Korean manufacturer Kia has began volume production of its zero-emissions Soul EV ahead of a planned European sales launch later this year.
Powered by an 81.4 kilowatt electric motor, the Soul EV is the first electric vehicle to be offered for sale by Kia outside of its homeland. The Korean giant has initial plans for an annual output of 5,000 Soul EV's from its Gwangju plant.
The Soul EV's range of over 130 miles is enabled by a raft of energy-saving features such as a smart air intake control system which maximises performance without losing energy to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and regenerative braking which recycles kinetic energy generated when slowing down back into the battery.
The Soul EV's green credential are further enhanced by its composition, with 23,942grams of bio-plastics used in every car.
The battery pack is to be found beneath the cabin to aid stability, and the Soul EV will do 90mph with a predicted 0-60mph accleration time of 11.2 seconds.
The Soul EV can be recharged by connecting to a standard domestic electricity supply, with a full charge time of up to five hours. However, a 100kw charger can give an 80% charge in as little as twenty minutes.
Kia Motors Corporation Vice President and Cheif Operating Officer Thomas Oh said: "Now that production of export models has begun, the new Soul EV is truly at the forefront of Kia's ‘Clean Mobility' program, providing environmentally-friendly transport to our customers around the world".
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