The new Kia Soul EV made its European debut at the 84th Salon International de l'Automobile in Geneva, Switzerland, today alongside a special technology exhibit of the brand's next-generation hybrid powertrain. These debutants were joined on the stand by the enhanced Kia Sportage and upgraded Optima Hybrid for the European market, as well as the GT4 Stinger concept car, which made its global debut at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, and a new pedelec Electric Bicycle.

Embodying the iconic design of the recently-launched second-generation Kia Soul, the new Kia Soul EV will become the brand's first globally-sold electric vehicle when it goes on sale globally later in 2014.

The Soul EV is a front-wheel drive electric vehicle with a high-capacity 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and class-leading 200 Wh/kg battery cell energy density. Power comes from an 81.4 kW electric motor producing a generous 285 Nm of torque. The vehicle will appeal to city commuters thanks to a driving range of around 200 km on a single charge.

Available material includes press conference footage, video and images of the models.