Kia is taking how the world views eco-friendly electric vehicles and broadening the spectrum through the use of bio-based organic carbon content. The automaker was recently granted validation by UL Environment, a unit a part of the safety science company Underwriters Laboratories, for its use of the "green" materials in the all-new Kia Soul EV - a first in the automotive industry.
To achieve the validation, Kia's manufacturing sites were examined closely to ensure the materials were being used during production. The company discovered that Kia had used 10% organic carbon content in the Soul EV's interior, along with 23,942 grams of bio-based plastic. Specific components found within the electric vehicle include bio-foam, bio-fabric and bio-degradable plastic.
"We are proud that our Kia Soul EV has achieved the auto industry's and the world's first UL Environmental claim validation for its bio-based organic carbon content for 10% of its interior materials," said Jong-Dae Lim, Vice President of Material Development Center of Hyundai-Kia R&D Center. "We will continue our efforts to develop cutting-edge products that satisfy not only the evolving market, but also customer needs."
Through the use of bio-based organic carbon content, Kia is transforming the way electric vehicles are produced and discarded. The Kia Soul EV's eco-friendly efforts will go beyond decreasing carbon emissions and increasing fuel efficiency, creating a whole new definition for the term "green vehicle."
Be on the lookout for the new Kia Soul EV arriving at Camelback Kia. You can also view our inventory of gasoline-fueled 2014 Kia Soul models.
