2015 Kia Soul EV Preview

Fast Facts:

• EPA-rated 90 miles of range

• EPA-rated 102 MPGe in combined driving

• Zero to 60 mph in less than 12 seconds

• Top speed of 90 mph

• 24-hour recharge using household outlet

• 5-hour recharge using 240-volt EV charger

• On sale in summer of 2014

• Offered first on east and west coasts

Introduction

The 2015 Kia Soul EV is a new electric version of the automaker's popular multi-purpose car, one that offers gas-free driving in a package that is nearly as practical as a standard Soul. When the new 2015 Soul EV goes on sale in the summer of 2014, it will be available in Base and Plus trim levels, and offered in a handful of states on the east and west coasts where electric vehicle infrastructure is the most advanced.

Exterior Features

The Kia Soul EV looks similar to a standard Soul, but features unique 16-in. aluminum wheels wearing Super Low Rolling Resistance tires, minor aerodynamic modifications, a revised grille insert that hides dual charging ports, LED running lights and taillights, and special two-tone paint. Three colors will be available: Pearl White/Electronic Blue roof, Carribean Blue/Clear White roof, Bright Silver/Clear White roof.

Every Soul EV also includes a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) that operates at speeds under 12 mph and in Reverse to let pedestrians and cyclists know that an electric vehicle is operating nearby.

Interior Features

The Soul EV's battery is located under the car's floor, resulting in a 3.1-inch reduction in rear-seat legroom and a 5.1 cu.-ft. reduction in cargo space. Behind the rear seat, the Soul EV holds 19.1 cu. ft. of cargo, more than a midsize sedan's trunk.

Eco-friendly cloth in gray with blue stitching and Bright White interior trim come standard in the Soul EV, along with unique Supervision gauges employing Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology. Gray leather with blue piping is optional.

Kia says the Soul EV is the first car to receive an automotive environmental validation from Underwriters Laboratory, thanks to the use of more than 20 bio-friendly materials in the cabin's construction. There is 10.9 lbs. of bio-based organic content in the cabin's plastic alone, and Kia uses BTX-free paint on certain pieces of trim as well as anti-bacterial material for many of the most commonly touched parts of the interior. Materials derived from cellulose and sugar cane are used for the Soul EV's door panels, headliner, seat trim, and carpeting.