The race to the top of the family-friendly all-electric vehicle market is heating up as the brand new Kia Soul EV hits the market this quarter.

The Soul EV is the latest entry in Kia’s Clean Mobility program is currently offered in California and Oregon in the West and several Eastern states, regions with the largest electric vehicle markets and existing infrastructure. Sales will expand as demand grows.

A 360 volt 192-cell lithium-ion polymer battery in the Soul EV powers an 81.4 kW, 109-hp electric motor which sends power and a generous 210 lb.-ft. of torque to the front wheels. The battery pack is flat and is designed to cause minimal intrusion onto the Soul EV’s interior and while rear seat legroom is reduced 3.1 inches, the Soul EV’s 36 inches is more rear seat leg room than other key EV competitors.

Like most EVs, rear cargo space is slightly reduced to 19.1 cubic feet to provide space under the cargo floor for the battery cooling fan and storage of the standard 120v portable charger.

Unlike other EVs, the Soul EV offers two charging ports—one standard and one 480v quick charging port, located in the front grille behind a sliding door. Recharging times will vary for a fully depleted battery from 24 hours to an 80% charge in as little as 33 minutes with a 50kW-output charger.

The Kia Soul EV starts at $26,200 ($33,700 MSRP – $7,500 federal tax credit) with some combined state tax credits adding up to $12,500 off MSRP.

image courtesy of Kia Motors