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Kia Soul EV: Real battery-range surprise

  • Kia Soul EV can better 212km range
  • Range tested on UK roads
  • 13% battery charge remained

LONDON, England - Kia’s second-generation Soul MPV arrived in South Africa in November 2014, a month after the launch of the automaker's battery-powered variant.

Kia claims its Soul EV, launched in October 2014, has a range of 212km. To back its claim, Kia Motors UK set up a real-world range test, neutrally conducted by eco and green car experts Next Green Car.

The team navigated the highs and lows of Somerset and Wiltshire's cities, towns and villages in a specially designed route through England.

REAL-WORLD TEST

Bristol's bumper-to-bumper traffic, huge descents and ascents of the sweeping countryside road network, busy roads, and the high-speed demands of the M4 inter-city motorway were part of the route to, Next Green Car says, “ensure real-world accuracy and replicate many consumers' daily journeys”.

The weather was not favourable - an average temperature of 8°C  and rain. The website reported: “It dampened performance slightly, triggered heavier traffic, and used more battery power for cabin heating, screen wipers and headlights.

“In addition to these factors the driver was using satnav, seat heating and radio, as with everyday driving.”

13% BATTERY REMAINED

The result?

According to the eco experts, the full range achieved was 201km, with a conservative estimate of a further 14km shown on the display for a total range potential of 215km. The team reported that diagnostics performed on the vehicle showed that 13% battery power remained, which equates to 24km when calculated against Kia’s claimed 212km figure, meaning a potential range of 225km.

Next Green Car reported: “The likelihood is there were more kilometres to be had considering the Soul EV's intelligent regenerative braking system, teamed with available driver controlled functions to extend range - limited use of electronics, aircon, driving frugally etc.”

Watch the test below:

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