Following Tesla, Kia Will Have All-Wheel Drive On Soul EV

“I admit to wasting my life messing around with fast cars and motorcycles.” — Brock Yates

But I do love my wastes, and I won’t stop wasting my time for my passion. Like today, I’m wasting my time writing about the new AWD Kia Soul EV.

That’s right! Your electric car is about to speed up relentlessly. Just a couple of months ago, Kia launched its first fully-electric car, which is reportedly the 19th plug-in vehicle to hit the state’s market. At that time, the Soul EV had been rated at 93 miles of range and 105 MPGe – putting the “family vehicle” near the top of the market in that regard. But Kia has more rugged adventures planned for its first electric model.

Due to be on display at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, the Korean carmaker dropped a hint of something new “for city dwellers seeking the ultimate urban escape”. It could be an all-wheel-drive variant of the Kia Soul EV, or even a completely new concept. But more importantly, it’s somewhat Kia calling an e-AWD powertrain, targeting the sort of athletic, outdoorsy-sorts that the company loves to cite when they throw big bumpers and chunky tires on a concept.

Technically, Kia could easily integrate an AWD system into the Soul EV. But with a range of 93 miles for an EV off-roader, there’s something the company should have considered. On the Tesla Model S, the AWD feature comes with dual motors to help increase efficiency. And what will come on this new Kia concept is still a mystery.

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