The vehicle is earmarked for European sales, including the UK, and is based on the all-new Kia Soul, which shares a platform with the Cee’d hatchback, featuring an aerodynamic bodykit to maximise its range.

Kia said it would announce details at a forthcoming motor show in the United States, likely to be New York or Detroit, where the Soul is one of its best-selling vehicles.

Orth Hedrick, executive director of product planning, Kia Motors America, said: ‘Eco-consciousness already comes standard on the all-new Soul with 85% of its materials able to be recycled at the end of its lifespan, and the Soul EV will further demonstrate Kia’s engineering capabilities as well as our commitment to producing vehicles with reduced environmental footprints.’