Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc., (HATCI) and Mojo Mobility, Inc., a wireless power technology company, have been awarded a funding grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies (VT) program to research and develop a system capable of fast charging an electric vehicle wirelessly. Mojo Mobility is known for developing highly efficient wireless charging systems capable of transferring high power without need for precise alignment between the charger and the vehicle.

Kia Motors America (KMA) is continuing its progressive launch of the Soul EV and adding to the electric vehicle ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest with 20 Soul EV-certified dealers and a robust charging network. Of the 20 dealers in the region, 12 will be located in Washington and eight in Oregon. In addition to each being equipped with two Level-2 chargers (40 total in the PNW region), 10 of the dealers will also be up-fitted with DC fast chargers, increasing Kia’s overall network of fast-charging stations. As an added value, select Kia dealers will allow Soul EV owners to charge their electrified urban runabout at no cost.

The 2016 Soul EV marks the second year of Kia’s first mass-market zero emissions, battery electric vehicle. For 2016, the Soul EV is offered in three trims – Soul EV-e, Soul EV, Soul EV+ (plus) – up from two in 2015. Offering a long list of standard equipment at a lower price point, the Soul EV-e brings new value for those looking for a fun and funky alternative in the EV segment. The Soul EV+ continues as the range-topping trim, and is further enhanced for 2016 with the addition of the Sun & Fun Package. Additional 2016 enhancements standard across the Soul EV lineup include a charge port nozzle lock, an illuminated Aux/USB port, and two new exterior colors: Shadow Black and Bright Silver.

To celebrate the Soul EV’s highly anticipated arrival and sales commencement in Oregon, Kia Motors America (KMA) is proud to announce its title sponsorship of the 2015 Plug & Pinot celebration, kicking off with an evening reception Thursday, August 13, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Jacobsen Salt Co. in downtown Portland. As much a celebration of the Soul EV as it is a culinary festival, Plug & Pinot highlights Oregon’s easily accessible EV byways by promoting eco-tourism and the region’s highly respected wine country. Tickets for the reception are just $15 (free to those who register for a Soul EV test drive/ride experience at plugandpinot.com) and include hors d’oeuvres and live soul music by Speaker Minds and Will West & The Friendly Strangers. KMA will have six Soul EVs available to experience during the evening’s festivities, and guests are encouraged to interact with the onsite product specialists who can provide detailed information in a relaxed environment.

Kia Motors America (KMA) is proud to announce it is expanding availability of its fully charged urban runabout into four new states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland.

Kia Motors America (KMA) and Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. today announced an expanded partnership with the Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP) at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) to help develop and demonstrate Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) advanced smart charging software algorithms. Kia will provide six Soul EVs with the shared goal of creating software algorithms for use in coordinating the charging of plug-in electric vehicles to support grid resource operation.