To prove the range possibilities of the new Kia Soul EV electric car, the company recently set up a real-world range test in Britain to confirm its rated 212km (132 miles) range. Navigating the highs and lows of country driving, including through cities, towns, villages and countryside, a specially designed route was planned to ensure all road types and traffic environments were included.
Bringing further authenticity to the test, the weather was not favourable. With an average temperature of 8 degrees centigrade throughout the day, coupled with both light and heavy rain, it dampened performance slightly, triggered heavier traffic and used more battery power for on board heating, screen wipers and headlights. In addition to these factors the driver was using satellite navigation, heated seats and radio, as with every day driving.
The full range achieved on the test was 201km (125 miles), with a conservative estimate of a further 14km shown on the display. This equals a total range potential of 217km. A diagnostics report run on the vehicle soon after the test showed the battery still had 13% battery remaining, which equates to 24km.
Kia claims that the likelihood is there were more distance to be had considering the Soul EV's intelligent regenerative braking system, teamed with available driver controlled functions to extend range, limited use of on-board electronics, air conditioning and more frugal driving.
To prove the range possibilities of the new Kia Soul EV electric car, the company recently set up a real-world range test in Britain to confirm its rated 212km (132 miles) range. Navigating the highs and lows of country driving, including through cities, towns, villages and countryside, a specially designed route was planned to ensure all road types and traffic environments were included.
Bringing further authenticity to the test, the weather was not favourable. With an average temperature of 8 degrees centigrade throughout the day, coupled with both light and heavy rain, it dampened performance slightly, triggered heavier traffic and used more battery power for on board heating, screen wipers and headlights. In addition to these factors the driver was using satellite navigation, heated seats and radio, as with every day driving.
The full range achieved on the test was 201km (125 miles), with a conservative estimate of a further 14km shown on the display. This equals a total range potential of 217km. A diagnostics report run on the vehicle soon after the test showed the battery still had 13% battery remaining, which equates to 24km.
Kia claims that the likelihood is there were more distance to be had considering the Soul EV's intelligent regenerative braking system, teamed with available driver controlled functions to extend range, limited use of on-board electronics, air conditioning and more frugal driving.
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