Kia prepping Washington and Oregon for Soul EV launch; dealers and charging network w/ fast-chargers

Kia Motors America (KMA) is continuing its progressive launch of the Soul EV and adding to the electric vehicle ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest with 20 Soul EV-certified dealers and a charging network. Of the 20 dealers in the region, 12 will be located in Washington and eight in Oregon.

In addition to each being equipped with two Level-2 chargers (40 total in the PNW region), 10 of the dealers will also be up-fitted with 50kW Signet FC50K-CC-S DC fast chargers, increasing Kia’s overall network of fast-charging stations. This fast charger can charge the Soul EV’s battery from empty to 80% in about 33 minutes. As an added value, select Kia dealers will allow Soul EV owners to charge at no cost.

Kia’s addition of six new DC fast chargers to Washington’s already-existing network of 414 DC chargers will increase fast-charger availability by 40% in the Seattle metro area and 15 percent statewide. The four new chargers added to Oregon’s current network of 815 DC fast chargers will increase fast-charger availability by 15% in the Portland metro area and 5% statewide.

Similar to California’s infrastructure program, Kia has partnered with Greenlots in the Pacific Northwest to offer flexibility and on-the-go access to large networks of charging stations. Through the Greenlots partnership, Soul EV owners will be provided a Kia “ChargeUp” Card, giving them access to multiple DC fast charger networks.

When it comes to locating charging stations, the Soul EV offers UVO EVServices, Kia’s telematics system. Available at no cost for the first five years of ownership, UVO EV Services utilizes an embedded connectivity solution powered by the Verizon wireless network and an integral smartphone app to provide Soul EV owners with an innovative, real-time, in-vehicle connectivity experience that includes navigation and a number of added convenience features.

Washington dealers authorized to sell Soul EV include Auburn Valley Kia, Auburn; Hanson Kia, Olympia; Jerry Smith Kia, Burlington; Smith Kia of Bellingham, Bellingham; Dick Hannah Kia, Vancouver; West Hills Kia, Bremerton; Kia of Puyallup, Puyallup; Performance Kia; Everett; Chuck Olson Kia, Shoreline; Renton Kia, Renton; Car Pros Kia, Tacoma; Lee Johnson Kia, Kirkland.

Oregon dealers authorized to sell Soul EV include Kiefer Kia, Eugene; Butler Kia, Medford; Weston Kia, Gresham; Team Kia of Bend, Bend; Beaverton Kia, Beaverton; Ron Tonkin Kia, Gladstone; Power Kia, Salem; Broadway Kia, Portland.

The 2016 Soul EV is Kia’s first all-electric car to be sold in the US. The Soul EV earned an EPA-estimated range rating of 93 miles (150 km) when the 27 kWh, 360 V, 192-cell lithium-ion polymer battery is fully charged. The regenerative braking system captures up to 12% of the Soul EV’s kinetic energy when coasting and braking to also help recharge the battery.

Soul EV owners can choose between four different regeneration modes: “Drive” or “Brake” modes in Eco-mode “Off,” and “Drive” or “Brake” modes in Eco-mode “On” (the “Brake” setting with Eco-mode “On” produces the most regeneration).

The Li-ion battery features a nickel-cobalt-manganese cathode, which helps increase capacity, and a graphite-based anode, which increases durability while reducing weight. Additionally, the cells use a gel electrolyte, and each cell contains ceramic separators to improve thermal stability and safety.

The Soul EV plugs into any standard 120v outlet or a conventional 240v EV charger. Two charging ports are standard, including a SAE J1772 port for Level-1 and Level-2 AC charging, and a CHAdeMO 480v DC fast-charging port, both found behind a sliding door located in the grille.