Mexican Media Brands
New Soul EV’s U.S. Launch Delayed
Supplier shortages have caused Kia Motors Corp. to push back the introduction of the electric variant of the redesigned Soul crossover vehicle from this year until at least 2021.
#hybrid
Share
Kia Motors Corp. is pushing back the launch of the electric version of the next-generation Soul compact crossover, which was supposed to bow early this year, until at least 2021 due to supplier constraints.
The third-generation Soul EV was launched in Europe and other markets this year as planned. But battery and electric motor shortages have hampered the rollout and caused the U.S. delay, company officials tell Green Car Reports.
Kia launched the piston-powered version of the third-generation Soul globally earlier this year. The previous Soul EV, which was sold in only 13 U.S. states, was discontinued after the 2019 model year.
Fitted with a 64-kWh lithium-ion battery, the new Soul EV more than doubles the previous vehicle’s EPA-estimated range from 111 miles to 243 miles with a 30-kWh battery. The next-generation model’s electric motor generates 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque.
Supply constraints also have slowed the U.S. rollout of parent Hyundai Motor Co.’s Kona EV, with which the Soul shares a platform. The larger Kia Niro EV uses the same battery and electric drivetrain as the Soul.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Jeeps Modified for Moab
On Easter morning in Moab, Utah, when the population of that exceedingly-hard-to-get-to town in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth has more than doubled, some people won’t be hunting for Easter eggs, but will be trying to get a good look at one of the vehicles six that Jeep has prepared for real-life, fast-feedback from the assembled at the annual Easter Jeep Safari.
-
When Automated Production Turning is the Low-Cost Option
For the right parts, or families of parts, an automated CNC turning cell is simply the least expensive way to produce high-quality parts. Here’s why.
-
Engineering the 2019 Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee, which was launched in its current manifestation as a model year 2014 vehicle, and which has just undergone a major refresh for MY 2019, is nothing if not a solid success.
