According to company sources, the electric car version of the compact hatchback has encompassed several environmentally friendly materials such as bio plastics, bio foam, and bio textiles.(image:Kia Motors)
SEOUL, Korea, Feb 5 (Korea Bizwire) – Kia Motors said on February 4 that it won the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) mark for the interior materials used in its Soul EV, the electric vehicle to be unveiled for the first time in the upcoming Chicago Auto Show to be open on February 8.
According to company sources, the electric car version of the compact hatchback has encompassed several environmentally friendly materials such as bio plastics, bio foam, and bio textiles. In particular, the Soul EV appointed the following five materials for the first time among the world’s car makers: cellulose-based plastics for interior trims; bio thermoplastic elastomers; bio textiles for the carpets; bio painting materials; and polylactic acid-based heat-resistant, impact-resistant plastics for console.
The U.S. safety certification company said the Soul EV scored high in the fact that the aggregate weight of bio materials was 23.9 kilograms, the highest among auto models, with plant-based carbon accounting for more than 10 percent in total.
Established in 1894, UL has participated in the safety analysis of many of the 20th century’s new technologies. It maintains office in 46 countries with more than 11,000 testers, inspectors, and auditors.
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