Kia Soul EV introduction

The Kia Soul EV uses the same body as the combustion engine Soul, but due to the battery pack, the rear floor and boot is slightly higher. When launched in late 2014, it had the largest battery pack available (excluding Tesla). At 27kWh, it was larger than the Nissan Leaf's 24kWh and the Renault Zoe and BMW i3 with 22kWh packs. Equipment levels were also very high and all models get more 'tech' than the top spec Tekna Leaf. Also the quality of the ride, handling and interior, surpasses the competition. Yet, this car remained under the radar. Many will put that down to the styling, but I would say the mini-MPV styling is more modern and looks far more attractive than the bug-eyed Nissan Leaf. The 7 year 100,000 miles warranty makes this a great second hand choice as values are about the same as a Leaf, yet the Kia has considerable longer warranty, even after a comparable priced Leaf's warranty was expired (on the vehicle, not the battery pack).

Model history

2015 model year

The Kia Soul EV launched in the UK in September 2014 in one specification only. All cars are highly equipped and have a 27kWh (75Ah) battery pack (30.5kWh real size, but 27kWh usable). Range is quoted as 132 miles (NEDC test), but in the real world its around 95-105 miles in the summer. It has an efficient heat pump heating system and Chademo DC rapid charging. Only three colours are available - Caribbean blue with white roof, snow white pearl with blue roof and titanium silver (grey). The warranty is 7 year/100,000 miles on the car, ev components and battery pack, with a 5 year warranty on the paint and 12 year anti-perforation.

2018 model year

From October 2017, the battery pack was increased to 30kWh (80Ah) and 31.8kWh full size. Range is quoted as 155 miles (NEDC test), but in the real world its around 110-120 miles in the summer.

Study the brochures below for the full specification details.

I've read that the 2015 model will charge to 83% when Chademo DC rapid charging and the 2018 model will charge to 94%.

Kia Warranty

The Kia Soul EV has a 7 year warranty on the whole vehicle. i.e. the car, the EV components and the traction battery pack.

• First 3 years, unlimited mileage warranty

• 7 year or 100,000 miles (which ever comes first) warranty

• 5 year or 100,000 miles paint warranty

• 12 years unlimited mileage anti-perforation warranty

The lithium-ion polymer traction battery pack is warranted to 70% of its original state of health. The 12V auxiliary battery is warranted for 2 years.

Reviews