Kia will be using special advanced battery technologies to give its forthcoming Soul EV a rated range of 200km, writes Brian Byrne.
The vehicle will get its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week, and goes on sale in European markets in the autumn.
The lithium-ion battery system is of a higher density than used so far in other electric cars, and there are also changes and additives to the electrolyte which extend both the output and the life of the battery.
The car will feature alongside the production version of the new-generation Soul powered by standard internal combustion engines.