Kia Soul EV is Electric Fun

Although totally electric cars make up a minuscule percentage of U.S. auto sales, just about every mainstream auto manufacturer now offers an electric vehicle (EV) thanks to increasingly tough EPA fuel economy standards. That includes Korean automaker Kia, which recently debuted an EV version of its popular, albeit offbeat but hip, Soul crossover. This is Kia’s first pure electric offering in the U.S.

The basic specs for the electrified Soul are typical of most contemporary EVs, with Kia claiming an operating range of 93 miles between charges — second only to the Tesla Model S.

The Soul EV has three charging ports, including Level 1 and Level 2 ports for AC charging, as well as a 480-volt DC fast-charging port — the standard for public charging systems, which are steadily becoming more widespread. Using a 240-volt, 50-kW quick charger, full charging takes five hours, but will bring the batteries to 80 percent in as little as 33 minutes. The 480-volt public systems will totally recharge fully depleted batteries in about 30 minutes or less, while it takes around 24 hours using standard 120-volt household current.

An optional 240-volt home charger can be purchased through your local Kia dealer. Dealers who sell Soul EVs will also offer free recharging to their customers.

Walkaround: The Soul totally nailed that ultra-cute 5-door box-on-wheels design pioneered by the Honda Element and Nissan Cube — both of which are now history. The Soul EV looks a lot like the gas-powered Soul, with the differences being very subtle — for example, a larger, tiger nose sliding grille hides the charging ports.

The Soul EV comes in four color choices: Caribbean Blue with Clear White roof, Shadow Black with Inferno Red roof, Titanium Gray and Clear White.  The signature two-tone theme is exclusive to the EV, while other unique exterior design features include color accent trim in the front and rear fascias, projector headlights, LED positioning lamps, and LED tail lights.

“Eco Electric” badging replaces the “Soul” fender trim found on the gas-powered version, and the EV gets its own distinctive 16-inch alloy wheels rolling on specially engineered Super Low Rolling Resistance tires that help improve range.

Interior: The latest version of the gasoline-powered Soul made tremendous strides with improved cabin materials, ride and noise levels. Since there is no internal combustion engine noise, the EV is even quieter — exceptionally so for a vehicle this size, with only slight traces of road and wind noise.

Setting the interior apart from its gasoline-powered sibling is the use of recycled materials and extensive use of bio-based organic materials — 52.7 pounds worth in the interior plastic alone — along with BTX-free paint on the audio system surround, vent bezel and floor console. Bio-based plastics derived from cellulose and sugarcane include the door panels, headliner, seat trim, roof pillars and carpeting. Organic, bio-based materials are used in 19 different interior locations.

Another differentiation from the gas-powered Soul is bright white accent trim on the center console, instrument panel and door panels, adding a light, spacious feel to the passenger space. The seats are quite comfortable and the EV-only digital instrumentation is crisp and easy to read.

Kia’s newest version of its UVO infotainment system makes controlling media and other functions easy via the standard 8-inch capacitive-touch navigation screen. It includes downloadable apps, such as Yelp, iHeartRadio and Sound Hound. To combat range anxiety, there’s also an app that pinpoints recharging stations.

Under The Hood: The Soul EV is powered by a liquid-cooled AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor rated at 109 horses and 210 pound-feet of torque. The motor sends power to the front wheels via a single-speed constant ratio transmission.

Located beneath the floor, a 360-volt, 192-cell, 27kWh, air-cooled, 200 watt-hour/kg, lithium-ion polymer, gel-electrolyte battery pack feeds the motor. Rear seat legroom is reduced by just over 3 inches from the gas model, while the standard 120-volt charger, which stows under the cargo floor, takes a 5.1 cu. ft. bite out of luggage capacity, reducing it to 19.1.

Behind The Wheel: We had an opportunity to drive the Soul EV in the coastal California environs around toney Dana Point. In spite of the Soul’s added weight due to the batteries, like all EVs, the instant torque delivered by an electric motor means quick acceleration — so chirping the tires from a dead stop is easy. While the 0-60 drill isn’t a record-setter, the initial eruption of power off the line is enough to make simple cruising around town fun.

Kia enhanced the Soul’s structure to accommodate the battery weight, adding torsional rigidity. Because of the battery location, the center of gravity is lower than the gas model, so the EV handles a bit better. The Soul isn’t really meant for aggressive driving, but we drove it hard and came away impressed with its handling. The electric power steering is a little heavy, but responsive to quick maneuvers.

Like all EVs and hybrids, coasting and regenerative braking are important to stretching battery life. The Soul has two Eco-operating presets with Drive and Brake modes for both. According to Kia, Brake mode in the Eco On setting can add as much as 12 percent recovery — which translates into battery replenishment.

Whines: The initial rollout for the Soul EV is limited to California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey and Maryland.

Bottom Line: EVs have progressed tremendously in recent years, but unless you live in the city, and never take road trips, an EV probably won’t be your primary vehicle. However, for a commuter, or someone who just wants a green grocery-getter, the Kia Soul EV is a genuinely solid vehicle that’s sensible, sustainable, and downright fun to drive.

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