The electric revolution is also underway in the utility segment: the Kia e-Soul is now available in a Cargo version on the Dutch market with impressive 452 km (280) miles battery range.
With the development of electrical technology, more and more manufacturers are thinking of electrifying their range of utilities. This is particularly the case for the PSA group, which launched a recent offensive, but also for Kia, which unveils the e-Soul Cargo.
Announced as a transitional solution while waiting for the next generation of electric utilities, the crossover loses its rear seat and takes advantage of its cubic shape to free up cargo space. The transformation is rather simplistic, with the appearance of a flat floor bolted into the cabin. The loading volume is approximately 1 cubic meter. Either just enough for a few deliveries in the city, or make the daily lives of some craftsmen easier.
64 kWh battery
In the Netherlands, the Kia e-Soul Cargo is based on the Executive Line version. It has a rich endowment of equipment with, pell-mell, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The 10.25-inch central display offers TomTom Live Service mapping, as well as Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Cargo version is available with the 64 kWh battery and the 204 hp motor for 395 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, a number far less important than the approved battery range of 452 km (280 miles) on a single charge. The Kia e-Soul Cargo is priced at 39,077 euros in the Netherlands.
Full info by KIA
Kia Motors Netherlands launches an order version of the e-Soul. The emission-free driving e-Soul Cargo has been specially developed for transporting small to medium-sized packages and is ideal in an urban environment. With the smart Cargo conversion kit, every e-Soul Cargo can easily be converted back to a passenger car. The Kia e-Soul Cargo can now be ordered from €39,077.
In the new order version of the e-Soul, the rear seats make way for a high-quality finished and solid loading space of approximately 1 m³.
The metal, coated loading floor with 6 lashing eyes ensures that the load can be easily shifted and secured. A handy hatch under the loading floor provides access to the space for the charging cable. The sturdy separating rack between the cargo space and the front seats provides good protection for the driver and co-driver. Depending on the wishes of the entrepreneur, various tailor-made solutions are available to furnish the cargo space purpose-built.
With the special cargo conversion kit, any e-Soul can be converted into a van. And thanks to its smart construction, the e-Soul Cargo can also be converted back to a 5-seater passenger version. Even when the e-Soul has been converted as an orderer, it remains registered on a yellow license plate, completely BPM-free.
With its striking looks, generous space and high range of 452 km (WLTP), the e-Soul Cargo is an interesting alternative within the segment of zero-emission carriers. And with its very rich standard equipment, it is one of the most luxurious and connected orderers on the market. As an ExecutiveLine, for example, it is Standard equipped with a widescreen infotainment and navigation system and the Supervision cluster, Kia’s digital and configurable instruments. Also standard: electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, TomTom Live Services including charge point information, preparation for Apple Carplay & Android Auto, adaptive Cruise Control, LED lighting front and rear, a Harman Kardon Premium Sound System, steering wheel heating, parking sensors all around and a reversing camera.
UVO Connect
By default, the e-Soul is connected to the internet via UVO Connect. Coupled with the large 10.25” touchscreen, the rider can enjoy Live Services via TomTom, such as current traffic information, weather forecasts, but also search for destinations or information regarding parking spaces. Via the handy UVO Connect App it is possible to remotely operate the door lock, operate the air conditioning and start and stop a charging session. In addition, the rider can send a route to the navigation system via the smartphone app in preparation.
Plan S
The e-Soul Cargo is a bridge to the new generation of electrified commercial vehicles that Kia plans to market. With the recently announced Plan S strategy, the brand focuses on new business models for electric cars and (autonomous) mobility solutions. By the end of 2025, Kia plans to introduce 11 new electric vehicles. The first model based on an entirely new EV platform will be launched in 2021. Kia is also working on roadmaps for future mobility concepts, for example with autonomous driving Purpose Built Vehicles for both passenger and freight transport.
The introduction of the order version of the e-Soul follows that of the many other electrified models of the brand. For example, Kia now has two fully electric cars, three plug-in hybrids and two hybrids in the fast-growing range that is very successful: during the first five months of this year, the Niro was the best-selling electrified car in the country.
Order now
The e-Soul Cargo can be ordered from the Dutch Kia dealers from today. As an ExecutiveLine it is available from €39,077 * excluding BPM & VAT. The Cargo conversion kit is also available for stock models or a used e-Soul. The separate retail price of the kit is €2,680 excluding VAT. The prices of the custom solutions depend on the specific customer wishes.
