The Kia Soul EV 2019 makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show

The Kia Soul EV 2019 faces a new generation with the challenge of increasing and improving on its predecessor

The Kia Soul EV 2019 is set to be one of the benchmarks for Kia when it comes to electrified vehicles. Curiously, in the country that has shown the greatest dependence on “black gold,” the new generation of this electric car has been presented.

It was at the Los Angeles Auto Show that the Koreans unveiled their new electric city car.

According to the manufacturer, the Kia Soul EV 2019 is a completely new car, and they assure that it will retain the essence of an urban, versatile and fun-to-drive vehicle, while increasing enjoyment of use thanks to improvements in its characteristics as an electric car.

A new Kia Soul EV, brand new, all new

In the transition towards electrification of the vehicle fleet, manufacturers face the challenge of offering a range that allows real-life journeys and battery charging times that don’t force you to spend the night next to a power grid charging station.

That is why the new all-new Kia Soul electric incorporates a new battery pack whose main element is a 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer, liquid-cooled, with a new NCM chemical composition (80% Nickel, 10% Cobalt, 10% Manganese).

Put in less technical terms, this means an improvement in the batteries compared to the previous Kia Soul EV, which brings greater energy capacity, resulting in improved range. Furthermore, by improving charging capacity, the need for daily recharging is reduced.

Charging has also been a key objective for the engineers who worked on developing the new Kia Soul EV. The combined charging system (CCS) with fast charging via DC, fitted as standard, will reduce charging time, as the battery will accept energy more quickly.

Although the range of the Kia Soul EV 2019 under the WLTP cycle has not yet been announced, it is expected to exceed the previous figure of 212 km.

The new Kia Soul electric and its high performance

As hard as it may be to believe, this city dweller boasts performance worthy of a sporty compact aimed at a spirited driving style: 204 CV and a maximum torque of 395 Nm, more than enough to merge safely into, for example, the speed of a fast road.

To adapt to different driving rhythms, the new Kia Soul electric will offer up to four driving modes, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Eco +, which will also manage regenerative braking, the climate control systems and allow speed to be adjusted in a way that favours efficient use of electrical energy.

Additionally, the Kia Soul EV 2019 will feature paddles behind the steering wheel that allow the driver to decelerate the car manually whenever they see fit, thereby favouring the recovery of kinetic energy that is converted into additional electrical energy.

The new design of the Kia Soul 2019

A quick glance at this Kia Soul 2019 leaves no doubt as to which model it is. However, it does incorporate design elements from the brand’s latest models, such as much sharper headlights, a higher bonnet line and a central grille aligned with the front lights, which raise its front end.

The steeply raked windscreen contrasts with the upright tailgate. This tailgate features a configuration that splits each of its tail lights in two, and the line they form resembles a U. Beneath it sits a low loading lip, which will make it easier to load and unload bags into a boot that appears quite tight for family or heavy-duty use.

Inside, the Kia shows the trend towards improved finishes and materials. The new Kia Soul electric will come equipped with a good arsenal of technological features designed to protect its occupants and enhance comfort and driving enjoyment.

For example, an infotainment system with a touchscreen is a must, which, at 10.25 inches, not only improves the appearance and handling of apps compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but also assists with manoeuvres such as parking, thanks to the display from the rear camera with parking guidance.

The price of the Kia Soul EV has not yet been announced, but it will be available in our market from mid-2019. It will be manufactured at the Gwangju plant in South Korea.