Kia is continuing its progressive launch of the Soul EV (which was profiled in the January/February 2015 issue of Charged), adding 12 EV-certified dealers in Washington and 8 in Oregon.

Each dealership will be equipped with two Level 2 chargers, and 10 of them will also have a 50 kW Signet DC fast charger. Charging will be available to Soul EV owners at no cost.

The Soul EV is equipped with a J1772 port for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, and a CHAdeMO 480 v DC fast charging port. Kia’s UVO EVServices telematics system, which will be free for the first five years of ownership, uses the Verizon wireless network and an integral smartphone app to help drivers find nearby charging stations.

Kia has partnered with Greenlots in the Pacific Northwest to offer Soul EV owners a Kia ChargeUp card, which offers access to several DC fast charger networks.

“With the level of interest the Soul EV has received in the eco-friendly states of Washington and Oregon, it was only natural for us to expand into the region,” said Orth Hedrick, VP of Product Planning for Kia Motors America. “Kia is committed to making sure Soul EV customers in the Pacific Northwest are adequately covered, which is why we’re also installing DC fast chargers and offering free charging at select dealers.”

Source: Kia