The Kia Soul EV (also known as Kia e-Soul) is an all-electric subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Kia and based on the Kia Soul. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official range for the 2020 Kia Soul EV is 243 miles (391 km).[1]
Deliveries of the first generation began in South Korea in May 2014.[2][3] European sales began in July 2014.[4] Sales started in the U.S. in October 2014;[5] initially it was sold only in California, Oregon, and several Eastern states with the largest EV markets and infrastructure including New York, New Jersey and Maryland.[4] Global sales exceeded the 10,000 unit milestone in January 2016, with Europe as the leading market with 6,770 units sold.[6] Germany was the leading European market with 3,853 units sold through December 2015.[7][8]
A second generation was introduced in 2019 for the 2020 model year, sold in both Europe and Canada. It was delayed until 2021 for the US market.[9][10]
In 2013, Kia began testing prototype versions of a Soul electric vehicle. In November 2013, Kia announced they would be producing a Soul EV and that it would go on sale in 2014. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show.[11] The first-generation Soul EV was based on the second-generation Kia Soul.[12]
First generation
The first-generation Soul EV was powered by a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 30 kWh for 2018 model year.[13] It is capable of 100 kW DC CHAdeMO rapid charging.[12] The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official range for the 2015 model year Soul EV is 93 mi (150 km) and rated it at 105 MPGe (2.2 L/100 km equivalent) combined.[14] As of September 2014, the Soul EV had the largest EPA-rated all-electric range in city driving of its class, at 104 mi (167 km).[15] The motor is rated at 81.4 kW (109 bhp) and 285 Nm (210 lb.-ft).[16]
For the 2018 model year, Kia announced a small 11% battery upgrade. By adding 8 cells to the pack, the usable cell capacity increased from 37.5 Ah to 40 Ah out of 42.4 Ah, increasing the battery pack storage capacity to 30 kWh.[17][18]
For the 2020 model year, Kia announced a significant battery upgrade to a 64 kWh LiPo battery pack, doubling capacity and range from the previous generation.[9][19][20] With a redesign, the EV will be the only variant to be offered in Europe[21] while only the gasoline version is offered in the US for MY2020 and onwards.[22] Both gasoline and EV versions continue to be offered in Canada.[23]
The motor is rated at 201 hp.[20]
This vehicle is the third in the series of long range EVs put on the market by Hyundai-Kia, after the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV.
The 2020 Kia Soul EV costs 319,900 NOK (US$36,600)[note 3] in Norway, less than its internal competitor, the Hyundai Kona Electric and considerably less than the larger Kia Niro EV (another potential competitor, the Chevrolet Bolt, is no longer imported to Europe via official channels).
With demand for EVs reportedly exceeding battery supply, Hyundai-Kia decided to divert batteries to the production of the more expensive Kia Niro (the Niro and the Soul share the same battery), which was the claimed reason for limiting Soul EV production and delaying entry into the US market until 2021.[36]
The Soul EV is the only variant of the Soul sold in Europe. In the first ten months of 2020, European sales totaled 6,768 units.[37]
The Kia Soul is a subcompact car[3] manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2008. Often described and marketed as a crossover since its introduction,[4][5] the Soul is a hatchback with a box proportion[6][7] and tall roof, which are designed to maximize its interior space. Despite its SUV-like styling, the Soul was never available with all-wheel drive, instead it is exclusively a front-wheel drive vehicle.[8]
The Soul first appeared in 2006 in the form of a concept model displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The production model made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. During its introduction, Kia stated that the Soul is aimed at the North American market, and targeted towards buyers in the 18 to 35-year old range.[9]
The second-generation model was introduced in 2013 for the 2014 model year, which featured a larger exterior and interior dimensions along with a reworked chassis, while keeping its boxy styling.[10] The Soul is currently in its third generation, which was introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year.[3] Since 2014, Kia has also marketed a battery electric variant as the Soul EV.
For the 2023 model year, Kia updated the Soul, giving it revised headlights, taillights, front bumper, and rear fascia, along with new two-tone color combinations and new wheel designs. Along with the facelift, Kia discontinued the rugged-looking X-Line trim.[106] Additionally, the turbo version was discontinued in the US, making the 2.0-liter Nu MPi naturally aspirated engine with CVT transmission the only available powertrain.[107]
