Kia Motors Corp. said Tuesday its Soul electric vehicle, to be unveiled at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show, received an eco-friendly certification from a leading U.S. safety organization.

The Soul EV, which earned the “Environmental Claim Validation” from Underwriters Laboratories, makes extensive use of bio plastics, fabrics and foam, the company said. The interior trim uses plastic based on cellulose, with bio fabrics outfitting the carpets and eco-friendly paint applied to the car.

It also utilizes polylactic acid to make very strong and heat-resistant plastics for various uses inside the vehicle. Such materials are noteworthy because they are made from renewable biomass instead of being extracted from fossil fuel, Kia said.

The car, to be shown for the first time at the auto show running from Saturday through Feb. 17, is based on the second-generation model of the popular Soul box compact car.

“UL awarded the Soul EV its certificate because it contains 10 percent bio-based organic carbon content in its interior plastic, with total weight of bio materials hitting 23.9 kilograms, which is the best of any car on the market,” the carmaker, which is part of the larger Hyundai Motor Group, said.

Kia said the certification, along with the EV’s drive train, which releases zero emissions, will strengthen the car’s overall clean image. (Yonhap)