Kia just keeps delivering hit after hit.
The
fastest growing car company in the world recently rolled out its first electric
vehicle, the 2015 Kia Soul EV, and in the process, has
delivered one of the best electric-only vehicles on the market.
OK,
before sending an email, I agree Tesla has the best EV on the market. The base
Tesla S has twice the range and more performance. The base Tesla S also has an
MSRP that begins at a price point more than double that of the fully loaded Kia Soul EV, which by the way is sold
and supported by Kia
dealerships nationwide. (You can only purchase a Tesla from its factory in
California).
That
said, for EV’s priced below $40,000, the five-passenger, front-wheel drive Kia Soul EV leads the segment in
range (109 miles on a full charge), Miles Per Gallon Equivalency (92
highway/120 city/105 combined), as well as interior room (18.8 cubic feet of
cargo room behind the rear seat).
Based
on Kia’s popular urban crossover, the Soul EV has a top speed of 90
mph and includes two types of charging ports allowing owners multiple options
for recharging.
You can
plug it into a regular 110-volt outlet in the garage (like I did during my
one-week evaluation) and recharge the battery overnight. It also has a fast charging
port that allows for an 80 percent charge in 33 minutes.
Being
based in Texas, when EVs come up in conversation, I’m frequently being asked,
“Why in the world would I want an electric vehicle when you can only go so far
without having to stop and plug it in?”
EVs
aren’t for everyone. But for consumers who do all or most of their driving in
urban centers — and rarely need to travel more than 100 miles in a day — EVs
make a lot of sense.
They
produce zero emissions and you don’t have to worry about fluctuating gas
prices. All you have to do is plug it in at home, the office or urban
recharging stations. While you are still paying for electricity, the MPGe still
produces a substantial savings over what you would pay in fuel for a gasoline-powered
vehicle.
The
downside is you won’t be able to take it on a long road trip.
But as
a commuter vehicle for daily driving, I found the 2015 Kia Soul EV not only
practical, but an ideal vehicle.
With a
base price starting at $33,700, the Soul EV is available in two
very nicely equipped trim levels — Base and +.
Standard
features include navigation with an eight-inch screen, HVAC, UVO EV-Kia’s award-winning telematics
and infotainment system for in-vehicle connectivity, rear backup camera,
six-speaker audio system with Sirius Satellite Radio, power
windows/mirrors/door locks.
Additionally,
the 109-horsepower electric motor delivers 210 lbs.-ft. of instantaneous
torque, delivering excellent performance. And, the ride is extremely quiet.
While
EVs aren’t for everyone, for those in the market for an electric vehicle, the Soul EV is a must
for the test-drive list.
Neal
White has been covering the automotive industry for more than 20 years and is
affiliated with the Texas Auto Writers Association.
THE NUTS AND BOLTS
MODEL:
2015
Kia Soul EV
5-seat
electric 5-door vehicle
Front-wheel
drive
Trim
packages:
Base, +
PRICE RANGE:
$34,000-$37,000
ELECTRIC MOTOR:
AC
syncronous permanent magnet electric motor (109 horsepower/210 lbs.-ft.
torque). 90 kW lithium ion plymer battery.
EPA: 92 MPGe city, 120 MPGe highway
CHARGING: 120V (24 hours full charge), 240V
(4-5 hours full charge), or 480V (80 percent charge in 33 minutes).
BRAKES: Regenerative brakes with kinetic energy
recovery.
LENGTH: 163 inches
WHEELBASE: 102.1 inches
WIDTH: 70.9 inches
HEIGHT: 63 inches
WEIGHT: 3,289 pounds
TRACK: 62/62.4 (front/rear)
TIRES: 16-inch
CARGO: 18.8/49.5 cubic feet (behind second/first
row).
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