Euro-Spec Kia e-Soul Will Debut In Geneva With 452Km Maximum Range

Following a preview late last year, Kia has revealed the full specifications of its Soul EV for Europe.

Sold in the region as the e-Soul, the all-electric model offers a driving range of up to 452 km (280 miles), according to the WLTP combined cycle.

That maximum range is achieved with the optional 64 kWh battery but Kia also offers a standard-range 39.2 kWh pack that enables the crossover to cover 277 kilometers (172 miles) on a single charge.

Each of the new-generation lithium-ion polymer battery packs is offered with a different electric motor. The standard battery feeds a 100 kW (136 PS/134 hp) electric motor that delivers a peak torque of 395 Nm (291 lb-ft). Offering 23 percent more power than the outgoing Soul EV, the standard e-Soul is more energy efficient, being rated at 145 Wh/km on the combined WLTP cycle.

The long-range battery works with a 150 kW (204 PS/201 hp) electric motor that also produces 395 Nm (291 lb-ft) of torque. It covers 452 km (280 miles) on a single charge thanks to energy consumption of 157 Wh/km on the combined WLTP cycle. It’s also pretty fast, with a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration in just 7.6 seconds.

Regardless of the battery choice, the e-Soul offers a standard Combined Charging System (CCS) DC fast charger. Using a 100 kW DC fast charger, both battery packs can be recharged from 20 percent up to 80 percent capacity in 42 minutes.

The European battery-electric Soul comes with a range of energy-recuperation technologies to maximize driving range, including a heat pump system that harnesses waste heat from the car’s coolant system. It also features a regenerative braking system that is operated by paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.

Drivers can choose from five regenerative braking modes, depending on the level of energy recuperation they want from the brakes. Additionally, there’s a Drive Mode Select system which lets drivers choose between “Normal,” “Eco,” “Eco+” and “Sport” mode.

The new e-Soul goes on sale in Europe after the Geneva Motor Show premiere, towards the end of March 2019. It will be offered with a seven-year, 150,000-kilometer (93,200-mile) warranty that also covers the electric motor and battery pack. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of sales.