Kia set to begin Soul EV production

March 12, 2014
Kia is reportedly set to begin producing its all-electric Soul EV next month at a Korean factory.

The hatchback will be the first plug-in electric from the Hyundai/Kia partnership to be exported from Korea. Drivers will have an opportunity to buy the EV in the US, Europe and other markets.

The Soul EV promises to drive up to 92 miles on a single charge, slightly longer than the Nissan Leaf’s 84-mile range. Its 27kWh lithium-ion polymer battery can be recharged in as little as 24 minutes using a fast charger, or four hours on a standard 240-volt circuit.

The electric system is said to produce approximately 109 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, with a single-speed reduction gear rather than a traditional transmission. Drivers can expect a 0-60 mph time below 12 seconds, with a top speed of approximately 90 mph.

Although the overall design is shared with the gasoline-burning Soul, the EV edition brings unique paint colors, 16-inch wheels, and LED lighting, among other tweaks.

The company has yet to announce pricing details for all markets, though a Reuters report suggests it will cost 42 million won (~$39,400 USD) in Korea.

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