If you’re into EVs but find the Tesla Model S too expensive, and the Leaf too jelly bean, then Kia would like to offer you something with a bit of soul. An electric Soul, that is.
The Soul EV will be the first EV sold outside of South Korea, with experience gained from the development and limited introduction of the Ray EV to government and rental fleets in their native market. Though no specific date has been set for the Soul EV’s North American rollout, Kia says to expect the electric hamstermobile to arrive in showrooms sometime in the second half of 2014, possibly bearing a 2015 model year designation.
If you’re lucky enough to be introduced to the Soul EV next year, expect drive away in a vehicle made for the city without looking like an electric wizard. Under the hood will be an electric motor pushing 109 horses out through the front door while providing 210 square-pounds of Whole Foods Market-pulling torque. Zero to 60 takes about 12 seconds, and you’ll be able to go back to the future with the Soul EV’s top speed of 90 mph.
The Soul EV will utilize what Kia calls the Virtual Engine Sound System, or VESS. At 12 mph or less, or while backing out with those organic goodies, the VESS will emit an audio alert of some sort to warn those hipsters to move out of your way in an ironic manner.
As for range and charging, the Soul EV is definitely meant for commuting to and from the hip neighborhood you call a home, with a target range of 120 miles per charge. While putting in your time at that awesome startup that will revolutionize the way you play with running vicious candy farmers, the Soul’s 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack will take five hours to charge on a standard 240v outlet, or 25 minutes on fast-charging through a 100 kW outlet.
Finally, the Soul EV is not only eco-conscious on the road, but is totally granola on the inside as well: the materials used are composed of biomass, from the foam in the seats to the dashboard holding the instrument cluster and 8-inch display.
The price of admission to feel like an electric hamster? Unknown as of this time, though word on the street is that it might be sold for around $35,000 on our shores. Like the Fiat 500e, this is strictly a compliance car meant to appease regulators. Hyundai’s corporate direction for ZEVs will be based around fuel cells, not electric vehicles.
Photo credit: AutoGuide
I can just imagine the commercials: “The Electric Hamster”.
Morrissey fan?
Not really, but thanks to you, I was able to find out how my title came from my subconscious!
Nice BTTF reference. (Beer can and banana peel fusion is just a couple years away, right?)
And hoverboards. Cross your fingers!
“The Soul EV will be the first EV sold outside of South Korea,…”
I don’t think you meant that. First Kia EV perhaps?
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Thank you, E46. I took delivery last week of a Chevy Spark EV. Korean-assembled with an American-made battery. $27,800 (LT2 option) and a hoot to drive. No TTAC love for this little Spark SS?
I’m wondering:
1. Do you have to pay sales tax on the pre-tax credit price? I assume the $27.8K is before credits.
2. Do you still get the fed and CA tax credits if you have a relatively high income?
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E46: I leased the car for 36 months (10,000 miles per year) so paid sales tax only on the capitalized cost. GM provided a $3400 discount on the lease, which is why I didn’t buy it. The California incentive is a cash payment of $2500. The U.S. tax credit is $7500 and is filed with my 2013 return next April. Both these incentives apply whether you lease or purchase, and neither is income-dependent. In total, the lease gets $13,400 in discounts – nearly half the cost of the car. I’m a strong supporter of the Dems and Obama, but still find this much incentive unwarranted. (But they’re there, so I’ll take ’em!)
@E46: Sales tax on my Leaf was calculated on the final price. Nissan takes the Federal tax credit for themselves (as a deduction off MSRP), so the buyer doesn’t have to qualify income-wise.
Don’t know which is worse, the Soul EV or the trying to be hip write-up.
On balance, I think I prefer the Kia, but it’s a horserace.
Fuel cells are a fool’s errand, IMO – no infrastructure and a host of consumer handling issues.
This Soul might be OK, but it’s very late to the EV game – I don’t see the point. By 2015 Nissan will have 100k EVs on the road – and Tesla maybe 50k – and both companies will have 2nd-, 3rd-, or 4th-generation vehicles by that time. Plus, the Leaf and mythical Model E will be cheaper.
Also, how long will Kia keep pushing the Soul box shape? It has a lot of utility, but it’ll be pretty ripe by 2015.
I’m sure that fuel cells are (reluctantly) backed by the oil companies; it fits their wasteful energy infrastructure perfectly.
SOFCs that take hydrocarbons directly would be worthwhile, if they can get 20-25kWh out of a gallon of gas and they cost no more than $0.10/W (half that would be better).
The Soul looks more cool than most other EV, that is if you like the gangster toaster look. Very functional space and the sitting position is great. The Leaf was very uncomfortable, my back was hurting after sitting in it for less than 1 minute, I had to exit it immediately as it did tweak my back. The upright sitting position of the Soul will appeal to those who prefer or need a more truck like seat.
Not sure how earth friendly the batteries are….
Ugh, too slow.