Kia Announces All-Electric Soul, Coming in 2014

Kia will be the next automaker to throw its hat into the all-electric game. The company this week announced an EV version of its popular hamster mobile, Soul, that’s scheduled to hit select streets in 2014. No range, price or powertrain was announced, though the Korean company plans to reveal more details at an upcoming U.S. auto show; images of the car haven’t been shared, though we expect it to look much like the existing Soul.
The automaker says the EV Soul is a “natural extension” of the Soul line, which Kia explained is already “urban-friendly.” The vehicle will be Kia’s second alternative-fuel car for sale in the U.S., slotting in beside the Optima Hybrid, which was introduced in 2011. Kia was actually named among the top “50 Best Global Green Brands,” and its new initiative is meant to push the company forward in that respect.
By now, all-electric vehicles are nothing new, but it’s great to see more companies taking the plunge. The company’s Soul is one of its most popular vehicles, particularly in urban environments, so it’s no surprise it would be first to receive the EV treatment. So long as the price and range is right, the all-electric Soul could become a nice alternative to other, more expensive options out there.