Kia to launch SOUL Electric car but no dates yet for UK sale.

• New Kia Soul EV promises class-leading range of more than 200 km
• 81.4 kW motor produces 285 Nm of torque for fun-to-drive motoring
• UK on-sale date yet to be confirmed

Kia Motors has confirmed that a new all-electric version of the Kia Soul is scheduled to go on sale in export markets during the second half of 2014.  The ‘Kia Soul EV’ will be Kia’s first electrically-driven, zero-emissions family car marketed outside Korea.

“The new Soul EV will be at the forefront of Kia’s new ‘Clean Mobility’ program to provide environmentally-friendly transport to our customers around the world when it goes on sale globally next year,” commented Thomas Oh, Executive Vice President and COO, Kia Motors Corporation.

“Although it is Kia’s first globally-sold all-electric vehicle, the Soul EV is our second-generation battery electric vehicle and significantly benefits from our in-depth experience gained from development of the Ray EV and proven daily operations of the Ray EV fleet for the past three years.”

Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: “Whilst this sector of the UK new car market still remains very small, we welcome Kia’s global commitment to developing this technology.

“It is impossible to confirm any details about how we might offer this vehicle to UK motorists as yet – but we will seek to bring Soul EV to the UK. We cannot confirm timings or likely pricing as yet,” he added.

Embodying the cheerful design language of the recently-launched second-generation Kia Soul, the Soul EV is a uniquely designed battery electric vehicle, practical for everyday use.  It will be perfectly suited for city commuters thanks to its class-leading range.  Equipped with a high-capacity 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, the Soul EV will be able to drive more than 200 km on a single charge.

The front-wheel drive Soul EV prototype test cars are built on modified versions of the 2014 Kia Soul and are powered by an 81.4 kW electric motor, producing a generous 285 Nm of torque.  The motor delivers its power to the front wheels through a single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit.

Thanks to instantly available torque, the electric drivetrain will ensure that the Soul EV is a fun-to-drive vehicle with rapid acceleration (standstill to 100 kph is predicted to take less than 12 seconds) and a top speed in the region of 145 kph.  To maximise the efficiency and potential range of the Soul EV, regenerative braking captures and recycles into the battery the energy generated while the car is coasting and braking.

Charging is accomplished by plugging the Soul EV into any standard household electricity supply.  Recharging times are up to five hours for a fully depleted battery using a standard 240v or 230v household outlet, or 25 minutes on ‘fast’ charge with 100 kW output.

The absence of engine noise, combined with special sound-proofing materials, will make the production Kia Soul EV extremely quiet inside, contributing to the exceptional refinement levels similar to those of premium vehicles.  Because of its nearly silent operation, for the benefit of pedestrian safety, the Soul EV will be equipped with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System) that emits an audio alert at speeds below 20 kph and whenever the car is reversing.

A fleet of disguised prototypes of the new Soul EV is currently undertaking an intensive test program at Kia’s world-class Namyang R&D facility in Korea, as well as in Europe and North America, before manufacturing of customer cars begins in 2014.

The Kia Soul EV is based on the new 2014 Kia Soul which incorporates several significant improvements over the popular first-generation Soul.  Changes included the adoption of an all-new platform (based on the latest Kia cee’d) with a longer (2570 mm) wheelbase, a 29% stiffer bodyshell and upgraded suspension, delivering greatly improved ride, handling and refinement, plus more mature and composed on-road behaviour.

Like the 2014 Kia Soul, the Soul EV will have head-turning styling and exterior features that project a cutting-edge image and discreetly highlight its electric powertrain.  The smooth new-look is inspired by the 2012 Kia Track’ster concept and retains the iconic square-shouldered broad stance of the original Soul model.

Soul EV will offer buyers added sparkle with projection type headlamps, LED positioning lamps, LED rear combination lamps, plus aerodynamically shaped 16” inch alloy wheels.

Inside, Soul EV will be fitted with a unique Supervision instrument cluster and centre stack with an eight-inch display screen.  Appropriately for an eco-friendly vehicle, interior components and trim will use an increased range of recycled materials including Bio Plastic, Bio Foam, Bio Fabric and Bio PET Felt, together with low volatile organic compounds and newly developed antibacterial materials and paint.

Kia launched domestic sales of the Ray EV in Korea in late 2011 and has gained real-world experience of daily operations by supplying a fleet of Ray EVs to government departments and public offices.

The new BMW i3, launched in the UK at under £29k (batteries are included)

Today heralds a new era of premium car ownership with the launch of the all-new BMW i3.  This revolutionary car offers zero emissions in a premium car package, yet at an affordable price.

The BMW i3 is the world’s first premium car designed from the ground up to be powered by an electric drive system. The result is a vehicle that embodies BMW’s commitment to driving pleasure without compromise.

The use of lightweight CFRP for the passenger cell compensates for the extra weight of the battery, while the low, central location of the battery pack enhances the car’s agility thanks to perfectly balanced 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.

**With £5,000 OLEV Government grant.

The electric motor generates an output of 170hp, with peak torque of 250Nm on demand instantly. This allows the BMW i3 to sprint from zero to 37mph in a mere 3.7 seconds and zero to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds, while the lithium-ion battery gives a range of 80 –100 miles in everyday driving. This rises by approximately 15 per cent in ECO PRO mode and by the same again in ECO PRO+ mode.

As a point of reference, since 2009 BMW has conducted research on a global scale with the MINI E and BMW Active E programmes.  A UK government report found that the average commute was found to be 13.1 miles each way, and the average daily mileage 25 miles.

For customers particularly conscious of ‘range anxiety’, the BMW i3 is available with a range extender engine, powering a generator to maintain the charge of the lithium-ion battery at a constant level while on the move. This is performed by a 650cc two-cylinder four-stroke petrol engine developing 34hp and mounted immediately next to the electric motor above the rear axle. The range extender increases the car’s maximum range in day-to-day driving to around 180 miles on one tank of fuel. The BMW i3 Range Extender costs £28,830** OTR.

Both BMW i3 models include a three-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 100,000 mile battery warranty. The battery is also included in the price of the car negating a separate lease charge for battery, as is the case for other electric vehicles.

The i3 is available with four different interior worlds: Standard, Loft, Lodge and Suite.  These allow customers to change the look and feel of the interior.  All worlds feature sustainable materials such as sustainably sourced wood, natural fibres and naturally tanned leather.

The price for the BMW i3 starts at £25,680** and £28,830** for the Range Extender. However, leasing is expected to be favoured by customers and the monthly rates are highly competitive. Starting at £369p/m for a 36 month contract and rising to £480p/m for an i3 Range Extender in Suite, the BMW i3 is a compelling package.