Kia Soul EV Production to Start Next Month for 2016 Launch
Heads up EV fans, Kia is on track to launch its first global battery-powered vehicle in 2016.
The automaker will start building Soul EVs in South Korea next month. This will be Hyundai-Kia’s first pure-electric model for export markets; it’s expected to go on sale both in the United States and Europe.
The amped-up Kia Soul offers 92 miles of driving range following a rapid charge, which takes anywhere from 24 to 33 minutes. A slower replenishment of the battery pack takes some four hours.
In its home market the Soul EV will cost around 42 million won, which is about $39,400, but that price will fall by about half when South Korean government subsidies are factored in. That reduced figure is similar to what a high-end gasoline-powered model costs.
The company has set a global sales target of 5,000 units though if more states like California start requiring manufacturers to offer zero-emissions vehicles that figure could grow.
GALLERY: 2015 Kia Soul EV
[Source: Automotive News]
Discuss this story on our Kia Soul forum
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
More by Craig Cole
Comments
Join the conversation