Kia just converted the Pride into a true EV ‘socket rocket’ as a birthday gift to itself

As an 80th-anniversary gift to itself, Kia UK unveiled the Pride EV. Calling it a true ‘socket rocket,” the electric restomod swaps the 90’s model gas-powered engine with an all-electric powertrain packing nearly double the power. The only thing it retains is its original five-speed manual transmission.

Kia gifts itself the Pride EV hot hatch

Kia is celebrating 80 years of business in the UK. As a gift to itself, the company restored a 1996 Pride 1.3 LX into a one-off all-electric restomod.

With the help of British EV powertrain conversion specialist, electrogenic Kia brought the Pride EV to life.

Kia claims the electric hot hatch is the “most powerful of its kind ever created,” deeming it a true socket rocket. The Pride EV swaps nearly all the original combustion components with a more powerful, all-electric powertrain.

The only part Kia kept from the original model is its five-speed manual transmission and drive shafts to “ensure maximum driver engagement.”

With up to 107 bhp (80 kW) and 173 lb-ft of torque, the Pride EV packs nearly double the power of the gas-powered model.

Kia replaced the engine, fuel tank, and filler neck with an electric motor, twin 10 kWh battery packs, and a charging port. The added power enables the electric hot hatch to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 8 seconds.

A true electric socket rocket

With up to 20 kWh battery capacity, Kia said the electric hot hatch can drive up to 120 miles on a single charge. However, that’s if you’re in “Eco” mode.

Kia included three driving modes: Eco, Sport, and Auto. In Eco mode, its default setting, the Pride EV produces 60 bhp while torque is capped at 87 lb-ft (118 Nm).

With Sport mode, Kia said the restomod is “not a day-to-day kind of Pride.” With max power (107 bhp) and torque (173 lb-ft), the Pride EV can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in an estimated 8 seconds.

Kia claims the restomod is “the most powerful of its kind ever created,” deeming it a “true socket rocket.”

Later this year, Kia will independently confirm the Pride EV’s specs in all three modes. The converted model was built at Electrogenic’s Oxfordshire, UK plant.

As a “one-off” restomod, Kia’s Pride EV is not for general sale. However, the company is launching several new EVs, including the new EV3, as part of its “Plan S” strategy. Kia plans to offer 15 electric vehicles by 2027, nine of which will go on sale in the UK.

Source: Kia UK