Electrification has emerged as a major trend at the 15th edition of the Auto Expo and Kia Motors too has much to show in this area. Part of its expansive Auto Expo 2020 line-up are the all-electric Soul EV and e-Niro. The battery electric models have been brought in to show Kia’s expertise in EVs.
The Soul EV and e-Niro are globally available with two powertrain options. Lower variants pack in a 39.2kWh battery pack and a 136hp electric motor; the same drivetrain can be found in the India-spec Hyundai Kona Electric as well. Remember, Kia and Hyundai come under the umbrella of the Hyundai Motor Company and share powertrains. Higher variants of the Soul EV and e-Niro feature a significantly larger 64kWh battery powering a more potent 204hp motor. We have already driven the more powerful of the Soul EVs in Korea and you can read the complete review here.
Measuring 4,195mm in length, 1,800mm in width and 1,605mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,600mm, the Soul EV has a footprint similar to that of the Hyundai Kona Electric. However, it features a quirky tall-boy design that might polarise opinions. The 4,375mm-long Kia e-Niro is a larger vehicle and its more conventional crossover looks gives it broader appeal than the Soul.
Kia has made no formal announcements about launching the Soul EV or e-Niro in India. Instead, the models serve as technology demonstrators for the automaker, which boasts of having EV production capabilities at its manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
