Kia has announced plans for an all-electric version of its newly launched 2014 Kia Soul in the United States. It’s currently scheduled to be available sometime in late 2014 in select markets throughout the country.
This will be Kia’s first electric vehicle in the United States and it will feature different styling than its gasoline counterpart. The all-electric version will gain improved aerodynamics from these styling changes which will also make it uniquely distinguishable from the gas version of the vehicle.
The all-electric Kia Soul will be powered entirely by a battery at all times, with no gasoline engine at all making it a zero emissions vehicle. The Soul is already one of Kia’s best-selling vehicles and the company believes that the introduction of an all-electric version fits right in with its urban-friendly image. It’s also right in line with Kia’s focus on environmental responsibility.
The current 2014 Kia Soul is made of materials that will be 85% recyclable by the end of the vehicle’s lifespan. The company was recently ranked as one of the 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand and the introduction of the all-electric Soul supports that ranking.
Although this is the first all-electric vehicle for Kia in the United States, they’ve already got an alternative fuel vehicle in their stable. The Kia Optima Hybrid, which was originally introduced back in 2011, got some upgrades for 2013 to improve its performance.
It now has a refined powertrain for a smoother ride, a 47 horsepower electric traction motor, and a 47 kW lithium polymer battery. Much as with the Kia Optima hybrid, the 2014 Kia Soul all-electric is a chance for Kia to offer a new, more efficient version of an already popular vehicle.
No images have been released and there’s no word yet on details like powertrain, range, or MPGe, but expect those to be revealed at upcoming US auto shows.
TFLcar is at the 2014 Kia Soul launch right now! Nathan plans to party down with Lady Gaga and possibly steal the hamsters for his kids, but promises to have all the details on the Soul when he returns to reality. In the meantime, here’s our review of the 2013 Kia Soul.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
