Kia Motors Corp., South Korea’s second-largest carmaker, said Friday it unveiled its Soul electric vehicle for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show, highlighting its merger of superb driving characteristics and functionality while meeting rigorous environmental protection requirements.

The EV is based on the platform of its second-generation Soul boxy compact and uses an 81.4 kilowatt electric motor that churns out a maximum of 109 horsepower and 29 kilogram force meters.

It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 12 seconds, which is roughly on par with the performance of the naturally aspirated gasoline-engine Soul.

Kia said that by using high density 27 kilowatt hour lithium-ion energy cells, the car can travel 148 kilometers on a single charge.

Recharging time varies from 25 minutes using a 100 kilowatt high-power charger and five hours using 240 volt power outlets.

In addition, engineers have been able to make the battery cells flat and have placed them on the base of the car. This move helps with interior space and lowers the center of gravity of the car, improving handling and safety. The car has third-generation regenerative breaking that can recycle energy more efficiently.

“Since the Soul EV only runs on battery power, it emits no emissions, which will allow it to meet even the toughest existing environmental guidelines,” the company said. (Yonhap)