerodynamics) and people get greater utility from the box shape.