(February 27, 2019) GENEVA — The all-new Kia Soul EV brings long-range, zero-tailpipe emissions power to the urban crossover class. The third globally sold electric vehicle from Kia Motors will make its European debut at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show next week. In its third generation, Kia’s pioneering urban crossover "has become more distinctive, dynamic and innovative than ever."

While the Soul EV embraces the iconic design and playful character of its predecessors, it will be powered in Europe exclusively by electric energy, with a choice of two long-range, zero-emissions powertrains. The new-generation battery packs powering the Soul EV are up to 30 per cent more energy efficient than Europe’s current best-selling electric vehicle.

Emilio Herrera, chief operating officer for Kia Motors Europe, commented: “Since its inception, the Soul has been a true pioneer for Kia, and for the wider market. A decade ago, it established the urban crossover segment, and when we launched the Soul EV it became the first fully-electric crossover. The all-new Soul EV breaks more ground, as we launch it in Europe with an extended-range electric powertrain as standard — without the option of an internal combustion engine.

“The market has changed significantly in recent years, and in 2018 – the outgoing model’s final year on-sale, Kia sold more of the zero-emissions Soul EV in Europe than gas and diesel versions combined.

Kia is recognized today as a global leader in electrified vehicles, with a growing range of mild-hybrid, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. Electrified models accounted for one in eight Kia cars sold in Europe in 2018, up from one in ten in 2017, and the Soul EV will further build on this momentum.”

The Soul EV retains the strengths that have characterized earlier generations of the model, offering outstanding value for money, a roomy interior for five occupants, and high levels of space and versatility. Like all Kia models, the Soul EV will be sold as standard in Europe with Kia’s quality promise: an unrivaled seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, which also covers the car’s electric motor and battery pack.

The Soul EV goes on-sale across Europe towards the end of the first quarter. Pricing will be announced has on-sale date gets closer.

The Kia Soul EV e sold in Europe will have a choice of two fully-electric, zero-emission powertrains to meet the needs and budgets of different customers.

Drivers have a choice of long-range (64 kWh) and standard-range (39.2 kWh) powertrains. Whichever version a buyer chooses, both variants offer vastly improved range over the outgoing Soul EV. On-road performance is also enhanced, with significantly more powerful electric motors providing 291 pound-feet of torque — 39 per cent more than before.

Furthermore, Kia’s new-generation lithium-ion polymer battery packs offer greater energy capacity than those of many other electric vehicles, regardless of price. Cell energy density of 250 Wh/kg, achieved through new cell chemistry, enable the cells to store 25 per cent more energy within a defined volume than those of the 200 Wh/kg battery pack in the outgoing Soul EV. This has enabled Kia to keep the battery pack as compact and lightweight as possible, while taking a huge leap in the car’s zero-emissions driving range compared to its predecessor and other electric vehicles on the market.

The long-range 64 kWh battery pack is paired with a 150 kW electric motor, enabling the Soul EV to travel up to 280 miles on a single charge (on the WLTP combined cycle). Energy consumption for the 64 kWh battery pack is just 157 Wh/km on the WLTP combined cycle – 24 per cent more efficient than Europe’s current best-selling electric vehicle. Energy consumption for the long-range Soul EV is as low as 109 Wh/km in urban environments (WLTP urban cycle).

With the powertrain’s maximum torque available from a standstill, and 84 per cent more power than the car it replaces, the long-range 64 kWh Soul EV will accelerate from 0-to-62 mph in just 7.6 seconds.

The standard-range 39.2 kWh battery pack powers an efficient 100 kW (136 ps) electric motor. With peak torque of 291 foot-pounds, and 23 per cent more power than the outgoing Soul EV, the significantly improved efficiency of the battery nevertheless enables the standard-range Soul EV to travel up to 172 miles on a single charge. Energy efficiency is rated at 145 Wh/km (WLTP combined), 30 per cent more efficient than the best-selling electric car in Europe – making it one of the most energy-efficient electric vehicles in the world.