In Future California, EV Kia Soul Charges You

Jun 22, 2016

Right now your home can charge your Kia, but in the future, roles may be reversed.

Kia is partnering with its corporate cousin Hyundai and a California university to develop and employ vehicle-to-grid smart charging software. Kia will provide six Kia Soul electric vehicles for the project.

Vehicle-to-Grid Charging

The project aims to incorporate electric vehicles in helping to accommodate energy demand. Electric vehicles can serve as large batteries, storing energy for use. In the future, when the number of EVs on the road is expected to greatly increase, this will represent a significant amount of power.

With vehicle-to-grid smart charging, in times of high energy demand the electrical grid powering homes and businesses could tap plugged in EVs and draw some of their power to meet that demand. The research project, which Kia Motors America is working with Hyundai America Technical Center and the University of California, Irvine to complete, would create software algorithms to help the grid efficiently tap battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids for power while those vehicles are connected to the grid.

Kia execs and university researchers say they hope the project will further the understanding of how battery electric vehicles are managed on the grid, and also identify obstacles and solutions for vehicle-to-grid deployment. The program should also help forecast electric vehicle charging behavior and foster greater understanding of their impact on the grid.

2016 Kia Soul EV

Introduced in 2015, Kia made just a few tweaks for the electric version of the Kia Soul. The South Korean automaker added a new trim level for the vehicle and also added a panoramic sunroof as an option, among other minor changes.

The 2016 Kia Soul EV is a solid contender in the compact EV market. The Soul has an estimated driving range of about 93 miles, making it a leader in the compact EV market. The Soul EV also provides convenient charging options for owners. The vehicle’s AC port will accept household-grade 120 volt current and will allow the vehicle to recharge in 24 hours or 240 volt current which will charge the vehicle in just five hours. The vehicle’s DC port will accept 480 volt current and charge the vehicle in little over half an hour.

The EV version of the Soul offers many of the benefits of the traditional Soul, including a spacious interior and a variety of great tech features, including the UVO infotainment system. The small carbon footprint of the Soul EV, along with its quirky design and competitive price, has made it a favorite among eco-conscious California drivers. Kia plans to offer the Soul EV in more states in the near future.

Bill Barth Kia, a long-established leader among Mandan auto dealers, strives to provide an enjoyable car-buying experience for consumers. With a huge selection of Kia cars, trucks, and SUVs, including fuel-efficient vehicles, the Bill Barth Kia dealership is the place to go to find the best deal on a new or pre-owned vehicle. To schedule a test drive, call 701-667-9999, or just visit Bill Barth Kia.