Kia releases first official details about the 2015 Soul EV arrival and reveals the car’s mileage range, along with other specs!
Kia has issued an official press release which confirms the development of an all-electric Soul crossover vehicle.
Scheduled to go on sale in 2014, the Soul EV will be the automaker’s very-first all-electric, zero-emissions vehicle sold in North America or indeed, anywhere outside of its home Korean market.
At this point, it is still not known exactly when the Soul EV will go on sale in the USA, but the official press release states the global deliveries are expected begin in the the second half of 2014, meaning the car will most probably carry a 2015 model year designation.
2015 Soul EV Specs
– The forthcoming Kia Soul all-electric vehicle will feature an electric motor generating 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque.
– The model will have a driving range of more than 120 miles on a single charge.
– The electric motor will be backed by a 27-kilowatt-hour (second generation) lithium-ion polymer battery pack.
– The Soul EV will accelerate from 0-62 mph in less than 12 seconds, while the top speed will be in the region of 90 mph.
– The motor will bring power to the front wheels through a single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit.
– The Soul EV will maximize efficiency and extend the driving range with the energy generated while braking.
– Charge times for the Soul EV are up to 5 hours for using a 240-volt home quick charger or 25 minutes on a 100-kW output charger.
– when driving at speeds below 12 miles per hour, or whenever the car is in reverse, the Virtual Engine Sound System will generate an audio alert sound.
Kia says the upcoming Soul EV will retain the head-turning exterior styling of its gas-powered 2014 Soul model.
When put on sale later this year, the 2015 Soul EV will feature projection type headlamps, LED positioning lamps, LED rear combination lamps and, in addition, a set of aerodynamically styled 16-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the all-electric Kia Soul crossover vehicle will offer Supervision instrument cluster and center stack with an eight-inch display screen.
In keeping with its eco-friendly ethos, the interior will use an increased range of recycled materials including bio plastic, bio foam and fabric, bio pet felt, low volatility organic compounds and newly developed antibacterial materials and paint.
The absence of gasoline engine noise, combined with special sound-proofing materials will also offer drivers an exceptionally quiet ride.
Don’t expect it to be a volume leader, Kia will only offer a limited number of SOul electric. The price is expected to be pretty high.
More importantly, the model is confirming Kia’s commitment to produce eco-friendly cars, as well as their advanced electric car technology.
I would anticipate MAYBE 5,000 units per year for US sales.