Kia unveils Soul for Brazil that runs on 100% ethanol

Kia just introduced its first South Korean model that can run on 100% ethanol -- the Kia Soul Flex.

It will never make it to the U.S., but cars capable of running entirely on ethanol are critical in Brazil, where the Soul Flex was unveiled at an auto show in São Paulo. Brazilians depend on ethanol to power cars because they have an abundance of sugar cane, from which it is derived.

In the U.S., amost all ethanol used in a 10% blend with gasoline comes from corn. Ethanol is basically the same as the alcohol found in vodka or whisky, only with a little gasoline added so you can't drink it.

Currently, ethanol costs 40% less than gasoline in Brazil, although it generally doesn't doesn't allow you to drive a car as far:

Kia says the Soul Flex will boast a 44% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with the existing gasoline model and superior power.

Changes made to accommodate the more "abrasive nature" of ethanol fuel include reinforcing the fuel pump, pillar cap and fuel line, and fitting a gasoline tank assistance system in order to aid engine ignition at low temperatures.

Kia will begin exporting Soul Flex to Brazil this month.

source: content.usatoday