The new Kia Soul EV has been introduced. It has up to 64 kWh of battery and a CCS port

The second generation Kia Soul EV is another electric car that debuted at the Los Angeles auto show. Compared to its predecessor, the new has dramatically improved its battery and performance capabilities.

A wheelbase of 2,601 mm confirms earlier reports that the new Kia Soul EV was built on the basis of the Hyundai Kona Electric Group. This has an identical wheelbase. The Electric Soul is therefore classified in the category of small cars, but this crossover should offer an extraordinary interior space.

It is a relatively practical vehicle with compact dimensions: 4,196 x 1,800 x 1,600 (length x width x height). The capacity of the battery (64 kWh) clearly shows that this electric car is not reserved for the city. However, the official value of the lapse is not yet known.

We can expect an excellent tour

However, it will not be as easy to predict as Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric also have the same power. The aforementioned models are respectively 485 or 470 km (WLTP). The electric soul should have a very similar attitude.

One of the positive aspects is that the next generation will be equipped with a CCS charging port, which becomes a slow standard. The original model was equipped with CHAdeMO + Type 2 connectors.

Negociation power

The Kia Soul EV electric motor is powered by an electric motor set to a power of 150 kW (204 hp). This is higher than the standard value because of the vehicle category. By adding 395 Nm of torque, we can also expect excellent driving dynamics. The bonus is also the multi-axle rear suspension.

We are surprised that the manufacturer does not mention the availability of a weaker version of its news. Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric are, respectively, will be available with a battery of 39.2 kWh, while the Kona has a lower output power of 99 kW in this configuration. We think we'll see this version later, not everyone needs inspiration or performance. The weaker version would certainly be cheaper.

Up to 4 driving modes and levels of recovery

The new Kia Soul EV also has an extraordinary number of modes and levels of driving regeneration system. The driver has the Eco, Eco +, Comfort and Sport modes, and the regenerative braking effect of the recovery system can be controlled at levels 0 to 3. And with the steering wheel under the steering wheel, which allows you to drive the car. stop the vehicle even without the brake pedal.

Rich equipment

As we get used to the new Kia and Hyundai brand electric cars, the Soul EV also offers a host of equipment, filled with modern wizards. There will be systems such as FCW, FCA, LDW, LKA, DAW or BSW. We can also count on a relatively large touch screen (10.25 "), LED lights, Apple CarPlay support and Android Auto.

Availability in Europe

The new Kia Soul EV will be on the European market in the first half of 2019. And this electric version seems to be the only one available on the old continent. It will be made in the house of South Korea. Prices, as well as other specifications, should be announced early next year.

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Source (with cover photo): Kia