Kia e-Soul converted into a small van via conversion kit

With a conversion package, the Korean company's electric crossover e-Soul is transformed into an emission-free, small commercial vehicle with a cargo volume of around 1.000 liters.

This article is part of the special topic " Electromobility for Trades & SMEs".

Need to quickly visit a customer for a repair or delivery? For those who want to do this emission-free and require minimal cargo space, the Korean brand's e-Soul electric car can be transformed into a small van with a conversion kit.

The small crossover has a range of up to 452 kilometers according to WLTP, and in city traffic it can even manage up to 648 kilometers , provided it has the larger 64 kWh battery on board. Those who opt for the smaller version with the 29,2 kWh battery achieve a combined range of 276 km and manage 407 km in the city cycle . With the conversion kit, the e-Soul offers a cargo volume of one cubic meter, or 1.000 liters.

Cargokit comes from Kleinmetall

Kia developed the cargo set in collaboration with the local supplier Kleinmetall from Erlensee, Hesse, near Hanau. Installation requires removing the rear seats in the e-Soul . A roof-high partition grille , tested according to ISO 27956, is then installed behind the front seats . This is complemented by a robust, two-part load floor , 22 millimeters thick. The floor features standard airline-style lashing rails with six tie-down points for securing cargo . After all, cargo must always be secured during commercial transport, even in passenger vehicles.

Side cover plates and cargo nets in front of the side door openings complete the conversion kit. A removable flap in the rear floor section allows access to the underfloor area, where a baffle plate prevents objects from sliding forward . The conversion kit costs €1.380 net, plus individual installation costs. According to Kia, the installation takes approximately 1,5 hours. The kit can also be easily removed if the owner wishes to resell the vehicle.

You might also be interested in:

Craft policy

Alf Reuter receives a gold craftsman's badge

Mobility - Electric drives

The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé

Mobility - Passenger cars

The new third-generation Mazda CX-5

Can be retrofitted to all models

The cargo package can be used with all versions of the Kia e-Soul and can also be retrofitted to all vehicles of the current model generation. The complete kit weighs 41 kilograms . Taking into account the weight of the removed rear seats, this leaves a payload of 390 kilograms for the e-Soul version with the 64 kWh battery and the 150 kW/204 hp motor.

Those who opt for the smaller 39,2 kWh battery with the 100 kW/136 hp motor can carry a payload of 382 kilograms . The Kia e-Soul starts at €32.008,40 and is equipped with the 39,2 kWh battery. Thanks to an innovation bonus from the German government and the manufacturer, this price is reduced by €9.000 . The cargo kit comes with a two-year warranty, while the vehicle itself is covered by Kia's standard seven-year manufacturer's warranty – including the battery.

DHB is now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital DHB!