Kia Motors Europe has installed two innovative fast-charging stations at its European headquarters in Frankfurt. With sales of the new Soul EV to commence in Europe in Q4, the fast chargers mark Kia’s ambition to be a leader in advanced propulsion technologies.
Speaking at a special unveiling ceremony to celebrate the launch of this new technology in Europe, Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented: “These are the first chargers in the region to offer so much power, and will help make the Soul EV a viable option for consumers when it goes on sale. Kia sees battery electric vehicles as a key solution for future mobility, and we will continue to invest in this technology.”
The new high-capacity 100kW DC chargers are capable of charging the new Kia Soul EV from empty to 80% in just 25 minutes. The chargers are designed and manufactured by Signet Systems Inc, the Korean power electronics provider founded in 1998.
Following the installation of the new 100 kW DC chargers at the brand’s European headquarters, Kia plans to roll out a network of 233 charging stations across its Soul EV retailers and national sales organisations’ headquarters in Europe. This is in addition to the existing network of 140 EV charging stations already installed at various Kia distributors and dealers, giving consumers access to a total of 373 Kia charging stations. This is part of a wider plan from Kia to install a robust charging network around the world, as the Soul EV is to be sold globally.
Having launched the Kia Ray EV in the domestic Korean market, the Soul EV is the first globally-sold EV from the brand, spearheading the next generation of Kia’s range of battery electric vehicles.
The Kia Soul EV is due to go on sale in 16 European countries in the fourth quarter of 2014 and will benefit from Kia’s unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty, making it the only electric vehicle available with such a comprehensive warranty.
The Soul EV has class-leading battery energy density of 200 Wh/kg and is powered by an 81.4 kW electric motor, producing 285 Nm of torque, and a high-capacity 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack located beneath the cabin. The new model, which can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in under 12 seconds and reach a top speed of 145 kph (90 mph), has a driving range of up to 212 km (131 miles).
