The car is pictured above as a disguised prototype.
While sibling brand Hyundai is focusing on hydrogen fuel cells as its zero-emission vehicle tecnology, Kia is betting on battery EVs to help it comply with toughening global emissions standards.
The Soul EV will use an electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery pack that sends 109hp to the front wheels. Kia says it can be fully recharged in five hours using a domestic electricity outlet or to 80 percent of its capacity in 25 minutes using a fast-charging station.
It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than 12 seconds and has a top speed of around 150km/h (90mph). For pedestrian safety, the Soul EV will emit an artificial engine sound at speeds of less than 20km/h and when the car is in reverse.
No pricing details have been released. Sales of the Soul EV will also begin in the United States next year.
