Kia introduced its new Soul EV, the all-new generation of the award-winning compact zero-emission crossover. The new model is just as magnetically as its predecessor, and its all-electric drive makes it attractive to all consumers with a green consciousness.
The new Kia Soul EV is equipped with a power unit – a new 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, water cooled, reduced cobalt content and a new NCM mix in 8:1:1 ratio (80% nickel, 10% cobalt and 10% manganese). The new battery is characterized by a higher energy density than the existing NCM batteries. The end result is a significantly increased mileage compared to the previous model and the Combinations Charging System (CCS), part of the model’s standard equipment, allows for shorter stops and quicker battery charging.
With a power of 204 hp and 395 Nm of maximum torque (285 Nm in the current model), the electric vehicle accelerates even more agilely. Driving dynamics and driveability have been improved thanks to the new fully independent rear suspension. The new Soul EV offers four driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Eco+, through which the engine power is automatically adjusted. Motion modes also control regenerative braking, air conditioning, and heating settings, enabling the driver to limit speeds to maximize energy efficiency under different driving conditions.
The intelligent braking system is controlled by the steering wheel’s “feathers”, enabling drivers to reduce speed and store more kinetic energy, providing extra mileage. The choice is between four levels (from 0 to 3), depending on the desired driving fluency, driving pleasure and energy efficiency. The regenerative braking system also has a “stop and hold” function that allows the driver to use the steering wheel’s “feathers” to completely defeat the car, thus retaining kinetic energy. The system works in collaboration with the Smart Eco Pedal Guide, located on the dashboard, which informs the driver about the use of the battery in real time.
The new Kia Soul EV, powered by gasoline or electricity, features an entirely new exterior design that has remained faithful to the emblematic “cube-like” shape of the model. The architecture of the new Soul EV is identical to that of its predecessor, but with an emphasis on modern styling. The new model has re-styled front and rear bumpers that not only provide a “finer” design, but also better aerodynamics. Attractive LED lights are integrated into the upper front of the car, creating a sense of stability, while the main design accent is the 17-inch five-spoke rims that differ from the rims in other Soul modifications.
Kia Soul EV is equipped with a large number of features to increase safety, improve driving sensation and facilitate the operation process as a whole. Depending on the market, the Soul EV will be available with a range of advanced Kia Assist Systems to assist the driver and a long list of standard and optional equipment.
The technologies include a rotating shift-by-wire controller, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a parking camera reverse parking camera. The infotainment package supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Bluetooth handsfree and voice recognition. The audio system has six speakers, a USB input and steering wheel controls.
Safety is a priority in the design of Kia Soul EV. Depending on the market, the vehicle is equipped with seven airbags as well as a wide range of safety systems: ABS, traction control, electronic stabilization system, slope assistance system, pedestrian warning system and tire pressure monitoring system.
Kia Soul EV comes with a range of advanced assistant systems: Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and Reverse Parking Distance Warning.
