2015 Kia Soul EV NJ Review

  

When it comes to vehicles, the crossovers are the latest craze because they offer the utility of an SUV with better fuel efficiency. This is why so many people took notice when the KIA Soul EV debuted at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. The fully electric crossover may be the ideal choice for people in Fair Lawn NJ because it never needs fuel.

Charging the Soul EV

Anyone interested in purchasing this fully electric Kia had better look into having a 240-volt outlet installed in their garage. This more powerful source of electricity can fully charge the Soul EV from a completely depleted state in just five hours. A traditional charger takes a full 24 hours to accomplish the same task, making the 240-volt outlet a necessity. 

 

There is also a 50 kW system that can be utilized. According to officials at Kia, the 50 kW system can charge the Soul in as little as one hour. This is excellent for a vehicle that can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge. The Soul EV even features a CHAdeMo charging port, though these stations have yet to become popular in the US. However, CHAdeMO stations should increase in popularity as electric cars and hybrids do the same. The Soul EV also features a "brakes" mode, which allows the Soul to store lost kinetic energy, preserving precious drive time.

Engine Specs

Of course, a fully electric vehicle is going to have engine specs that sound a little odd when compared to an internal combustion engine. While specific details about the Soul EV have been slow to surface, Kia has leaked information about the AC synchronous, permanent magnet electric engine. It will reportedly put out 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Like the majority of electric vehicles, the Soul EV features a one-speed transmission and front-wheel drive.

Unfortunately, accommodating the 96-cell battery under the floor reduces the rear legroom from 39.1 inches to 36 inches. The trunk capacity has been reduced as well, as the 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space is substantially less than the 24.2 cubic feet offered by the internal combustion engine trims of the Soul. However, the opportunity to drive past the pump in Fair Lawn, NJ makes the decreased internal space well worth the sacrifice. Though some politicians have attempted to downplay the effects of fossil fuels upon the environment, wise consumers know what a positive effect they'll make on the environment when they wean themselves off those fuels. Now a fully electric crossover is available to satisfy the environmentally responsible as well as the fashion-conscious.

Driving the Electric Soul

 

Though no road tests have been conducted with the 2015 Kia Soul EV, the engineers have suggested that it will accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than twelve seconds. This is compared to the 8.1 seconds run by some trims of the standard Soul. Early reports reveal that the Soul EV will handle quite similarly to the standard version, which is a relief to fans of the sporty crossover.

No details are available about exterior features, but the Soul EV appears to be identical to the gas version. This might be the best looking fully electric vehicle available, and Jack Daniels KIA will have it for sale this summer, as New Jersey is one of the states chosen for an early debut.