Kia’s new Soul EV will use lithium-ion polymer battery cells supplied by SK Innovation, the result of a three-year joint development program between the two companies.

The SK pack has 192 cells in eight modules, for a total capacity of 27 kWh. It boasts an impressive energy density of 200 Wh/kg, and is expected to give the Soul EV a range of around 124 miles. Kia predicts a charging time of 25 minutes (100 kW DC), 33 minutes (50 kW DC) or up to five hours (6.6 kW AC).

The cells use nickel-rich NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) cathode material, and an electrolyte additive designed to prevent degradation of battery performance at both low and high temperatures.

The battery pack features a heating system that warms up the battery while the car is plugged into the grid, as well as an overcharge protection device that cuts the high-voltage circuit if swelling should occur due to overcharging.

Source: Kia