Kia Soul EV Smitten Ice Cream Truck heads to SEMA
Kia will debut the Soul EV Smitten Ice Cream Truck concept at the 2014 SEMA Show, blending retro design with the electric Soul’s drivetrain and a bespoke trailer.
Kia is set to unveil its Soul EV Smitten Ice Cream Truck concept at the 2014 SEMA Show, giving the all-electric Soul a retro-themed makeover aimed at highlighting both its zero-emissions credentials and its potential for creative customisation.
The Smitten Ice Cream Truck features a two-tone red and white exterior, a roof-mounted spoiler and retro-inspired wheels. Kia has given the cabin a bespoke treatment to match the exterior theme, and the truck is paired with a custom trailer designed to evoke classic ice cream vans. The concept is intended to demonstrate how the Soul EV’s platform can be adapted for specialist uses beyond conventional passenger transport.
Underneath the themed bodywork, the Smitten Ice Cream Truck uses the same electric drivetrain as the production Soul EV. That means a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and an electric motor producing 109 hp (81 kW) and 284 Nm of torque. Kia claims the standard Soul EV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 12 seconds and offers a range of up to 93 miles (150 km) on a single charge. These figures are expected to be similar for the Smitten concept, though the additional trailer and custom features could affect real-world performance.
Customisation and electric power
The Smitten Ice Cream Truck is one of several Soul-based concepts Kia has created to showcase the flexibility of its electric vehicle architecture. By combining the Soul EV’s emissions-free running with a playful, nostalgic design, Kia is targeting both brand enthusiasts and businesses interested in low-emissions urban vehicles. The bespoke interior and matching trailer reinforce the concept’s focus on both style and utility.
Kia’s choice to base the Smitten concept on the Soul EV reflects the company’s ongoing investment in electric vehicles. The standard Soul EV, which made its European debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and its US debut at the Chicago Auto Show the same year, is part of Kia’s strategy to expand its electric model range. The Smitten concept is not intended for production but serves to draw attention to the Soul EV’s versatility and the brand’s willingness to experiment with new ideas for urban mobility.
Technical specifications at a glance
| Powertrain | Electric motor, 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery |
|---|---|
| Maximum power | 109 hp (81 kW) |
| Maximum torque | 284 Nm |
| 0–60 mph | Under 12 seconds (claimed for standard Soul EV) |
| Range (official, standard Soul EV) | Up to 93 miles (150 km) |
The Soul EV Smitten Ice Cream Truck will be officially revealed at the start of November 2014 at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Kia has not announced any plans to put the concept into production, but the vehicle underlines the company’s focus on electric mobility and creative vehicle design.
For more on the standard Soul EV’s development and international debuts, see our coverage of theKia Soul EV at Geneva Motor ShowandSoul EV’s US launch in Chicago.
