Electric Car Starter 2016 Kia Soul A Complete Guide to Getting Started

The 2016 Kia Soul EV is an affordable, fun-to-drive electric car starter perfect for urban commuters seeking zero-emission convenience with a range of up to 93 miles on a full charge. With intuitive tech, a quiet ride, and easy home charging, it’s an ideal first step into the world of electric vehicles—offering practicality without sacrificing personality.

Key Takeaways

• Understand charging options: Use Level 1 or 2 chargers for daily needs.
• Maximize range efficiency: Drive smoothly to extend battery life.
• Plan trips wisely: Locate public chargers before long drives.
• Maintain battery health: Avoid full discharges and extreme temperatures.
• Use regenerative braking: Recapture energy by coasting and braking early.
• Monitor energy use: Check the dashboard for real-time efficiency stats.

Why the 2016 Kia Soul EV Is a Game-Changer for First-Time Electric Car Owners

Imagine pulling up to your favorite coffee shop, plugging in your car, and walking away knowing you’re not just saving money on gas—you’re also reducing your carbon footprint. That’s the everyday reality of driving a 2016 Kia Soul EV, one of the most underrated electric car starters for new EV owners. I remember the first time I stepped into a Soul EV. It felt like stepping into the future: quiet, smooth, and surprisingly roomy for a compact car. But like any new technology, the transition from gas to electric can feel overwhelming. Where do you charge? What’s the real range? And how do you even start the car without turning a key?

The 2016 Kia Soul EV isn’t just another electric vehicle—it’s a practical, affordable, and stylish entry point into the EV world. With its funky boxy design, tech-savvy interior, and surprisingly peppy performance, it’s perfect for urban commuters, eco-conscious drivers, and anyone curious about electric car starter experiences. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or upgrading from an older gas-powered model, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with your 2016 Kia Soul EV. From charging basics to driving tips, we’ll cover it all—no jargon, no fluff, just real talk from someone who’s been there.

Getting to Know Your 2016 Kia Soul EV: Key Features and Specs

What Makes the Soul EV Stand Out?

The 2016 Kia Soul EV was one of the first mass-market electric cars to offer a balance of affordability, practicality, and fun. Unlike some EVs that feel like science experiments, the Soul EV feels familiar—like a regular car, just quieter. Its compact size makes it perfect for city driving, but don’t let its small footprint fool you. The cabin is surprisingly spacious, with room for four adults and a decent trunk (18.8 cubic feet, expandable to 49.5 with the rear seats folded).

Under the hood (or rather, under the floor), you’ll find a 27 kWh lithium-ion battery and an 81.4 kW (109 horsepower) electric motor. While that might not sound like a lot compared to today’s 200+ horsepower EVs, it’s more than enough for daily commutes and highway cruising. The Soul EV delivers instant torque, so it feels zippy off the line—perfect for zipping through traffic or merging onto the freeway.

Real-World Range and Efficiency

The EPA-rated range for the 2016 Soul EV is 93 miles on a full charge. In real-world conditions, most drivers report between 75–85 miles, depending on driving habits, weather, and use of climate control. For context, if you commute 20 miles round trip, you could go nearly a week without charging. But if you’re planning longer trips, you’ll need to plan ahead.

Efficiency-wise, the Soul EV delivers about 120 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) combined. That’s roughly 29 kWh per 100 miles, which means it’s very energy-efficient compared to larger EVs. For example, charging it from 0% to 100% at home (120V or 240V) costs about $3–$4, depending on your electricity rate. That’s less than a quarter of what you’d pay for the same distance in a gas car.

Interior and Tech Features

The Soul EV’s interior is where it really shines. The dashboard features a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay (added via update), and a rearview camera. The instrument cluster is fully digital and customizable, showing real-time energy usage, regenerative braking levels, and estimated range. One of my favorite features? The Eco mode, which softens acceleration and optimizes energy use for maximum range.

Other standout features include:

• Heated and cooled front seats—a rare find in this price range.
• Regenerative braking paddles behind the steering wheel (more on this later).
• LED lighting and keyless entry/start.
• Bluetooth and USB connectivity with voice commands.

Charging Your 2016 Kia Soul EV: A Step-by-Step Guide

Level 1 Charging: The Basics (120V)

If you’re just starting out, you might already have what you need: a standard household outlet. The 2016 Soul EV comes with a Level 1 charging cable that plugs into any 120V outlet. It’s the slowest option—adding about 3–4 miles of range per hour—but it’s perfect for overnight charging or if you’re parked at home all day.

Pro tip: Use the cable that came with the car. Don’t buy a third-party one unless it’s specifically rated for EVs. Cheap cables can overheat and damage your battery. Also, avoid using extension cords—they can cause voltage drops and slow charging even more.

Level 2 Charging: The Sweet Spot (240V)

For faster charging, you’ll want to install a Level 2 charger at home. These use 240V power (like your dryer or oven) and can add 15–25 miles of range per hour. Most 2016 Soul EV owners charge from 0% to 100% in 5–6 hours with a 3.3 kW or 6.6 kW charger.

Installation costs vary. A basic 3.3 kW charger (like the ClipperCreek LCS-25) costs $500–$700, plus $500–$1,500 for electrician labor. But many states offer rebates—check the U.S. Department of Energy’s database for incentives in your area.

Real-world example: Sarah, a Soul EV owner in Portland, installed a 6.6 kW charger for $1,800 after a $500 state rebate. She now charges overnight and wakes up with a full battery—no more range anxiety.

DC Fast Charging: For Long Trips (480V)

The 2016 Soul EV supports DC fast charging (CHAdeMO), but only at a maximum rate of 50 kW. That means it’s slower than newer EVs (like the Tesla Model 3, which can charge at 250 kW). Still, it’s a lifesaver on road trips. A 30-minute fast charge can add 50–60 miles of range—enough to get you to the next town.

To use fast charging:

1. Find a CHAdeMO-compatible station (via apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint).
2. Park close to the charger and open the front charging port (it’s behind the Kia logo).
3. Plug in the CHAdeMO cable and follow the on-screen prompts.
4. Monitor charging via the car’s display or your phone app.

Caution: Don’t fast charge daily. It stresses the battery and can reduce long-term capacity. Use it only when needed.

Driving the 2016 Kia Soul EV: Tips and Tricks for New Owners

Starting the Car (Yes, It’s That Simple)

Starting a 2016 Kia Soul EV is easier than you think. No key-turning, no engine roar—just:

1. Press the brake pedal.
2. Press the POWER button (it’s where the ignition key used to be).
3. Wait for the green “Ready” light on the dashboard.

The car will be silent. That’s normal! Electric motors don’t make noise at idle. Just shift into Drive (or Reverse) and go. If you’re unsure, the car will beep softly when you release the brake to remind you it’s on.

Regenerative Braking: Your Secret Weapon

One of the coolest features of the Soul EV is its regenerative braking system. When you lift off the accelerator, the motor acts as a generator, slowing the car and sending energy back to the battery. The 2016 model has four levels of regen, controlled by paddles behind the steering wheel:

• Level 0: Coasting (like a gas car).
• Levels 1–3: Progressive slowing (Level 3 is the strongest).

Pro tip: Use Level 3 in stop-and-go traffic. You’ll barely need the brake pedal, and you’ll recover more energy. I once drove 10 miles in city traffic using only regen—my battery actually gained 2% charge!

Climate Control and Energy Use

Heating and cooling are the biggest range killers in any EV. The Soul EV has a heat pump (more efficient than resistive heaters), but it still uses a lot of power in extreme weather.

To maximize range:

• Use the seat heaters instead of cranking the cabin heat.
• Precondition the car while it’s still plugged in (set a timer in the app or dashboard).
• Keep the cabin at 68–70°F in winter and 72–74°F in summer.

Example: In winter, driving with the heat set to 75°F reduced my range by 15%. Lowering it to 68°F saved 8 miles.

Maintenance and Ownership: What to Expect Long-Term

Routine Maintenance: Less Is More

EVs have fewer moving parts than gas cars, so maintenance is simpler and cheaper. The 2016 Soul EV doesn’t need:

• Oil changes
• Transmission fluid
• Spark plugs
• Exhaust system repairs

Instead, focus on:

• Brake fluid checks (every 2 years).
• Tire rotations (every 7,500 miles).
• 12V battery replacement (every 3–5 years).
• Cabin air filter (every 15,000 miles).

The battery and motor are covered by Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty—one of the best in the industry. Most 2016 Soul EVs still have 5+ years of coverage left, even with high mileage.

Battery Health and Degradation

Battery degradation is a common concern, but the 2016 Soul EV holds up well. On average, these cars lose 1–2% of capacity per year. After 5 years, most still have 90–95% of their original range. To protect your battery:

• Avoid charging to 100% daily (80% is ideal for regular use).
• Don’t let the battery sit at 0% for long periods.
• Keep the car in a garage or shade in extreme heat.

Real story: Mike, a Soul EV owner in Arizona, tracked his battery for 4 years. His car started with 93 miles of range and now gets 88 miles—just a 5% loss. He credits his garage parking and 80% charging habit.

Insurance and Incentives

EV insurance is often cheaper than gas cars—especially in states with EV incentives. The 2016 Soul EV qualifies for:

• Federal tax credit: Up to $7,500 (if you bought it new; not transferable to used buyers).
• State/local rebates: Varies (e.g., $2,500 in California, $1,000 in New York).
• HOV lane access: In some states (like California and Utah).

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Range Anxiety: It Gets Better

Every new EV owner worries about running out of juice. I did too—until I learned to trust the car’s range estimator. The 2016 Soul EV’s dashboard shows:

• Estimated range (based on current driving).
• Energy usage (kWh/100 miles).
• Nearby charging stations (via navigation).

Tip: Use apps like PlugShare or A Better Routeplanner to map routes with charging stops. For example, a 200-mile trip from Seattle to Portland requires just one 30-minute fast charge.

Finding Charging Stations

Charging networks have improved since 2016, but CHAdeMO stations are less common than CCS or Tesla Superchargers. The good news? Most 2016 Soul EVs come with a free 1-year ChargePoint membership, giving you access to thousands of stations.

Pro tip: Use the Kia UVO app to locate chargers, start/stop charging, and monitor battery status remotely.

Winter Driving: Cold Weather Tips

Cold weather reduces range by 20–30%. To combat this:

• Preheat the cabin while plugged in.
• Use heated seats and steering wheel (less power than cabin heat).
• Park indoors when possible.
• Keep the battery above 20% overnight.

Example: In -10°F weather, my range dropped from 85 to 60 miles. But using the seat heater instead of the cabin heater added 10 miles back.

Data Table: 2016 Kia Soul EV vs. Competitors

Feature	2016 Kia Soul EV	2016 Nissan Leaf	2016 BMW i3
Range (EPA)	93 miles	107 miles	153 miles (with range extender)
Charging (0–80%)	5–6 hours (L2) 30 mins (DC fast)	6–8 hours (L2) 30 mins (DC fast)	4–5 hours (L2) 30 mins (DC fast)
Starting MSRP	$33,700	$29,010	$42,400
Warranty	10 years/100,000 miles (battery)	5 years/60,000 miles (battery)	8 years/100,000 miles (battery)
Seating	4	5	4
Key Feature	Heat pump, regen paddles	Quick Charge, e-Pedal	Carbon fiber body, optional gas range extender

The Bottom Line: Is the 2016 Kia Soul EV Right for You?

The 2016 Kia Soul EV isn’t perfect. Its range is modest by today’s standards, and CHAdeMO charging is becoming less common. But as an electric car starter, it’s hard to beat. It’s affordable, reliable, and packed with features that make EV ownership easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re charging at home, zipping through city streets, or taking weekend trips, the Soul EV proves that going electric doesn’t have to be complicated.

After driving mine for two years, I’ve saved over $2,000 on gas, reduced my carbon footprint, and never looked back. The key to success? Start small. Learn your car’s quirks, charge smart, and embrace the quiet. Before you know it, you’ll wonder how you ever drove a gas car. So if you’re ready to take the plunge, the 2016 Kia Soul EV is a fantastic first step into the electric future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the electric car starter system in the 2016 Kia Soul?

The electric car starter in the 2016 Kia Soul refers to the keyless push-button ignition system paired with a proximity key fob. This system allows you to start the car by pressing the brake pedal and the start/stop button, provided the key fob is inside the vehicle.

How do I troubleshoot a non-working starter on my 2016 Kia Soul EV?

If your 2016 Kia Soul EV won’t start, first ensure the 12V auxiliary battery isn’t dead and the key fob battery is functional. Check if the gear shift is in “Park” and verify the brake pedal is fully depressed—common triggers required for the electric car starter to engage.

Can I remotely start my 2016 Kia Soul electric car?

No, the 2016 Kia Soul EV does not come with factory-installed remote start functionality. However, you can install an aftermarket remote starter system compatible with electric vehicles, but professional installation is recommended to avoid warranty issues.

Why does my 2016 Kia Soul make a beeping sound when starting?

The beeping during startup is a safety feature indicating the car is ready to drive but may require your attention (e.g., seatbelt not fastened or door ajar). For the electric car starter, it confirms the system is powered and operational.

Is the 2016 Kia Soul EV starter system different from gas models?

Yes, the electric car starter system in the 2016 Kia Soul EV uses a high-voltage battery and electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The push-button sequence is similar, but the EV system powers up silently with a “Ready” indicator on the dashboard.

What should I do if my key fob battery dies and I can’t start my 2016 Kia Soul?

If the key fob battery dies, use the mechanical key hidden inside the fob to unlock the door. Then, place the fob in the designated slot (often near the steering column or cupholder) to allow the car’s sensors to recognize it and use the electric car starter normally.