http://www.kitsapsun.com/kpbj/car-review-kia-soul-ev-is-electric-fun Car review | Kia Soul EV is electric fun Lary Coppola Apr 6, 2015
[image http://mediaassets.kitsapsun.com/photo/2015/04/06/9282_2015_Soul_EV_1428343162351_16261542_ver1.0_640_480.jpg ] Although totally electric cars make up a minuscule percentage of U.S. auto sales, just about every mainstream auto manufacturer now offers an electric vehicle (EV) thanks to increasingly tough EPA fuel economy standards. That includes Korean automaker Kia, which recently debuted an EV version of its popular, albeit offbeat but hip, Soul crossover. This is Kia’s first pure electric offering in the U.S. The basic specs for the electrified Soul are typical of most contemporary EVs, with Kia claiming an operating range of 93 miles between charges — second only to the Tesla Model S. The Soul EV has three charging ports, including Level 1 and Level 2 ports for AC charging, as well as a 480-volt DC fast-charging port — the standard for public charging systems, which are steadily becoming more widespread. Using a 240-volt, 50-kW quick charger, full charging takes five hours, but will bring the batteries to 80 percent in as little as 33 minutes. The 480-volt public systems will totally recharge fully depleted batteries in about 30 minutes or less, while it takes around 24 hours using standard 120-volt household current. An optional 240-volt home charger can be purchased through your local Kia dealer. Dealers who sell Soul EVs will also offer free recharging to their customers. Walkaround: The Soul totally nailed that ultra-cute 5-door box-on-wheels design pioneered by the Honda Element and Nissan Cube — both of which are now history. The Soul EV looks a lot like the gas-powered Soul, with the differences being very subtle — for example, a larger, tiger nose sliding grille hides the charging ports. The Soul EV comes in four color choices: Caribbean Blue with Clear White roof, Shadow Black with Inferno Red roof, Titanium Gray and Clear White. The signature two-tone theme is exclusive to the EV, while other unique exterior design features include color accent trim in the front and rear fascias, projector headlights, LED positioning lamps, and LED tail lights. “Eco Electric” badging replaces the “Soul” fender trim found on the gas-powered version, and the EV gets its own distinctive 16-inch alloy wheels rolling on specially engineered Super Low Rolling Resistance tires that help improve range. Interior: The latest version of the gasoline-powered Soul made tremendous strides with improved cabin materials, ride and noise levels. Since there is no internal combustion engine noise, the EV is even quieter — exceptionally so for a vehicle this size, with only slight traces of road and wind noise. Setting the interior apart from its gasoline-powered sibling is the use of recycled materials and extensive use of bio-based organic materials — 52.7 pounds worth in the interior plastic alone — along with BTX-free paint on the audio system surround, vent bezel and floor console. Bio-based plastics derived from cellulose and sugarcane include the door panels, headliner, seat trim, roof pillars and carpeting. Organic, bio-based materials are used in 19 different interior locations. Another differentiation from the gas-powered Soul is bright white accent trim on the center console, instrument panel and door panels, adding a light, spacious feel to the passenger space. The seats are quite comfortable and the EV-only digital instrumentation is crisp and easy to read. Kia’s newest version of its UVO infotainment system makes controlling media and other functions easy via the standard 8-inch capacitive-touch navigation screen. It includes downloadable apps, such as Yelp, iHeartRadio and Sound Hound. To combat range anxiety, there’s also an app that pinpoints recharging stations. Under The Hood: The Soul EV is powered by a liquid-cooled AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor rated at 109 horses and 210 pound-feet of torque. The motor sends power to the front wheels via a single-speed constant ratio transmission. Located beneath the floor, a 360-volt, 192-cell, 27kWh, air-cooled, 200 watt-hour/kg, lithium-ion polymer, gel-electrolyte battery pack feeds the motor. Rear seat legroom is reduced by just over 3 inches from the gas model, while the standard 120-volt charger, which stows under the cargo floor, takes a 5.1 cu. ft. bite out of luggage capacity, reducing it to 19.1. Behind The Wheel: We had an opportunity to drive the Soul EV in the coastal California environs around toney Dana Point. In spite of the Soul’s added weight due to the batteries, like all EVs, the instant torque delivered by an electric motor means quick acceleration — so chirping the tires from a dead stop is easy. While the 0-60 drill isn’t a record-setter, the initial eruption of power off the line is enough to make simple cruising around town fun. Kia enhanced the Soul’s structure to accommodate the battery weight, adding torsional rigidity. Because of the battery location, the center of gravity is lower than the gas model, so the EV handles a bit better. The Soul isn’t really meant for aggressive driving, but we drove it hard and came away impressed with its handling. The electric power steering is a little heavy, but responsive to quick maneuvers. Like all EVs and hybrids, coasting and regenerative braking are important to stretching battery life. The Soul has two Eco-operating presets with Drive and Brake modes for both. According to Kia, Brake mode in the Eco On setting can add as much as 12 percent recovery — which translates into battery replenishment. Whines: The initial rollout for the Soul EV is limited to California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey and Maryland. Bottom Line: EVs have progressed tremendously in recent years, but unless you live in the city, and never take road trips, an EV probably won’t be your primary vehicle. However, for a commuter, or someone who just wants a green grocery-getter, the Kia Soul EV is a genuinely solid vehicle that’s sensible, sustainable, and downright fun to drive. [© 2014 Scripps Media, © 2015 Journal Media Group] http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2015/04/kia_soul_ev_electric_car.php 2015 Kia Soul EV Turns at Least One Cynic into a Hipster Hamster Lover By Matt Coker Apr. 7 2015 [images http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2015-kia-soul-ev-ad-still.jpg Kia America Soul Sister http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2015-Kia-Soul-EV_Matt-Coker.JPG Photo by Matt Coker/OC Weekly More strangers asked about this Kia Soul EV than any other electric car I've test driven. ] What blew me away most about my week-long test drive of the all-electric 2015 Kia Soul EV was despite the boxy exterior, booming sound system and man-size hamster ads that scream BOOMPF-BOOMPF-BOOMPF, DOOIT-DOOIT-DOOIT, what stood out most was the quiet, ultra-smooth ride. Surely those young 'uns stopped alongside me at red lights thinking to themselves "mid-life crisis ... sad" had no idea that my blue-and-white charmer drove like grandma's Buick LaCrosse. Indeed, at around 35 grand with all the bells and whistles and mad beats on my test model, this Kia Soul EV had me re-thinking my looming personal strategy of going as cheaply as possible just to get into an electric, and then trade up as time (and main battery life) march on. Besides the smooth ride, it delivers impressive power when you need it, like getting on the freeway or passing grandma in her Buick LaCrosse. Being winter in Southern California, there was no need to deploy the heat for the heated front seats, but with their leather trim they were quite comfortable. Rear-view mirror visibility, which has been an issue for me with other EVs and tiny cars, was no problem in this Korean version. Then there were those aforementioned bells, whistles and yes, mad beats, yo. The electronically powered air conditioner had the cabin cool in a snap, something vital since it was winter in SoCal. (Pass the sunscreen.) What really had me styling was the smart key you keep in your pocket and the power-folding outside side mirrors. There's a setting that allows the mirrors to fold inward when the car is off and then they electronically fold out when you unlock it. (The mirrors are also said to be heated and have turn-signal indicators, but I didn't feel/see to confirm.) The car makes a little blip sound as you (and only you) approach with the key in your pocket, purse or murse. You can take the key fob out and press unlock or simply push a little black button on the door handle to do the same. With the key still in pocket, you (and only you) can then press the car start button inside the cabin. The engine barely makes a noise; it's better to check the gauge behind the steering wheel to see that it's indeed running. A large screen in the center console allows for viewing the navigation system, SIRIUSXM satellite radio settings or a split screen of both. Of course, when you shift your EV into reverse, the same screen is filled with the rear-camera image. This came in especially handy on a dark side street off PCH in Laguna Beach, where a mom and dad carrying little ones decided to walk right into my reverse path as I started to back up. I was able to watch them amble off to safety. You'll notice little holes around the front and back bumpers, which provide another safety feature: little sensors to alert you with a noise inside if you are getting too close to an object or vice versa. This got a little annoying while backing out of my car lot of a driveway but was welcome when a lane-changer on the freeway forgot to signal. All things considered, I'd rather put up with the annoyance ... Two features I neglected to test were the Bluetooth wireless system and the USB jack, but given the rest of the machine I suspect they are easy to figure out and operate. What did have me fumbling for the owner's manual was the home-charging system, but that's only because so much time passed between the friendly fellow dropping off the Kia Soul EV and my having to juice it up that I forgot how to open the charging port door. First, let's pause to reflect upon that: Fully charged the 2015 Kia Soul EV will take you 80-100 miles (although steep hills and that A/C can drain the battery faster). I drove the thing for a week, taking it to and from work, to the beach and on joy rides to test it out and it was not until near the end of the gig that I felt the need to charge it because I wanted to make sure that friendly fellow would have enough battery life to get it home. Charging was a snap. You have three options, including what I did: Plug the on-board charger that has its own cubby under the trunk area into a standard, 120-volt, household electrical outlet. You pull a latch near the steering wheel to open a panel above the front bumper that has two ports, one for standard charges and another for quick charging. If the battery had been completely spent (it wasn't), it would have taken 22-24 hours to fully charge the standard way, according to the manual. You can also use a 220-volt commercial charger or buy your own to install at home and get up to 100 percent in four to six hours. Or, you can go to one of the many quick-charge stations popping up in SoCal and be on your way in half an hour or less. For reasons I'll go into in my next EV review, I have discovered there are several quick-charge facilities nearby (but, knock on faux wood paneling, have yet to use one). The home charger at least alerts you with red/green lights when it is working and has reached full charge. But the Kia Soul EV also has a flat, circular section on the dashboard with three space-age blue lights. One means it is charging, two means it's surpassed 66 percent power and three indicates a full charge. Must've freaked out the neighbors when the sun went down. It feels as if there must be something I can knock about this vehicle, but I just can't come up with anything. OK, it's not a Tesla, Richie Rich, but with the Kia Soul EV I have not got so many comments from strangers about how good a vehicle I am driving looks since my boss won my old Caddy Eldo convertible away from me in a poker game. Maybe I need more than a week with it to find faults. (Hello ... Kia America in Irvine?) At this rate I might even start hitting the clubs with those hipster hamsters. According to Kia: * 109 HP * 210 pound-feet of torque * 0 to 62 MPH in less than 12 seconds * Top speed of 90 MPH STANDARD FEATURES Mechanical 27kWh Lithium Ion Polymer Battery 109hp (81.4kW) AC Synchronous Electric Motor 6.6 kW On-Board Charger (OBC) OC Fast Charge Port (480V) Regenerative Braking System 18" Alloy Wheels Safety Dual Front Advanced Airbags Dual Front Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Brake Assist System (BAS) Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Interior, Comfort & Convenience Electronically Powered A/C and Heat Pump HVAC Navigation System with w/8" Display & UVO EV Services SIRIUSXM Satellite Radio with free 3 month subscription* USB and Auxiliary Input Jacks Bluetooth Wireless Technology EV Charge Station Locator (5-year Data Source Supply) Energy Usage Monitor Leather Seat Trim Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seats Push Button Start with Smart Key Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column Park Assist System with Front and Rear Sensors 3.5" OLED Supervision Cluster Rear Camera Display Exterior Front Fog Lights Sliding Charge Port Door with Light Heated Pwr-Folding Mirrors with Turn Signal Indicator Warranty 10 Year/100,000 Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty 10 Year/100,000 Mile Limited Battery Warranty 5 Year/50,000 Mile Limited Basic Warranty 5 Year/50,000 Mile Roadside Assistance * Ask dealer for details Additional Installed Equipment (in addition to or in place of standard features) Carpeted floor mats MSRP including options: $35,825 Fuel Economy: 105 MPGe Annual Fuel Cost: $600 You save $8,000 in fuel costs over 5 years compared to average new vehicle. Fuel economy and greenhouse gas rating (0-10): 10 Smog rating (0-10): 10 [© ocweekly.com] http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/technology/kias-soul-ev-lauded-as-greenest-car-available-146777/ Kia’s Soul EV lauded as greenest car available The Soul EV is a zero emission vehicle with a lithium-ion polymer battery that has a 149 km range April 1, 2015 ... http://www.dallasnews.com/business/columnists/terry-box/20150403-kia-soul-ev-whirs-along--when-its-full-of-electricity.ece Kia Soul EV whirs along — when it’s full of electricity Terry Box 03 April 2015 http://www.dallasnews.com/business/columnists/terry-box/20150403-2015-soul-ev_4bf12ndd5.jpg.ece/BINARY/w940/2015+Soul+EV_4BF12NDD5.JPG ... http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/template/NamlServlet.jtp?macro=search_page&node=413529&query=subject%3Aevln+subject%3Asoul+NOT+subject%3Are&days=0&sort=date Read more Soul EVLN items on evdl For EVLN posts use: http://evdl.org/evln/ http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/template/NamlServlet.jtp?macro=search_page&node=413529&query=subject%3Aevln+NOT+subject%3Are&days=0&sort=date http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/04/03/bmw-will-make-plug-in-hybrid-versions-of-all-its-core-models/ BMW will make plug-in hybrid versions of all its core ice models ... http://insideevs.com/bmw-i3-rex-20-questions-answered-video/ BMW i3 REx – 20 Questions Answered – Video http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/competitions/win_a_car_for_charity_for_three_months_1_4000296 Win a pih for charity for three months http://jacksonville.com/sports/outdoorsoutside/2015-04-04/story/love-turkey-chase-try-hybrid-cart huntve.com SwitchbacK 4x4 e-stealth hE-hunting-cart e-r:15mi i-r:80mi http://www.newcarnet.co.uk/Citroen_news.html?id=14439 Citroen Aircross pih concept set for Shanghai.cn e-r:31mi http://www.dailyrepublic.com/projects/discover-solano-spring-2015/discover-solano-spring-2015-vacaville/ Voltageville/Vacaville CA proud of its large number of EVSE + EVLN: The GM CEO Who Said The Volt pih Was For Idiots ... {brucedp.150m.com} -- View this message in context: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/EVLN-Soul-EV-s-Electric-fun-Turns-Cynic-into-Hipster-Hamster-Lover-tp4674916.html Sent from the Electric Vehicle Discussion List mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org For EV drag racing discussion, please use NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
