The Kia Soul lineup is going electric! The Korean brand that has become known for their quirky, fun Soul series recently debuted their new all-electric 2015 Soul EV model exclusively at the Chicago Auto Show. A first for the company, the electric vehicle produces zero emissions and falls in line with Kia's "Clean Mobility" program, which promotes eco-friendly transportation.
Buyers interested in purchasing the 2015 Kia Soul when it goes on sale later this year will be happy to know the new car produces an estimated driving range of 80-100 miles on a full charge. This is made possible by a 27kWh lithium-ion battery pack equipped with 96 polymer cells and assisted by an 81.4 kW electric motor, delivering 109 horsepower and 201 lb.-ft. of torque. The EV also sports four different driving modes, which maximize range and efficiency, further supporting the overall driving range.
When it comes to charging the Soul EV, the process could not be simpler. All charging ports are located right on the front of the grille and hidden beneath a sliding door. The standard 120-volt port will fully charge the car in 24 hours, while the 240-volt port will charge it in under five hours. For a faster charge, the CHadeMo DC port is the way to go, which achieves an 80-percent charge in just 33 minutes.
In addition to the Soul EV's spectacular driving range and easy-access charging ports, it beats out many of its competitors when it comes to space. The car's battery pack is located just underneath the floor, which allows rear shoulder/hip room to remain the same, and its legroom is also above average compared to other EV models. With very little change in interior size, the 2015 Soul EV stands as one of the most spacious cars in its segment and it's an ideal choice for buyers everywhere.
