2020 Kia Electric Cars A Complete Guide to Models and Features

The 2020 Kia electric car lineup delivers impressive range, cutting-edge tech, and bold design across its all-electric and hybrid models. With standout options like the Niro EV offering 239 miles of range and the sleek, tech-packed Soul EV, Kia blends affordability with innovation. These models boast fast-charging capability, advanced driver aids, and intuitive infotainment—making 2020 a pivotal year for Kia’s electrified push.

Key Takeaways

• 2020 Kia Niro EV: Offers 239-mile range, ideal for daily commutes and road trips.
• Regenerative braking: Maximizes efficiency and extends battery life with smart energy recovery.
• DC fast charging: Charges to 80% in 50 minutes for quick, convenient power-ups.
• Advanced safety suite: Includes lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, and automatic emergency braking.
• Spacious interior: Combines eco-friendly materials with ample cargo and passenger room.
• Competitive pricing: Delivers premium features at a value-driven cost in its class.

The Dawn of Kia’s Electric Journey: What 2020 Brought to the Table

Remember when electric cars were still a niche, futuristic dream? Fast forward to 2020, and Kia Motors stepped into the electric vehicle (EV) arena with bold confidence. That year wasn’t just about launching new models—it was about proving that practicality, affordability, and eco-friendliness could coexist in one stylish package. For many drivers, 2020 was the turning point where “going electric” stopped feeling like a sacrifice and started feeling like an upgrade.

Kia didn’t just dip a toe into the electric pool—they dove in headfirst. With a focus on real-world usability, thoughtful design, and competitive pricing, their 2020 lineup made EVs accessible to everyday drivers. Whether you were a city commuter tired of gas stations or a suburban parent looking for a reliable second car, Kia had something to offer. And the best part? You didn’t need a six-figure budget to join the electric revolution.

2020 Kia Electric Cars: The Models That Defined the Year

When we talk about 2020 Kia electric cars, we’re not just discussing one model—we’re looking at a small but mighty fleet that laid the foundation for Kia’s future in electrification. The two standout models were the **Kia Niro EV** and the **Kia Soul EV**, both of which brought something unique to the table. Let’s break them down.

Kia Niro EV: The Practical Powerhouse

The Niro EV was Kia’s answer to drivers who wanted a no-nonsense, long-range electric crossover. With a 239-mile EPA-estimated range (on a single charge), it quickly became a favorite among commuters and road-trippers alike. Think about it: you could drive from downtown Chicago to Indianapolis without needing to plug in. That’s a game-changer for anyone who’s ever been range-anxious.

The Niro EV wasn’t just about distance—it was about comfort. The interior felt modern and spacious, with plenty of legroom and a user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen. The seats were supportive, even after hours on the road, and the cargo space (18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats) was more than enough for groceries, gym bags, or weekend getaway gear.

One thing I loved? The regenerative braking system. It wasn’t just about energy recovery—it made driving in traffic smoother. With the “one-pedal driving” mode, you could slow down and even stop without touching the brake pedal, which made stop-and-go traffic way less stressful. Pro tip: Use the steering wheel paddles to adjust regeneration levels on the fly. I found level 3 perfect for city driving.

Kia Soul EV: The Quirky Urban Companion

If the Niro EV was the practical family hauler, the Soul EV was the fun-loving city dweller. With its boxy, retro-futuristic design and 243-mile range, the Soul EV stood out in a sea of cookie-cutter crossovers. It was the kind of car that turned heads at stoplights and made parking in tight urban spots a breeze.

Inside, the Soul EV felt surprisingly upscale for its price. The 10.25-inch touchscreen was sharp and responsive, and the Harman Kardon audio system delivered rich, clear sound—perfect for blasting your favorite playlist during a rainy commute. The seats were cozy, and the upright driving position gave you a great view of the road.

But here’s the real kicker: the Soul EV’s turning radius. It was so tight, I could make a U-turn on a two-lane street without needing to back up. That’s a huge win for anyone navigating narrow city streets or crowded parking lots. The only downside? Cargo space was a bit smaller (18.8 cubic feet with seats up), but still plenty for a weekly grocery run or a small suitcase.

Fun fact: The Soul EV was only available in select markets in 2020 (like California and Oregon), so if you lived elsewhere, you might have had to wait or travel to get one. That said, it was worth the effort for drivers who wanted style and substance in one compact package.

Performance and Charging: What You Need to Know

Let’s talk about the nuts and bolts—how do 2020 Kia electric cars actually perform on the road, and how easy is it to keep them charged?

Acceleration and Driving Experience

Both the Niro EV and Soul EV shared the same powertrain: a 201-horsepower electric motor and a 64 kWh battery. That translated to a 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds—not lightning-fast, but more than enough to merge onto highways or zip through city traffic. The instant torque of the electric motor made acceleration smooth and responsive, with no lag or gear shifts to worry about.

One thing I appreciated? The ride quality. The Niro EV felt more planted on the highway, while the Soul EV was a bit more agile in tight corners. Both handled well in rain and light snow, thanks to their low center of gravity (the heavy battery sits low in the chassis). Just remember: EVs are heavier than gas cars, so they can feel a bit “heavier” in sharp turns.

Charging Options: Home, Work, and on the Go

Charging is where many new EV owners feel uncertain, but Kia made it pretty straightforward. Both models came with:

• Level 1 charging (120V): Plug into a standard household outlet. It’s slow (about 3-5 miles of range per hour), but great for overnight charging if you don’t drive much.
• Level 2 charging (240V): Install a home charger (like a ChargePoint or JuiceBox), and you’ll get 20-25 miles of range per hour. A full charge takes 9-10 hours—perfect for overnight.
• DC fast charging: Both models supported CCS fast charging, giving you 80% charge in about 75 minutes. This was a lifesaver on road trips. I used it once when my battery dropped to 15% during a drive from Austin to Dallas—found a fast charger at a rest stop, grabbed a coffee, and was back on the road in an hour.

Pro tip: Use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to locate fast chargers along your route. In 2020, the network wasn’t as robust as it is today, but it was growing fast. I always carried a portable Level 2 charger (like the one Kia provided) as a backup.

Tech and Safety Features: More Than Just a Car

Kia didn’t just build electric cars—they built smart, connected, and safe electric cars. The 2020 models came loaded with tech and safety features that made them feel way more advanced than their price tags suggested.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Both the Niro EV and Soul EV came with Kia’s UVO infotainment system, which was intuitive and feature-packed. Key highlights:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamless integration with your smartphone for calls, texts, and navigation.
• Wireless charging pad: No more tangled cords. Just drop your phone and go.
• Kia Connect app: Remote start, climate control, and battery status from your phone. I used this all the time to pre-heat the cabin in winter or check if my car was fully charged before leaving work.

The Soul EV’s larger 10.25-inch screen was a nice upgrade, with split-screen functionality so you could view navigation and music side by side. The Niro EV’s 8-inch screen was smaller but still responsive and easy to use.

Safety First: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Kia didn’t skimp on safety. Both models came standard with a suite of ADAS features, including:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Automatically brakes if it detects a pedestrian or vehicle in your path.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Gently steers you back into your lane if you drift.
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning: Alerts you when a car is in your blind spot.
• Smart Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the car ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.

One feature I loved? The Driver Attention Warning system. It monitored your driving patterns and would alert you if you seemed drowsy or distracted. I got a few “Take a break!” notifications on long drives, and honestly, they were spot-on.

Cost and Value: Are 2020 Kia EVs Worth It?

Let’s get real: price matters. The 2020 Kia electric cars weren’t the cheapest EVs on the market, but they offered a lot of value for the money. Here’s how they stacked up.

Pricing and Incentives

The 2020 Kia Niro EV started at around $38,500 (before incentives), while the 2020 Kia Soul EV started at $33,950. Both qualified for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, which brought the effective price down to $31,000 and $26,450, respectively. Some states (like California) offered additional rebates, making them even more affordable.

Compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt or Nissan Leaf, the Kias had a slight edge in range and interior quality. The Bolt had similar range (259 miles) but felt more cramped inside, and the Leaf had less range (149 miles) and a more basic interior.

Total Cost of Ownership

Here’s where EVs really shine. Over time, the cost of ownership is much lower than gas cars. Consider this:

• Fuel savings: Charging at home costs about $0.12-$0.15 per kWh. For a 240-mile range, that’s roughly $9.60 per “fill-up.” Compare that to $40+ for a gas car.
• Maintenance: No oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. Just tire rotations and cabin air filter replacements. I saved about $500 in the first year alone.
• Depreciation: EVs depreciate faster than gas cars, but Kias held their value reasonably well. The Niro EV retained about 55% of its value after 3 years, which was better than the Leaf (45%) but not quite as good as the Tesla Model 3 (60%).

One thing to note: The Soul EV was only sold in limited markets, so resale value could be harder to predict if you lived outside those areas.

Common Questions and Real-World Insights

Let’s wrap up with some practical tips and insights based on real-world use. After driving both the Niro EV and Soul EV in 2020, here’s what I learned.

Winter Driving: How Do They Handle the Cold?

Cold weather is the kryptonite of all EVs, and the 2020 Kias were no exception. In sub-30°F temperatures, I saw a 15-20% drop in range. The battery just doesn’t work as efficiently when it’s freezing.

But Kia had some smart solutions:

• Pre-conditioning: Use the Kia Connect app to heat the cabin while the car is still plugged in. This saves battery power and keeps you warm when you start driving.
• Heated seats and steering wheel: Both models had these standard, which helped me stay warm without cranking up the cabin heat.
• Low rolling resistance tires: Great for efficiency, but a bit slippery on icy roads. I swapped mine out for all-weather tires in winter, which helped a lot.

Road Trips: Can You Take a 2020 Kia EV on a Long Journey?

Absolutely—but plan ahead. On a 300-mile trip from Atlanta to Nashville, I used DC fast chargers in Chattanooga and Murfreesboro. The key is to:

• Charge to 80% before leaving (it’s faster than 100%).
• Use PlugShare to find reliable chargers along your route.
• Factor in an extra 30-45 minutes for charging stops.

The Niro EV’s longer range gave me more flexibility, but the Soul EV could handle it too with careful planning.

Warranty and Reliability: What’s the Deal?

Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (including the battery) was a huge selling point. I never had any issues with the battery or motor, but I did notice a small software glitch in the UVO system that was fixed with a free update. Kia’s customer service was responsive and helpful—no horror stories here.

Data Table: 2020 Kia Electric Cars at a Glance

Model	Starting Price (Before Incentives)	EPA-Estimated Range	Fast Charging (80% in Minutes)	Key Features
Kia Niro EV	$38,500	239 miles	75 minutes	One-pedal driving, heated seats, UVO Connect, 8″ touchscreen
Kia Soul EV	$33,950	243 miles	75 minutes	10.25″ touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, wireless charging

Final Thoughts: Why 2020 Kia Electric Cars Still Matter

Looking back, the 2020 Kia electric cars weren’t just about being “green”—they were about being smart. The Niro EV and Soul EV proved that you could have fun, practical, and affordable EVs without compromising on range, tech, or comfort. They weren’t perfect (the charging network was still growing, and winter range drops were real), but they were a solid step forward.

For anyone considering an EV today, these 2020 models are still a great value—especially on the used market. With Kia’s strong warranty and proven reliability, they’re a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who want to skip the gas pump. And honestly? Once you go electric, it’s hard to go back. The smooth ride, low running costs, and quiet cabin make every drive feel like a little luxury.

So if you’re on the fence about electric cars, take a look at what Kia did in 2020. It’s not just a glimpse into the past—it’s a preview of the future. And the future looks pretty darn good.

Frequently Asked Questions

What 2020 Kia electric cars are available?

The 2020 Kia electric car lineup includes the Kia Niro EV and the Kia Soul EV, both offering zero-emission driving with practical range and modern tech. These models cater to drivers seeking eco-friendly SUVs with reliable performance.

How far can the 2020 Kia Niro EV go on a single charge?

The 2020 Kia Niro EV delivers an EPA-estimated range of 239 miles per charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and longer trips. Its efficient battery system and regenerative braking help maximize range.

Are 2020 Kia electric cars eligible for federal tax credits?

Yes, both the 2020 Kia Niro EV and Soul EV may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on your tax liability. Check with your accountant to confirm eligibility based on purchase timing and income.

What charging options do 2020 Kia electric cars support?

2020 Kia electric cars support Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V), and DC fast charging, offering flexibility for home and public charging. DC fast charging can replenish up to 80% of the battery in about 50 minutes.

How does the 2020 Kia Soul EV compare to other electric SUVs?

The 2020 Kia Soul EV stands out with its 243-mile range, spacious interior, and competitive pricing in the electric SUV segment. Its unique design and user-friendly tech features make it a strong contender against rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Do 2020 Kia electric cars come with advanced safety features?

Yes, 2020 Kia electric cars include advanced driver-assistance systems like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features enhance safety and align with Kia’s commitment to cutting-edge technology in their EV lineup.