2015 Kia Soul EV Named Canadian Green Car of the Year

Each year, 70 automotive journalists from across Canada descend on Niagara Falls, ON, to test the year’s newest cars, with the ultimate goal to name a Canadian Car of the Year and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. This year, however, a selection of the 70 voted on an additional award, the Canadian Green Car of the Year Award.

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), defines a green car as “a vehicle which, for its size and purpose, provides the Canadian consumer with environmentally-friendly returns favourable amongst other vehicles in its class.” Basically, it means that just because a car—a hybrid, for example—has several “green” qualities, it doesn’t mean that it’s a lock for the award. It has to be practical, too, and maybe even fun to drive.

So, it appears the 2015 Kia Soul EV ticked all the right boxes; it’s full-electric, it looks cool, it comes well-equipped and it doesn’t even lose any cargo space in order to fit its battery bank. Plus, you get access to its 210 lb.-ft. of torque right away, because you don’t have to wait for the revs to build to get that power.

“(The green car award) is important because it endorses the versatility of a product from a young brand in Canada,” said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Kia Canada.



Of the Seven eligible vehicles, four were finalists; Kia beat out the Honda Fit, Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry Hybrid for top honours.

Next year, AJAC plans on expanding the award even further, adding a Canadian Green Utility Vehicle of the Year award to the Green Car prize.

As far as other green activities at the Vancouver International Auto Show goes, guests with a valid driver’s license will have the opportunity to try out a handful of electric cars from Ford at the show, as well; the C-Max Energi, Focus EV and Fusion Energi will all be on-hand to give show-goers a taste of what EV motoring is all about.

Or, if you’re in the mood for a more “out there” EV experience, be sure to check out the fully-electric Bigfoot monster truck on display on the show’s main floor. Powered by 30 car batteries, Bigfoot EV pushes out 800 lb.-ft of torque, and better yet, it will never run out of fuel during an event!

Related: Best Of The 2015 Vancouver International Auto Show

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