Kia Unveils U.S. Version of Electric Soul

Kia Motors Corp., which introduced an electric version of its popular Soul people mover in South Korea five months ago, took the wraps off the U.S. version on Thursday. The EV will go on sale in California later this autumn.

The $34,500 car is equipped with a 27-kWh, 360-volt lithium-ion polymer battery under the floor. The system includes a high-capacity nickel-cobalt-manganese cathode and carbon graphite-based anode for lower weight and greater durability.

Kia says the battery reduces rear seat legroom by 3 inches but does not effect other interior dimensions and capacities compared with a piston-powered Soul.

A 109-hp front-drive motor can accelerate the EV from zero to 60 mph in about 12 seconds, reach a top speed of 90 mph and propel the Soul for 93 miles per charge, according to the company.

The Soul EV is equipped with an SAE charging port for Level 1 and Level 2 (120 and 240 volts) charging and a fast-charging CHAdeMo direct-current port. The latter connection can replenish the battery to 80% of capacity in about 33 minutes.

To reduce power consumption, the car's heating and cooling system uses a heat pump, managed air recirculation and scheduled operation that can preheat or precool the car while it is still plugged in. Activating a "driver-only" ventilation option directs all air flow toward the driver when no passengers are on board.

The Soul EV's standard equipment includes an 8-inch navigation screen, rear backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows, power driver's seat and cruise control. The instrument panel houses a 3.5-inch display screen that uses energy-efficient organic light emitting diode technology.