2015 Kia Soul EV: Why It Matters

Originally designed in 2008 as a concept car to address the notion that Kia was environmentally unfriendly, the Soul has become one of Kia’s top selling vehicles in the last five years. Maybe it’s because of the adorably hip b-boying hamster commercials or because it’s the first Korean electric vehicle sold in the U.S., but the 2015 Kia Soul EV is leaving a big impression in our hearts at the Kia Dealer in Miami but a small imprint on the Earth.

Clean Mobility

Once upon a time American consumer’s perception of Kia was that it was environmentally unfriendly because it lacked hybrids and EV’s (electric vehicle) from it product lineup. That’s when Michael Sprague, marketing executive for Kia, knew that it was time to introduce their new initiative. Showcasing first the Optima hybrid, Kia then introduced the Soul. With baited breath, patiently awaiting its arrival, Kia brought its Soul EV to America.

“The Soul EV is lifting the entire brand,” Sprague said in an interview with USA Today. “It will serve as the focus of our Clean Mobility campaign.”

New vehicle recycling regulations set for the end of 2015 will require 95 percent of automotive vehicles to be reusable by the end of its useful life. Kia has already exceeded this requirement.

With most of its vehicles leaving the factory already constructed in recycled material, the Kia Soul EV is its first model to truly demonstrate how holistic their approach is. In terms of production, manufacturing and disposal, Kia’s Korean plant in Hwasung proves its dedication to environmental and social impact by setting what seems like an impossible goal of zero percent waste from scrapped cars.

What the Soul EV has demonstrated is how recycled materials can reappear in new cars to improve not only the general environment, but also the car itself. In total, 19 parts of the 2015 Kia Soul EV are made from biobased materials.

This includes the sun visors, luggage area side trim, crash-pad skin and the interior paints which amounts to 10 per cent of the car’s interior. Bio-degradable plastic, bio-foam and bio-fabric are all used in the construction of the Soul EV’s interior, as well.

The Kia Soul EV is the first vehicle in the world to receive Underwriters Laboratory’s (UL) environmental validation for its integration of 10 percent biobased material in the interior of the vehicle.

Kia is conscientiously changing the standard for what becomes environmentally acceptable in the automotive industry.

You’re on your own. You know what you know. You are the one who’ll decide where to go.

The Soul EV will run on 100% charge after five hours of being plugged in. Perfect for night time plug in. There is also a 6.6 kWh on board charger for efficiency that will return about 20-23 miles of range in one hour, should you need it.

An illuminating battery appears on the display keeping you informed of the battery power as well as a small disk on the dash that stays lit up according to battery strength. There is also a voice that alerts the passengers when the battery is running low. You shouldn’t ever be caught off guard that you’re in need of recharging.

Using an electric motor and 109 horsepower, 210 lb./ft of torque, the Soul EV uses a single speed, constant-ratio gear-reduction transmission to turn the front wheels.

EPA operating range of 93 miles keeps it traversing mostly within the confines of the city. It’s not likely you’ll be finding these colorful gems scouring the terrain of the lost wilderness, but who really wants to do that anyway?

It takes a leisurely 11 seconds to go from 0-60 mph. Things you can do during the eleven seconds your Soul EV is accelerating: think of one awesome event that has already made you smile today. Remember Chris Farley? He was funny. Hum to yourself a new song you like. Wave at the person driving next to you.

While eleven seconds is not fast, it’s not slow either. Sure, you’d lose if this were Better Off Dead and there was always a fast car pulling up beside you at every red light creepily waiting to drag race, but you’re not John Cusack. And the 80’s are over.

And by the way, you’re already winning by helping to lessen your carbon footprint. You’re welcome, world!

Once highway speed is achieved, maintaining and pushing through to its top speed of 90 is no difficult task. So what it lacks in acceleration, it makes up for in heart.

Once going, the Soul EV maintains enough power to push through in highway driving and passing. Also, the low center of gravity provides enough stability when zooming along on back roads, taking corners and coming in hot.

Why Fit In When You Were Born To Stand Out?

2015 Kia Soul EV aimed at improving aerodynamics when redesigning its exterior. By making lines less sharp, the overall boxiness is transformed into a smoother, refined feel. The jewel-toned colors are so bright they actually look electric as well. Its unique appeal and colorful life is refreshing to see as it zooms in and out of traffic.

In size and shape, its different and brave enough to stand out on its own. It posses a quirky charm that always leaves you unconsciously starting, questioning and rooting for it, all at the same time.

The interior on the 2015 Soul EV is deceivingly spacious. With plenty of front seat and rear seat legroom, it also features ample room for cargo which makes it a perfect get around town car. The back seats fold flat down almost doubling the amount of cargo space offering 61.3 cubic feet. That’s an excellent amount of versatility for a smaller car.

You may notice what it’s lacking on the front and that’s a grill. In its place is a sliding plate that acts as a door to where you plug it in.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go

Currently there are only ten states that carry the Kia Soul EV. California was its first arrival state. Given that 44 percent of all electric-vehicle sales in the U.S. are in California, it was smart to make this its opening state.

Now being sold in over 18 dealerships in California alone, it has expanded its reach to Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, Texas and Hawaii. Because dealerships have to be accessible to electric vehicles and that demand isn’t as big in some markets as others, Kia Soul EV will have to wait for a larger demand.

They are hopeful more markets, especially in the south and along the eastern seaboard, will want to hop on board. I do believe we’ll see that happening sooner rather than later. This is more than a niche. Kia also has hopes to eventually break into the European market as well.

Currently, Kia is leading the industry in its use of recyclable and renewable materials. They are in constant competition with themselves to produce cleaner methods of production and manufacturing. Their commitment to social responsibility is inspirational. If you’re in the market for a new car or just want to check out what driving an electric car feels like, go down to your Kia Dealer in Miami and test drive one. See for yourself why everyone is saying it’s truly a fun car to drive.

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