The Kia Soul EV, a distinctive and compact electric vehicle, has garnered attention for its unique styling and impressive range . But how does it truly measure up in terms of range and practicality for daily use? This article provides a detailed look at the Soul EV, exploring its range, charging capabilities, cargo space, passenger capacity, and overall practicality in various situations, including grocery shopping, transporting children, and road trips.
Range and Charging
The Kia Soul EV offers two battery options: a 39.2kWh battery with an official range of 171 miles and a larger 64kWh battery with a range of up to 280 miles . These figures are competitive with other EVs in its price range, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf . The 39kWh battery takes just over 6 hours to charge from 0 to 100% using a 7kW home wall box .
In real-world driving conditions, an EV’s range can vary depending on factors like driving style, temperature, and terrain . One reviewer found that they could comfortably achieve 80 miles on their daily commute, even with the heater running in colder temperatures . Another reviewer reported achieving a range of 200 miles on a road trip with mostly motorway driving at 70 mph .
When it comes to charging, the Soul EV supports fast charging, allowing you to charge the battery from 10% to 80% in around 45 minutes using a 100kW charger . However, it’s worth noting that the Soul EV’s peak charging rate is 77kW, so it may not be able to fully utilize the fastest chargers available . For home charging, a Level 2 charger can fully charge the larger battery in around 10 hours 30 minutes ().
The Soul EV utilizes an air-cooled battery system . While this technology is generally reliable, it can have some drawbacks. In hot weather or during long trips with frequent fast charging, the battery can heat up, potentially impacting charging speed and long-term battery degradation .
Comparison to Other EVs
The Kia Soul EV competes with several other EVs in the same price range, including the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Nissan Leaf, and Hyundai Kona Electric . While the Bolt EV boasts a slightly longer range, the Soul EV offers a more distinctive design and a more spacious interior . The Nissan Leaf is another strong contender, but the Soul EV’s higher driving position and boxy shape may appeal to those who prefer a more SUV-like experience .
A closer comparison can be made between the Soul EV and its sibling, the Kia Niro EV . Both vehicles share similar electric powertrains and offer comparable range and performance. However, the Soul EV distinguishes itself with its boxier design, which translates to a more spacious and versatile interior . The Niro EV, on the other hand, has a more conventional crossover SUV shape and may offer a slightly more refined driving experience.
Interior and Technology
The Kia Soul EV’s interior is designed with both comfort and functionality in mind . All trims feature a digital driver display that provides clear and easy-to-read information . The dashboard layout is logical and user-friendly, with large, chunky dials for climate control that are easy to operate while driving .
The Soul EV’s infotainment system is simple but effective, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility . The entry-level trim features a smaller screen, while higher trims come with a larger screen for enhanced functionality .
Practicality for Everyday Use
The Kia Soul EV’s boxy design provides a surprisingly spacious interior for both passengers and cargo. With its upright seating position and generous headroom, the Soul EV can comfortably accommodate four adults . Even taller passengers will find ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats .
Passenger Space
The Soul EV offers generous passenger space, especially considering its compact size. Here are the specific dimensions for front and rear passengers:
| Measurement | Front Seats | Rear Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Headroom | 1,013 mm | 988 mm |
| Hip Room | 1,360 mm | 1,340 mm |
| Legroom | 1,044 mm | 927 mm |
| Shoulder Room | 1,410 mm | 1,390 mm |
Cargo Space
The Soul EV offers 281 liters of cargo space with the rear seats up , which is smaller than some competitors like the Nissan Leaf . However, the cargo area is tall and narrow, making it suitable for carrying everyday items like suitcases and strollers . With the rear seats folded down, the cargo space expands to 62.1 cubic feet, providing ample room for larger items . The Soul EV also features a handy compartment under the boot floor for storing charging cables and other valuables .
Grocery Shopping
The Kia Soul EV’s cargo space is generally sufficient for most grocery shopping trips. One reviewer mentioned having no issues fitting a typical grocery haul in the back .
Transporting Children
The Kia Soul EV can accommodate two child safety seats in the backseat . The Latch anchors are exposed and easy to use, making it simple to install car seats . However, the rear seat hip room is somewhat limited, which may make it challenging to fit three car seats across . One reviewer with four children found the Soul EV to be spacious enough for their family, even with two car seats and an adult in the back .
Road Trips
While the Kia Soul EV’s range is suitable for daily commutes and shorter trips, it may not be the ideal choice for long road trips, especially for older models with the CHAdeMO charging plug . The CHAdeMO standard is becoming less common, which could limit charging options on longer journeys . Additionally, the Soul EV’s air-cooled battery can limit charging speed on subsequent stops during a road trip, as the battery can heat up during use and take time to cool down .
However, one reviewer successfully completed a 1,588km round trip in their Soul EV . They found that the car could handle longer journeys with careful planning and frequent charging stops. They also noted that the air-cooled battery, while not ideal for extended road trips, performed better than they expected.
Another reviewer shared their experience of a 200-mile round trip in the Soul EV, primarily on the motorway at 70 mph . They started with a 92% state of charge and averaged 3.5 miles per kilowatt-hour. They were impressed with the Soul EV’s performance and comfort on the motorway, even with the less aerodynamic body style.
Driving Experience
The Kia Soul EV offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, particularly around town. The electric motor provides smooth and instant acceleration, making it easy to navigate city streets . The steering is light and precise, and the brakes are responsive and easy to modulate .
The Soul EV also features regenerative braking, which helps to recapture energy and extend the driving range . The regenerative braking system has four levels, ranging from minimal to moderately aggressive, and can be adjusted using paddle shifters on the steering wheel . There is also an Auto mode that automatically adjusts the level of regeneration based on driving conditions .
Drivers can choose from four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Eco+ . Eco mode maximizes efficiency, while Sport mode provides a more responsive throttle and sharper handling. Normal mode offers a balance between performance and efficiency, and Eco+ mode is an ultra-conservative setting for maximizing range.
Charging Infrastructure
The availability of charging stations is an important consideration for EV owners. In Vaughan, Ontario, there are 221 public charging station ports within a 15km radius . These include both Level 2 and Level 3 chargers, with 18% of the ports offering free charging . The city has also received funding for multiple charging station installations through the Electric Vehicle Chargers Ontario (EVCO) grant program .
Who is the Soul EV for?
Based on the research, the Kia Soul EV appears to be well-suited for a variety of drivers, including:
- Urban dwellers: The Soul EV’s compact size and excellent maneuverability make it ideal for navigating city streets and tight parking spaces.
- Small families: The Soul EV offers ample space for small families, with enough room for two child safety seats and a decent amount of cargo space.
- Drivers who prioritize practicality and functionality: The Soul EV’s boxy design maximizes interior space, and its features are geared towards everyday usability.
- Environmentally conscious drivers: As an all-electric vehicle, the Soul EV produces zero tailpipe emissions, making it a cleaner and more sustainable transportation option.
Conclusion
The Kia Soul EV offers a compelling combination of range, practicality, and value. Its long-range battery option provides ample mileage for most daily needs, and its spacious interior can comfortably accommodate passengers and cargo. While it may not be the perfect choice for frequent long road trips, especially with the older CHAdeMO charging port, the Soul EV excels in urban environments and for shorter journeys.
The Soul EV’s quirky styling may not appeal to everyone, but it contributes to the vehicle’s practicality by maximizing interior space. The air-cooled battery system is a reliable technology, but it may present some limitations for those who frequently embark on long road trips or live in very hot climates.
Compared to its competitors, the Soul EV offers a strong value proposition. It provides a similar range to the Chevrolet Bolt EV at a potentially lower price point, and it offers a more distinctive design and spacious interior compared to the Nissan Leaf.
Overall, the Kia Soul EV is a practical and versatile electric vehicle that is well-suited for urban driving, small families, and those who value functionality and efficiency. Its unique styling, competitive pricing, and impressive features make it a strong contender in the EV market.