Recharging times vary from 24 hours for a fully depleted battery using a 120-volt outlet; under five hours when plugged into a 240-volt outlet.
Kia’s first all-electric vehicle, the Soul EV, has been named the Best Eco-Friendly Vehicle in MotorWeek’s 34th annual Drivers’ Choice Awards at the Chicago Auto Show. The award is notable because it was the first time a pure EV has received an award from the car savvy organization. The concept was first shown here last year.
“The Kia Soul EV is the perfect EV. It is totally practical with plenty of room for adults and everyday cargo,” noted John Davis, host and executive producer, MotorWeek.
“It has more power and range compared to other affordable all-electric vehicles. Plus, its funky style makes driving the Kia Soul EV really cool,” said Davis.
MotorWeek, which airs on 92% of all PBS stations nationwide, analyzes trends, new products and new technology to produce a list of winners that can be used as a car-buying guide by the show’s viewers.
Admired for its practicality and fun design, editors at MotorWeek noted the roomy interior and cargo space of the Soul EV, which offers more rear seat legroom than other key EV competitors do.
The 27kWh, air-cooled, 200 Kg battery has a range of approximately 80-100 miles of real-world driving on a full charge.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
