Stylish, provocative, and loaded with features, the 2018 Kia Soul EV is the funkiest electric car to ever grace American roads. If you were a fan of the gasoline-powered version of the Soul, but you’ve made a vow to reduce your carbon footprint, the Soul EV adds a purely electric powertrain that still provides the utility and versatility of the original. For those new to the electric vehicle market, the Soul EV is an awesome choice that makes the ultimate statement.
Funky Styling
Since the Kia Soul debuted in 2009, it’s remained one of the most interesting vehicles on the road thanks primarily to its unconventional style, This unusual design tradition continues with the all-new Soul EV. Its boxy yet sporty design provides a look unlike any other, while 16-inch alloy wheels and fog lights add depth and allure. Both of the Soul EV’s trims also offer privacy glass, power heated side mirrors, and LED lighting to round out the eye-catching exterior of the vehicle.
The Powertrain
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Kia Soul EV is its 100 percent electric powertrain system. The heart and soul of this system is a 30-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor that delivers 109 horsepower and up to 210 pound-feet of torque. This gives it more oomph than most of its gas-powered competitors, including a 0-60 of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 92 mph.
Charging and Range
The 2018 edition of the Soul EV improves its range from 91 miles on a single charge to 111 miles this year. With this 20 mile increase, the Soul EV reaches the top of the electric vehicle market while still offering the versatility and space of a compact SUV.
To charge the Soul EV, you have three options, but most importantly, all Soul EVs now come with a standard DC Fast Charger. This allows you to charge the vehicle from dead to 80 percent battery in just 30 minutes, which is ideal if you forget to plug it in overnight, or you need a quick charge when you’re home for lunch.
With the regular 120-volt charger that comes with the car, you’ll still get the fast charge, but to get the battery up to 100 percent, it takes 24 hours. For quicker charging, a 240-volt adapter can reduce the time to about four hours, while 480-volt chargers found in public charge stations can have the Soul EV running at full blast in 30 to 50 minutes.
Interior Extras
Despite its reputation as an energy saver, the Soul EV doesn’t skimp where it counts, offering more standard features than many of its competitors. This includes amenities such as an 8-inch touch-screen display, UVO infotainment system, a rear-camera display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and a six-speaker sound system. Add all that up, and the Soul EV borders on being a luxury car.
With several automakers blazing new trails into the electric car market, Kia proves that it’s a serious player with the 2018 Kia Soul EV. Make sure to get on board before the secret gets out.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.