Car manufacturers are now getting a lot smarter when it comes to developing electric vehicles and the Kia Soul EV ably demonstrates this. It’s apt then, that Kia Motors (UK) Limited has partnered with Chargemaster in opening a new Electric Vehicle Experience Centre – the EVEC - in Milton Keynes.

Supported by Kia and other EV vehicle manufacturers the EVEC is the UK’s first multi-brand showroom where visitors are able not only to discover the merits of owning an EV vehicle through the displays there, but to test drive the options available to them as well.

It sits well with Milton Keynes’ Go Ultra Low City scheme where the target is for 23 per cent of all new cars registered locally to be electric by 2021.

Kia EV Options Kia will have a range of models on show and available for test drive. One such is the all-Electric Kia Soul. Kia’s much-improved Soul is fun with a petrol engine, but following on from the success of the second-generation Kia Soul, comes this all-electric version.

One chassis that’s shared between electric and internal combustion models, clever energy-saving solutions, increasingly realistic real-world range capability and affordable asking prices are just the start.

The all-electric Kia Soul is a high spec model with zero emissions and a driving range of 132 miles – costing in one estimate just £2.80 in electricity. Fitted as standard with a charging point locator, 8.0-inch touchscreen satellite navigation, DAB radio, dual zone climate control with ‘driver only’ function, heated front seats and steering wheel as well as a reversing camera system. The price looks good and the engineering seems sound to a market that is increasingly receptive.

You’ll also find the Optima PHEV there. The MK2 model gets an engine with a more sophisticated Plug-in form and can travel up to 33 miles before the 2.0 GDI petrol engine cuts in, which is one of the longest all-electric driving range figures in the segment. The Optima PHEV is also available with a comprehensive range of connectivity and advanced driver assistance.

All Kia’s offer a wide range of comprehensive safety features as well as the industry leading seven-year warranty as standard. Opening to the public from July 22, the EVEC will showcase to Milton Keynes residents and visitors the options that are available for them when wanting to buy an electric car.