Kia is putting the final touches on the all-electric Soul that will make its public debut in early 2014. Â The car will be sold in the United States, in Europe and in several countries throughout Asia, making it Kia's first global electric vehicle.
The upcoming EV will share most of its sheetmetal with the second-gen Soul that was introduced at the New York Motor Show last month. Â The two models will be distinguishable thanks to small differences such as EV-specific paint colors, emblems and wheel covers. Â Minor changes will also be made to the car's interior.
The Soul EV's drivetrain will likely be derived from the unit that is found in the Ray EV, a small minivan that is currently being tested in South Korea as part of a pilot program. Â The hatchback will be equipped with a roughly 50-kilowatt electric motor that will be linked to a lithium-ion battery mounted under the car's floor. Â Rumors claim the Soul EV will have a range of 124 miles and a top speed of 86 mph. Â
Kia has not commented on the matter, but unnamed sources told website Kia-World that the electric Soul will retail for about $35,000 in its home country of South Korea.. Â The car could sticker for less than $30,000 in the United States once government incentives are factored in.
More information about the electric Soul will be available over the coming months.
