Kia Soul EV Arrives in the US in 2014

Kia has publically informed that its all-electric Soul will be offered in the U.S. starting next year.

The Kia Soul EV will be the Korean company’s first all-electric, zero-emissions model offered outside of Korea and will have a target range of over 120 miles. The electric engine will provide 108 hp and 211 lb-ft of torque, making it more than capable for city and highway daily commutes.

Fitted with a high-capacity 26 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, the Kia Soul EV will make charging simple by plugging it into any regular electrical outlet. Charging takes up to 5 hours with a regular 240-volt outlet while a fast charge is available in half an hour with 100 kW output. The electric engine will send its power to the front wheels through a single speed constant gear reduction unit, allowing the Soul EV to accelerate to 63 mph in less than 12 sec and will have a top speed of about 95 mph.

When it goes on sale, the Soul EV will be available with projection-type headlights, LED positioning lamps, LED rear combination lamps and aerodynamic 16-inch wheels. Cleverly styled, expect the Kia Soul EV will be similar to the current 2014 Kia Soul.

“The fresh Soul EV will be at the forefront of Kia’s ‘Clean Mobility’ program, which aims to provide environmentally-friendly car to our clients globally, when it goes on sale worldwide next year,” informed Kia Motors America’s head of product planning, Orth Hedrick.