2015 Kia Soul EV whirrs in to the Windy City

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Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchback, Kia, Electric

Earlier this week, we got our first glimpse of the 2015 Kia Soul EV out on the road, completely uncovered. And even before then, executive editor Chris Paukert had the opportunity to drive a camouflaged electric Soul prototype on Kia's home turf in Korea. But now, finally, officially, the electron-happy Soul makes its debut at the Chicago Auto Show.



Powering the Soul EV is an 81-kilowatt electric motor that sends 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. That's not immensely powerful, with Kia quoting a 0-60 time of "fewer than 12 seconds," but we're big fans of the instant torque thrust that EVs like the Soul provide. Top speed is electronically limited to approximately 90 miles per hour.

Kia says the Soul EV is good for roughly 80 to 100 miles of driving range.

The Soul's battery source is a 27-kWh, air-cooled unit that the automaker says can provide roughly 80 to 100 miles of range. (Your mileage may vary, of course.) As for the all-important charging times, Kia states a full charge can take as long as 24 hours for a fully depleted battery using a standard 120-volt outlet, or as quickly as under five hours when hooked up to a 240-volt outlet. Kia even says that an 80-percent charge "can be achieved in as little as 33 minutes with a 50-kW-output [CHAdeMo] charger." Kia is partnering with three charger providers - Bosch, Leviton and AeroVironment - to offer customers a wide range of home charging solutions.



Inside, the Soul's cabin is largely carryover, save for a 5.1-cubic-foot loss of cargo space in the rear. (Thanks, batteries.) Standard amenities include Bluetooth, navigation, a rear-view camera, cruise control, a power driver's seat, LED positioning lamps, LED taillamps and 16-inch alloy wheels. Eco-friendly cloth seats are standard, and leather is optional.



Visually, no one should mistake the Soul EV for its gas-powered kin, with a closed-off grille, and a more aerodynamic front fascia. Three different two-tone color options are available, as well - Pearl White with Electronic Blue roof, Caribbean Blue with Clear White roof, and Bright Silver with Clear White roof.



Pricing will be announced closer to the car's launch later this year. And when it does hit dealers, Kia will initially limit sales to California and Oregon out west, and New York, New Jersey and Maryland on the east coast. Kia will "look to offer the vehicle in other markets in the near future as infrastructure and demand grow," however. Scroll down for more details in the company's official release.

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2015 Kia Soul EV whirrs in to the Windy City originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Feb 2014 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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