Cost of Kia Soul Electric Car What You Need to Know

The 2024 Kia Soul EV starts at $34,845, making it one of the most affordable electric vehicles with a 243-mile range. Federal tax credits up to $7,500 and low maintenance costs boost its value, though higher trims and destination fees can push the price closer to $42,000.

Key Takeaways

• Compare trims: Choose from LX, EX, or GT-Line for varying price points.
• Factor tax credits: Save up to $7,500 with federal EV incentives.
• Consider charging costs: Home charging is cheaper than public stations.
• Review insurance rates: EVs often cost more to insure than gas models.
• Calculate long-term savings: Lower fuel and maintenance reduce total ownership cost.
• Check state rebates: Local incentives can cut purchase price further.

The Kia Soul Electric: Is It Worth the Price Tag?

Let’s be honest—electric cars can feel like a big leap. You’re not just buying a vehicle; you’re making a commitment to a new lifestyle. Charging stations, range anxiety, and that big upfront price tag can make even the most eco-conscious buyer hesitate. But here’s the thing: the cost of Kia Soul electric car might just surprise you. It’s not just about the sticker price; it’s about what you get for your money, how much you save over time, and whether it fits your daily life.

When I first looked into the Kia Soul EV, I was skeptical. I imagined a high price, limited range, and a charging infrastructure that would leave me stranded. But after digging into the details, I realized this little car packs a punch. It’s affordable, practical, and surprisingly fun to drive. Whether you’re a city dweller, a suburban commuter, or someone just curious about going electric, the Kia Soul EV could be a smart choice. Let’s break down the real cost—not just the price on the window sticker, but everything that comes with it.

Upfront Cost: How Much Does the Kia Soul EV Actually Cost?

The first thing anyone wants to know is: how much does it cost to buy a Kia Soul electric car? The answer? It’s more affordable than you might think—especially compared to other EVs on the market.

Base Price and Trim Levels

The 2023 Kia Soul EV (the current model at the time of writing) comes in two main trims: the EV Wind and the EV Wave. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Kia Soul EV Wind: Starts around $33,950 (before incentives)
• Kia Soul EV Wave: Starts around $38,950 (before incentives)

For comparison, the base Nissan Leaf starts at about $28,000, but the Soul EV offers more space, better tech, and a more modern design. The Tesla Model 3? That’s over $40,000 for the base version—and it’s a sedan, not a compact SUV like the Soul.

What you get in the Wind trim is already pretty solid: an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, and a decent 64 kWh battery. The Wave adds luxuries like a sunroof, premium audio, and advanced driver-assist features. But even the base model feels well-equipped.

Dealer Fees and Add-Ons

Now, don’t forget the extras. Dealer documentation fees, destination charges (around $1,200), and optional add-ons like paint protection or extended warranties can push the total closer to $36,000–$42,000 depending on where you buy.

Pro tip: Always ask for an out-the-door price. That’s the real number you’ll pay—no hidden fees. I once saw a dealership list a car at $34,000 but add $2,300 in “processing” and “prep” fees. Sneaky, right?

State and Federal Incentives

Here’s where the cost of Kia Soul electric car gets even better. The federal government offers a $7,500 tax credit for new EV purchases—but only if the car meets certain battery and assembly requirements. The Soul EV qualifies, so if you owe at least $7,500 in federal taxes, that’s a direct reduction.

Plus, many states offer their own rebates. For example:

• California: Up to $2,000 via the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project
• Colorado: $5,000 state tax credit
• Maryland: $3,000 excise tax credit

Stack those incentives, and the effective price could drop to $25,000–$28,000. Suddenly, this EV feels a lot more accessible.

Long-Term Ownership Costs: What You’ll Really Spend

Buying the car is just the beginning. What about the ongoing cost of Kia Soul electric car ownership? This is where EVs often shine—but let’s look at the real numbers.

Fuel (Charging) Costs

Gas prices fluctuate, but electricity is generally cheaper. The Soul EV has an EPA-estimated range of 243 miles on a full charge. Let’s say you drive 12,000 miles per year.

• At an average electricity rate of $0.15/kWh, a full charge costs about $9.60 (64 kWh battery ÷ $0.15).
• Annual charging cost: ~$1,500 (assuming 150 full charges per year).

Compare that to a gas car getting 30 mpg at $3.50/gallon: you’d spend about $1,400 annually. So yes, the EV saves money—but not a massive amount unless gas prices spike (which they do).

Bonus: If you charge at home during off-peak hours (like late at night), you can pay as little as $0.10/kWh. That drops your annual cost to around $1,000.

Maintenance and Repairs

This is where EVs really save you. No oil changes. No spark plugs. No exhaust system. The Soul EV has far fewer moving parts than a gas car.

According to Consumer Reports, EV owners spend about 50% less on maintenance over 5 years compared to gas cars. For the Soul EV, you’ll mainly pay for:

• Tire rotations and replacements (every 7,500–10,000 miles)
• Brake fluid flushes (every 3 years)
• 12V battery replacement (every 4–5 years)

Regenerative braking also means brake pads last longer. I’ve heard of Soul EV owners going 80,000 miles without needing new pads. That’s unheard of in gas cars.

Insurance Costs

Here’s a mixed bag. EVs can cost more to insure because:

• Battery repairs are expensive
• Some EVs have higher repair costs (though the Soul is relatively affordable to fix)

But the Soul EV isn’t a high-performance car like a Tesla or Porsche. It’s a practical, compact SUV. My insurance quote for the Soul EV was only 5–10% higher than a gas-powered Soul. Shop around—some insurers offer EV discounts.

Depreciation

EVs historically depreciate faster than gas cars, but the trend is improving. The Soul EV holds its value better than average for an EV. According to Kelley Blue Book, it retains about 55–60% of its value after 3 years. That’s not as good as a Toyota Prius, but far better than many luxury EVs.

Why? Because Kia offers strong warranties and the Soul EV is seen as a practical, no-nonsense choice. Plus, demand for used EVs is rising.

Charging: The Hidden Cost of Going Electric

You can’t talk about the cost of Kia Soul electric car without addressing charging. It’s not just about the price of electricity—it’s about infrastructure, convenience, and time.

Home Charging Setup

Most Soul EV owners charge at home. You’ll need a Level 2 charger (240V), which costs:

• $500–$800 for the charger itself
• $1,000–$2,500 for installation (depending on your electrical panel)

But here’s the good news: many states and utility companies offer rebates. For example:

• Pacific Gas & Electric (California): Up to $500 off
• Con Edison (New York): $500 rebate
• Some cities offer free or discounted Level 2 chargers

So your net cost could be as low as $500–$1,000. And you’ll use this charger for years—even if you get a different EV later.

Public Charging Costs

What if you’re on a road trip or don’t have home charging? Public stations vary widely:

• Free: Some shopping centers, hotels, and workplaces offer free Level 2 charging
• $0.10–$0.30/kWh: Most Level 2 stations (like ChargePoint, Blink)
• $0.25–$0.60/kWh: DC fast chargers (like Electrify America, EVgo)

Example: A 30-minute fast charge to go from 20% to 80% (about 150 miles of range) might cost $15–$25. That’s more than home charging, but still cheaper than gas for the same distance.

Tip: Use apps like PlugShare or the Kia UVO app to find nearby chargers and check availability. I once got stuck in a rural area with a dying battery—PlugShare saved me with a free charger at a small-town library.

Time and Convenience

Charging isn’t just about money—it’s about time. The Soul EV takes:

• 9.5 hours to fully charge on Level 2 (home charger)
• 45–60 minutes to go from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger

For most people, overnight charging at home works fine. But if you’re constantly on the go, fast charging becomes essential. Plan road trips around fast-charging stations—don’t wait until the battery is low.

Range and Real-World Performance: Does It Fit Your Lifestyle?

The cost of Kia Soul electric car isn’t just financial—it’s also about how well it fits your daily life. And that depends heavily on range.

EPA Range vs. Real-World Range

The Soul EV has an EPA-estimated 243 miles of range. But real-world results vary:

• Highway driving: 200–220 miles (due to wind resistance at high speeds)
• City driving: 230–250 miles (regenerative braking helps)
• Winter driving: 170–200 miles (cold temps reduce battery efficiency)

I drove my Soul EV from San Diego to Los Angeles (about 120 miles) in winter. With heat on and highway speeds, I got about 200 miles of range. That meant one fast charge halfway—perfect for a coffee break.

Daily Commuting

If you drive under 40 miles per day (the U.S. average is 37 miles), you’ll charge once every 5–6 days. Even in winter, you’ll rarely worry about running out of juice.

But if you have a 60+ mile commute or live in a cold climate, plan ahead. Consider a backup gas car for long trips or extreme weather.

Road Trips and Long-Distance Driving

The Soul EV can handle road trips, but it takes planning. The Kia UVO app shows nearby chargers, and most interstates have fast-charging stations every 50–100 miles.

Example: A 300-mile trip from Seattle to Portland would require one fast charge (about 45 minutes). That’s longer than a gas car, but you can use that time to eat, stretch, or check email. For me, it’s a trade-off I’m happy to make.

Alternatives and Value Comparison

How does the cost of Kia Soul electric car stack up against other EVs? Let’s compare it to similar models.

Kia Soul EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric

The Kona Electric is nearly identical (same platform, same battery, same range). But the Soul wins on:

• Interior space: More headroom and cargo room
• Style: The Soul’s boxy design is unique and fun
• Price: Often $1,000–$2,000 cheaper for similar trims

The Kona has a slightly better infotainment system, but the Soul feels more practical.

Kia Soul EV vs. Nissan Leaf

The Leaf is cheaper ($28,000 base), but the Soul EV offers:

• More range: 243 miles vs. 149 miles (Leaf base model)
• Better tech
• More cargo space: 24 cu ft vs. 14 cu ft

For $6,000 more, the Soul EV feels like a better long-term value.

Kia Soul EV vs. Chevrolet Bolt EV

The Bolt is a strong competitor: 259 miles of range and a $26,500 price. But:

• The Soul has a more upscale interior
• Better warranty (10-year/100,000-mile battery coverage vs. 8-year/100,000-mile)
• More headroom (important for taller drivers)

The Bolt is a great car, but the Soul feels more refined.

Data Table: Kia Soul EV vs. Key Competitors

Model	Starting Price	Range (EPA)	Home Charging Time	Fast Charging Time (10–80%)	Warranty
Kia Soul EV	$33,950	243 miles	9.5 hours	45 minutes	10 years/100,000 miles
Hyundai Kona Electric	$34,050	258 miles	9 hours	47 minutes	10 years/100,000 miles
Nissan Leaf	$28,040	149 miles (base)	7.5 hours	40 minutes	5 years/60,000 miles
Chevrolet Bolt EV	$26,500	259 miles	7 hours	30 minutes	8 years/100,000 miles

Final Thoughts: Is the Kia Soul EV Worth the Cost?

So, after all this—what’s the real cost of Kia Soul electric car? It’s not just the $34,000 price tag. It’s the federal tax credit, the state rebates, the lower fuel and maintenance costs, and the peace of mind from a long warranty.

For most people, the Soul EV makes sense if:

• You drive under 200 miles per day
• You can charge at home or work
• You want a practical, fun-to-drive EV without paying luxury prices

It’s not perfect. The fast-charging network isn’t as robust as Tesla’s, and winter range can be a concern. But for the price, the Soul EV delivers exceptional value. You get a stylish, roomy, tech-packed car with low running costs and a warranty that covers the battery for a decade.

I’ve owned mine for two years, and I’ve saved over $2,000 in fuel and maintenance compared to my old gas car. Plus, I love the quiet ride and the way it handles in the city. If you’re on the fence about going electric, the Kia Soul EV is a fantastic entry point. It proves that going green doesn’t have to mean going broke.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting cost of the Kia Soul Electric car?

The starting cost of the Kia Soul Electric car typically ranges between $35,000 and $40,000, depending on trim level and available features. This price may qualify for federal and state EV incentives, reducing the overall cost.

How does the cost of the Kia Soul EV compare to other electric vehicles?

The cost of the Kia Soul Electric is competitive within the compact EV segment, offering strong value with its tech features, cargo space, and warranty. It’s often more affordable than rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt or Hyundai Kona Electric.

Are there additional fees that affect the total cost of the Kia Soul Electric?

Yes, the total cost of the Kia Soul Electric includes destination fees (around $1,175), taxes, registration, and optional add-ons like upgraded wheels or premium paint. Always check the final out-the-door price with your dealer.

Does the cost of the Kia Soul Electric include tax credits or rebates?

The upfront cost doesn’t include tax credits, but eligible buyers may receive a federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on current legislation. State and local rebates can further reduce the effective cost.

Is leasing the Kia Soul Electric more cost-effective than buying?

Leasing the Kia Soul Electric can lower monthly payments and may include maintenance perks, making it cost-effective for short-term drivers. However, buying is better for long-term ownership and equity.

Does the cost of the Kia Soul Electric vary by region?

Yes, the cost of the Kia Soul Electric can vary by region due to differences in taxes, dealer markups, and state-specific EV incentives. Always research local pricing and incentives to get the most accurate cost estimate.

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