Kia confirms all-electric Soul for 2014 global launch
Kia will introduce its first mass-market electric vehicle as a production version of the Soul, with sales to begin globally in 2014 and UK right-hand drive under consideration.
Kia will launch its first globally available all-electric car in 2014, confirming that the next-generation Soul will form the basis of the new battery-powered model. The company aims to move beyond small-scale test fleets and offer the Soul EV as a regular production vehicle in multiple markets.
Kia already produces an electric version of the Ray for government use in Korea, but this is limited to a small domestic fleet. The Soul EV will mark the company’s first move into wider commercial sales of an electric vehicle, targeting international markets rather than remaining a domestic experiment.
Soul EV to lead Kia’s global electric push
Kia’s decision to base its first mass-market EV on the Soul reflects the car’s established presence in key regions, including Europe and North America. The Soul’s upright stance and practical packaging offer space for battery integration without a major compromise in interior room. Kia is positioning the Soul EV as a direct rival to other compact electric crossovers and hatchbacks expected to reach showrooms in 2014.
The company has not yet released technical details or range figures for the Soul EV. However, the move to a global production model signals a step change from the Ray EV, which was never intended for private sale. Kia’s UK division is pressing for a right-hand drive version, aiming to secure the Soul EV for British buyers from launch. This would put the UK on par with other major EV markets if approved.
Kia’s changing model line-up
By spring 2013, the current Soul will become the oldest model in Kia’s European line-up, following recent launches of the updated Sorento SUV, the new Carens MPV and the second-generation three-door pro_cee’d. The all-electric Soul is intended to maintain the model’s relevance in a market where rivals are preparing their own EV launches.
Kia’s investment in new products has contributed to strong sales growth in Europe, even as the overall market has declined. While European car sales have dropped by more than 7 percent compared to 2011, Kia has reported a 23 percent increase for the same period, with a record 345,000 cars expected to be sold in Europe in 2012, including 65,000 in the UK.
What comes next for the Soul EV
The Soul EV’s global roll-out is planned for 2014, with further details on range, charging and pricing to be announced closer to launch. Right-hand drive availability will depend on the outcome of lobbying by Kia UK. For more on the Soul EV’s development and early appearances, seeKia Soul EV prototype spotted testing ahead of 2015 launch.
