KIA DEBUT FOR KIA SOUL EV AND REVEALS NEW POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES AT 2014 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

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EUROPEAN DEBUT FOR KIA SOUL EV AT GENEVA

  • Soul EV benefits from class-leading battery cell energy density
  • Soul EV debuts new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technologies to reduce energy consumption
  • Increased torsional rigidity, revised suspension and low centre of gravity improves ride comfort
  • The only EV to benefit from a seven year / 100,000 mile warranty

The Kia Soul EV today made its European debut at the 84th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva.  Embodying the iconic design of the recently-launched second-generation Kia Soul, the Soul EV will become the brand’s first globally-sold electric vehicle when production starts in the second half of 2014.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, said: “Not only is the Soul EV a stylish, eye-catching car to be seen in, but it will also bring with it the same high quality that buyers expect from the Kia brand. When the car goes on sale across Europe later in the year, the Soul EV will benefit from Kia’s unique 7-Year, 100,000 mile warranty, making it the only electric vehicle available with such a comprehensive warranty.

“It will be a car for the head and for the heart, and the Soul EV embodies our commitment to offering European customers stylish, environmentally-responsible vehicles with an industry-leading warranty and excellent value for money.”

9c4a686c-a702-4735-b9ae-b4ae70e9d464 0735cc2c-4085-4999-a988-149ab8ba41be 5d6635e4-b176-446a-9ca2-0fb68d11af3fIconic design for a modern product

As with the standard internal combustion-powered model, the Soul EV introduces a thoroughly fresh, more grown-up appearance, which makes it instantly recognisable as a Soul. The Soul EV differs itself from the rest of the 2014 Soul range with a two-tone colour scheme with contrasting ‘floating roof’, unique 16-inch alloy wheel design and LED taillights, as well as a new ‘eco electric’ badge on the wing at the base of the A-pillar. The car receives unique front and rear fascias, incorporating a larger front grille and charging ports.

The Soul EV also features a new interior, with higher quality materials and a more driver-focused design. It is the very first Kia model to be fitted with the brand’s new OLED (organic LED) instrument cluster, while the interior’s light two-tone colour scheme gives the cabin an airy, open atmosphere. A double-injection moulded fascia further improves the high quality feel of the soft-touch dashboard.

The Soul’s AVN (audio-visual navigation) system is carried over as standard in the Soul EV, with additional EV-only features for the new model, including scheduled ventilation and charging. A number of new features designed to minimise range anxiety are included as standard, providing the driver with full details on the car’s energy consumption, a charging station search function and a navigation system which displays the vehicle’s total driveable range.

Class-leading battery energy density

The Soul EV is powered by an 81.4 kW electric motor, producing 285 Nm of torque, and a high-capacity 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack located beneath the cabin. The motor delivers its power to the front wheels through a single speed reduction gear set, allowing the Soul EV to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in under 12 seconds, going on to a top speed of 145 kph (90 mph). Kia engineers are targeting a driving range of around 200 km (124 miles).

While the efficient packaging of the electric motor and electronic systems meant engineers were able to reduce weight and minimise the intrusion of the battery pack on cabin space, the Soul EV benefits from class-leading 200 Wh/kg battery cell energy density, enabling the battery to store greater amounts of electric energy relative to its weight.

The battery pack, developed jointly over the last three years by Kia Motors and SK Innovation in Korea, has been engineered for greater efficiency, with optimisation of the electrolyte formulation designed to maintain the battery’s performance at high and low temperatures. Low-resistance nickel cobalt manganese cathodes and carbon graphite anodes reduce electric resistance and allow more efficient energy discharge.

The use of lithium-ion polymer batteries (compared to more commonplace lithium-ion batteries) allows for greater energy density, with fewer parts and a simpler cell structure, lower cost production, greater potential for heat management and greater flexibility in terms of packaging.

Building on Kia’s pursuit of greater vehicle crash safety performance, the battery features a ceramic-coated separator within the cell itself to protect the unit, as well as overcharge protection, which monitors electrical current and battery temperature.

To maximise the efficiency and potential range of the Soul EV, regenerative braking captures and recycles the car’s kinetic energy while it is coasting and braking. Users can choose between three regenerative braking modes depending on the amount of braking support and regenerative power required.

Soul EV owners can choose between two different driving modes, ‘Drive’ and ‘Brake’, with the latter producing the most energy recuperation from the regenerative braking system.

Each of these driving settings are also available in a special Eco-mode, which extends the Soul EV’s driving range by optimising the performance and energy consumption of the HVAC system and the electric motor.

A battery heating system is also fitted to the Soul EV, designed to insulate and warm up the battery in order to minimise the adverse effects of sub-zero temperatures on battery charge.

The 6.6 kW AC on-board charger enables the Soul EV to be fully charged within five hours depending on the local electricity supply. An 80 per cent charge can be achieved in as little as 25 minutes with a 100 kW DC charger (33 minutes at 50 kW).

New HVAC efficiency technologies

Early on in the development of the Soul EV, Kia engineers identified the need to dramatically reduce energy consumption of the HVAC systems. In the worst case scenario, the maximum use of HVAC under extreme cold conditions could potentially reduce an electric vehicle’s effective range by up to 50 per cent.

To address this challenge, Kia engineers implemented four new HVAC technologies designed to reduce energy usage in the Soul EV – a highly efficient new heat pump, smart air intake control, individual ventilation (for driver only) and scheduled ventilation.

The new heat pump utilises waste heat from the air-conditioning and electrical systems to improve the energy efficiency of the heating and ventilation system and improve the car’s ability to efficiently heat up the cabin, thus minimising electricity consumption from the battery.

This system, made up of a compressor, evaporator and condenser, allows the Soul EV’s heating and ventilation system to harness the waste heat given off by electrical components. Instead of relying entirely on the electricity from the battery to heat the cabin to the driver’s desired temperature, the heat pump recycles heat energy emitted by the electronics to increase the efficiency of the heating and ventilation systems.

By reducing the load on the battery, the heat pump cuts energy consumption by the heating system and increases the overall driving range of the Soul EV.

Working in conjunction with the heat pump, the Soul EV is also fitted with a new smart air intake control system, which monitors and controls the amount of air entering and exiting the vehicle, as well as the humidity level in the cabin.

Air intake control recycles the air that has already been heated or cooled by the HVAC system, then carefully introduces the optimum amount of fresh air to the cabin. By better controlling the air flow inside the vehicle, the HVAC system is able to cool or heat the cabin more efficiently and minimise the use of the heating or air-conditioning during a drive. The system relies on a humidity sensor, temperature control and an intake actuator to monitor and control the in-flow of fresh air to the cabin.

The Soul EV is fitted with a new individual ventilation system – the first time such technology has been introduced to any production vehicle. This reduces energy consumption by only providing ventilation and heating to the driver, completely shutting off heating and ventilation to the foot-well and dashboard ventilation on the passenger side. This is in contrast to existing vehicles on the road, in which closing the vents merely diverts hot or cold air through other vents in the car while energy consumption remains the same.

The individual ventilation system, activated using the ‘driver only’ button on the dashboard, minimises HVAC energy use to provide a comfortable driver-side temperature when driving alone, resulting in a more efficient heating system and greater driving range.

A first in a Kia vehicle, the Soul EV is equipped with a new pre-conditioning or scheduled ventilation system. Accessing the car’s heating system through the car’s HMI interface, users can schedule their vehicle to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin 30 minutes before they start the car. The system works while the car is plugged in and reduces load on the battery when the Soul EV starts running. Instead, the cabin is cooled or heated using power from the grid, ensuring the vehicle is already at the driver’s preferred temperature before departure.

Efficient EV packaging

While almost the entire upper body structure is carried over from the standard internal combustion-powered 2014 Soul, a number of improvements have been introduced to the Soul EV to further improve bodyshell stiffness and ensure that minimal intrusion on the cabin space results from the mounting of the battery pack.

Principal among these changes is the addition of five cross-members, bolted below the vehicle body for battery support and increased torsional rigidity. A higher proportion of ultra-high tensile steel is also adopted for the Soul EV (up from 35.0 per cent of the body to 37.1), with the application of the steel further strengthening the B-pillar and sills. The Soul EV therefore benefits from a 27 per cent improvement in torsional rigidity compared with the standard vehicle (itself 29 per cent stiffer than the first-generation Soul).

One of the key aims of Kia’s engineers in the development of the vehicle was to ensure that the addition of the battery pack under the cabin had a minimal effect on the Soul’s generous interior space. As a result, rear passenger legroom is reduced by just 80 mm, though this reduction is countered by changes to the rear seat cushion, which raises passengers’ knees and gives them more space. The undertray storage in the boot of the standard car now holds the vehicle’s charging cable. Like the standard car, motorists can find the car’s tyre mobility kit stored beneath the undertray.

Overall, the Soul EV suffers minimal battery intrusion compared to competitors. The exterior dimensions of the Soul EV are identical to those of the gasoline and diesel-powered versions of the car.

Improved ride and handling for comfortable urban driving

The Soul EV has been engineered to provide stable handling characteristics and a comfortable ride in urban environments, and with a stiffer bodyshell than the standard Soul, Kia engineers have been able to improve ride comfort of the electric model.

The battery’s location – beneath the floor of the cabin – has resulted in a lower centre of gravity and a greater feeling of stability, which helps ride and handling and ensures that the Soul EV remains true to the Soul’s fun-to-drive reputation.

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics are also improved in the Soul EV. With the absence of gasoline or diesel engine noise, and less whine from the electric motor than in rival vehicles, Kia’s goal was to significantly reduce mechanical buzz, road roar and wind noise to maximise the vehicle’s refinement.

Increased dampening in the suspension, as well as 15 per cent stiffer alloy wheels, delivered a reduction in vibration, while a battery cover along the floor of the vehicle has been added to improve aerodynamic performance and reduce wind rush. Greater use of bio-friendly soundproofing material – particularly in the dashboard, under the bonnet and at the base of the windscreen – has also improved NVH.

Finally, the Soul EV is fitted with super-low rolling resistance tyres. Designed by Kumho and Nexen specifically for the Soul EV, the new 205/60R16 tyres – made up of a low resistance compound and tyre profile – reduce rolling resistance by 10 per cent, crucially without impacting on ride comfort, handling, NVH or braking distance.

 

KIA REVEALS NEW POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES AT 2014 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

  • Future generation Kias to be available with Mild Hybrid versions
  • New 7-speed DCT gearbox to be introduced from 2015
  • Upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid to go on sale in mainland Europe from late 2014

e54ebc75-a1e8-437c-9475-7ca32c355ab2 1869c50a-98e7-40c9-a74d-537f9ac6aeeb e870c6b5-99d9-445c-bf66-08a50b152007 df9f3a66-341c-49ad-94f4-eb860fec7f0dKia previews future powertrain technologies with all-new mild hybrid system

  • New mild hybrid powertrain combines zero-emissions urban motoring with an electric supercharger for greater performance
  • Engineered to reduce diesel and petrol emissions by up to 15 per cent
  • New powertrain will be available on next-generation Kia models

Kia revealed its all-new mild hybrid powertrain today at the Geneva Motor Show. The powertrain – part of a future technologies exhibit on Kia’s show stand – is designed to simultaneously reduce emissions and improve engine performance in Kia’s next-generation models.

Developed by Kia’s European R&D centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the new hybrid system employs a 48 volt lead-carbon battery, which powers a small electric motor to increase the engine’s power output and cut exhaust emissions. The development team behind the mild hybrid powertrain selected lead-carbon batteries over lithium-ion equivalents as they require no active cooling, are more easily recyclable at the end of the vehicle’s life and can function much more efficiently in sub-zero temperatures.

Kia’s mild hybrid system will enable a car to be driven in an electric-only mode at low speeds and when cruising, while the battery is recharged under deceleration at all speeds. In heavy traffic and on urban roads, the powertrain will also feature a zero-emission stop-start system. Using a belt-driven starter generator – replacing the conventional alternator – the engine is able to restart with almost no noise or vibration.

The battery also supplies energy to an electric supercharger, which increases torque and power at low engine speeds. Engineers behind the development of the powertrain see the electric supercharger supporting a larger conventional turbocharger, which would seamlessly take over to provide greater power and torque as engine speeds rise. The new hybrid system could also be fitted without the electric supercharger for a simpler powertrain layout in smaller models.

In applying the technology to production cars, Kia engineers are targeting reductions in CO2 emissions of up to 15 per cent, while the electric supercharger is designed to deliver power increases of 15 to 20 per cent depending on its application.

The new powertrain would also allow vehicle development engineers to reduce the size of a vehicle’s existing battery and starter motor.

The new mild hybrid powertrain will be available on new diesel and petrol production cars from Kia in the near future.

Kia unveils new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission

  • Kia launches its first seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT)
  • Transmission will improve fuel efficiency and acceleration
  • New DCT will appear on production models in 2015

Kia unveiled its all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) at the Geneva Motor Show, pointing the way for future transmission developments from the Korean brand.

The new transmission – the first of its type from Kia – has been engineered to balance greater fuel efficiency with improved performance and to deliver a sportier driving experience.

Designed as a more fuel efficient replacement for Kia’s existing six-speed automatic transmission, currently available as an option on the majority of Kia models, the new DCT combines the advantages of both manual and automatic transmissions while allowing for faster gear changes than both.

Throughout the development process, engineers have been targeting a seven per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and a five percent improvement in acceleration (0-100 kph / 62 mph) over the existing six-speed DCT transmission.

NVH has also been a key focus for the team behind the DCT’s development, with an external damper ensuring a high level of refinement for the new transmission.

The DCT is made up of two dry clutches, each fitted with an electric motor-driven clutch actuator to improve fuel economy, and a pair of gear input shafts, one each for the odd and even gear ratios. This set-up enables the DCT to operate sequentially or to jump immediately to any of its seven forward gears (and reverse) depending on the driver’s requirements.

The continuous power delivery offered by the DCT minimises the loss of torque by the powertrain during gear shifting and ensures a smoother drive in all conditions. The wide ratio coverage afforded to the engine by the seven-speed gearbox results in improved fuel efficiency and performance over rival six-speed DCTs.

The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will start to appear on production Kia cars in 2015.

Upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid revealed at Geneva Show

  • Refreshed look for streamlined saloon with Cd 0.26 aerodynamics
  • New features include ventilated front seats and 8-inch display screen
  • Improved braking, plus remarkable performance/economy blend

The upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid was unveiled by Kia Motors today at the Geneva Motor Show, marking the European debut of this streamlined saloon with a drag coefficient of just Cd 0.26 in its latest form.

Visually, the upgraded Optima Hybrid features newly-designed front and rear bumpers, the front incorporating new four-spot LED fog lamps and a revised design for Kia’s trademark ‘Tiger nose’ grille. The car’s profile is also improved with a new side-sill garnish, wing garnish and new, five-spoke 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs. At the rear, the boot lid sports Kia’s new style eco-hybrid badge, the bumper has a black lower section and the exhaust tailpipe is hidden.

With the upgraded model, customers will also be able to specify a new ‘White Package’ interior option, with white upholstery and gloss black cabin accents. Two new exterior paint finishes, Smoky Blue and Aluminium Silver, complete the visual changes and join three carry-over colours – Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black and Bright Silver.

Available only in left-hand drive (as previously), the latest Optima Hybrid will also be fitted with a range of new features, including a new touchscreen interface specific to the Hybrid system, an 8-inch display for the navigation system, iPod connectivity, ventilated front seats and air vents in the rear of the cabin.

A new ‘High Tech Pack’ is available as an option, incorporating Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keep Assist and Smart Parking Assist systems.

Kia’s third-generation regenerative braking system is fitted to the upgraded Optima Hybrid. The new system is 1.2 kg lighter and is faster reacting with a new iBAU (Integrated Brake Actuation Unit) which cuts the time delay before the ABS is activated and shortens braking distance from 62 mph by 1.7 metres. For the driver, there is also greater braking feel and an improved response to pedal inputs.

The petrol-electric hybrid powertrain is carried over unchanged in the latest version of the Optima Hybrid. Together the 2.0-litre engine and 35 kW electric motor produce a combined output of 177 ps at 5,500 rpm and 319 Nm of torque between 1,000 and 2,000 rpm. The saloon delivers a remarkable blend of performance (0-62mph in 9.4 sec, top speed 118 mph), fuel economy (5.1 l/100 km) and low CO2 emissions (119 g/km) with 17-inch wheels. In The Netherlands, where Optima Hybrid is fitted with 16-inch wheels as standard, the vehicle’s CO2 figure is 117 g/km.

Production of the upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid is scheduled to start in Korea during April 2014 and the new model will go on sale across Europe later this year.

Upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid – EU Technical Specifications

Body & Chassis

Four-door, five-seater saloon, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Transverse petrol engine and hybrid electric motor powertrain driving the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

2.0-litre / 150 ps GDi

Name / Type ‘Nu’ / DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with dual CVVT
Capacity 2.0-litres, 1999 cc
Max power 150 ps (110 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Max torque 180 Nm (18.35 kg.m) @ 5000 rpm
Fuel system Multi-point injection

Electric Motor

Type Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor
Max power 47 ps (35 kW) @ 1,630-3000 rpm
Max torque 205 Nm (20.9 kg.m) @ 0-1630 rpm
Voltage Max 270 V DC (nominal)

Combined Hybrid System Output

Max power 177 ps (131 kW) @ 5500 rpm
Max torque 319 Nm (32.5 kg.m) @ 1000-2000 rpm

Battery for Hybrid System

Type Lithium-ion Polymer
Voltage 270 V
Capacity 5.3 Ah
Weight 41.3 kg

Transmission

Automatic   6-speed

Suspension & Damping

Front Fully independent by MacPherson struts, with coil springs and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll 22 mm stabiliser bar
Rear Fully independent multi-link, with coil springs and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll 18 mm stabiliser bar

Steering

Type MDPS, electric motor driven power-assisted rack and pinion
Gearing 2.94 turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle 10.9 metres

Brakes

Power Single 10.5 -inch booster (LHD)
Front 300 x 28 mm ventilated discs
Rear 284 x 10 mm solid discs
ABS 4-channel anti-lock system with EBD
BAS Boosts braking power during emergency stops

Wheels & Tyres

Standard Alloy 16 in x 6.5J
Alloy 17 in x 6.5J
205/65 R16 tyres
215/55 R17 tyres
Spare (Standard) Tyre mobility kit

DIMENSIONS (mm)

Exterior

Overall length              4845 Overall width*                         1830
Overall height              1455 Wheelbase                  2795
Front track 1601-1595 (depending on wheel size)
Rear track 1601-1595 (depending on wheel size)
Front overhang 965
Rear overhang 1085
Ground clearance 135

*excluding door mirrors

Interior Front   Rear
Headroom 1028 965
Legroom 1155 880
Shoulder room 1455 1415
Hip room 1388 1384
Capacities
Fuel tank (litres) 65.0
Luggage (VDA) 381 litres
Kerb weights (kg)
Minimum 1587
Maximum 1648

Performance

Top speed / kph 190
0-to-100 kph / sec 9.4
100-to-0 kph / m 36.7 (17-inch wheels)
41.5 (16-inch wheels, Netherlands only)

Economy & Emissions

Combined (l/100 km) 5.1
CO2 (g/km) 119 (17-inch wheels)
117 (16-inch wheels, Netherlands only)

*fuel consumption and CO2 data are manufacturer’s figures

 

KIA GETS ON ITS BIKE AT GENEVA

  • Kia revisits its two-wheel heritage with a cutting-edge and environmentally friendly twist
  • All-new ‘pedelec’ Kia Electric Bicycle promises up to 40 km range
  • Features innovations in design, specification and manufacturing
  • Two models – City and MTB – designed to appeal to broad range of needs

b1fa0cb0-1f6e-456b-b412-460707b10c2b 56698c8c-6750-4f5c-bc55-23531fab7fb6Kia has unveiled two prototype electric bikes today at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show 70 years on from the vehicle manufacturer’s inception as Korea’s first mass producer of bicycles and coinciding with the European debut of the firm’s first globally-available electric vehicle – the Soul EV.

Demonstrating Kia’s ‘Power to Surprise’ brand values in a novel way, the all-new Kia Electric Bicycle (KEB) is a ‘pedelec’ electric bike – being shown in both ‘City’ and ‘MTB’ (Mountain Bike) versions – which promises lively performance from its powerful electric motor, while incorporating a host of technical innovations in its design, specification and manufacture.

The rear-wheel drive KEB is propelled by a 250 watt electric motor producing a generous 45 Nm of torque, and powered by a 36 volt, 10 amp lithium-ion polymer battery pack which is easily detached for recharging. The City model will appeal to commuters thanks to a range of around 40 km on a single charge and a recharging time of four hours.

Designed and engineered by Kia’s Namyang Research & Development Centre in Korea, the KEB features an innovative monocoque metal frame which looks like a carbon fibre frame, but is produced by an advanced metal stamping technology and a robotic automated welding process – resulting in automotive-industry standards of quality control.

Advanced metal stamping technology is a new production method specially developed at the Namyang R&D Centre for manufacturing the KEB’s frame. After pressing a metal sheet each side of the frame, the frame undergoes a robotic automated welding process ensuring uniform quality. This is in contrast to the frame of a more conventional bicycle, which is often manufactured by hydroforming, increasing the complexity and cost of production.

Using these production methods has allowed Kia a greater degree of design freedom, with distinctive surfacing details and a unique structural design. A greater choice of metals can also be used during production, with metal stamping allowing the frame to be made up of aluminium, high-tensile steel and stainless steel.

Both the City and MTB models feature the same drivetrain and power pack, weigh around 20 kg in total, and have a top speed of 25 kph (15.5 mph) thus complying with EU regulations.

The City is intended as a universal design with its step-through frame, rear-mounted battery, 28-inch wheels and mud-flaps for the broadest appeal. The MTB has RockShox 100 mm front forks, a mid-mounted battery and 26-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tyres – creating a sporty and youthful image.

The two prototype KEB models were made using a frame, electric motor and power pack manufactured in Korea, together with brake and gear components from Shimano in Japan. Final assembly was carried out in Germany.

Media and public reactions to the all-new Kia Electric Bicycle will be monitored closely by Kia Motors Corporation, 70 years after it first manufactured bicycles in Korea during 1944.

 

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