Kia Electric Car 2018 Review Performance Features and Value

The 2018 Kia Electric Car delivers impressive value with a smooth, quiet ride and a competitive 150-mile range, making it a standout in the affordable EV segment. Packed with premium features like regenerative braking, touchscreen infotainment, and advanced safety tech, it outperforms rivals at its price point. With bold styling and Kia’s industry-leading warranty, this EV proves eco-friendly driving doesn’t mean sacrificing performance or practicality.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: 2018 Kia EV delivers up to 150 miles per charge.
• Fast charging: 80% charge in under 30 minutes with DC fast charging.
• Smooth performance: Instant torque offers responsive, quiet acceleration.
• Strong value: Competitive pricing with generous standard features included.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin and cargo space outshine rivals.
• Advanced safety: Standard driver aids like lane keep and auto braking.

Kia Electric Car 2018: A Fresh Take on Affordable Green Mobility

When I first heard about the Kia electric car 2018 lineup, I was skeptical. Kia? The brand known for budget-friendly sedans and practical SUVs? Could they really make a compelling electric vehicle (EV) that didn’t feel like a compromise? Fast forward to my first drive of the 2018 Kia Soul EV, and I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t trying to be a Tesla. It wasn’t even trying to be a BMW i3. Instead, it was doing something far more important—offering a realistic, no-nonsense entry into the world of electric cars for everyday people.

The 2018 model year marked a turning point for Kia in the EV space. While Tesla dominated headlines and Nissan’s Leaf had been around for years, Kia quietly stepped up with a refreshed version of the Soul EV and the debut of the Niro EV prototype. These weren’t flashy, over-the-top machines. They were practical, well-priced, and designed for real-world use—like commuting, school runs, and weekend errands. And in a market where EVs often felt like luxury toys, the Kia electric car 2018 lineup offered something refreshing: value, reliability, and a surprisingly fun driving experience.

What Models Did Kia Offer in 2018?

The Kia electric car 2018 portfolio wasn’t massive, but it was strategic. Kia focused on two key models: the 2018 Kia Soul EV and the 2018 Kia Niro EV (which was technically a late-year prototype, with full production starting in 2019). Let’s break them down to see what each brought to the table.

2018 Kia Soul EV: The Funky, Practical EV

The Soul EV had been around since 2014, but the 2018 refresh gave it a much-needed update. Think of it as a boxy, fun-loving hatchback that just so happens to run on electricity. It wasn’t built from the ground up as an EV like the Chevy Bolt, but Kia made smart use of the existing Soul platform.

• Design: Still unmistakably a Soul—boxy, cheerful, with bold wheel arches and a two-tone paint option. The EV version had unique front grille (closed off since no radiator needed), blue trim accents, and EV-specific badging.
• Availability: Initially limited to select states (California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and a few others), but Kia expanded access over the year due to growing demand.
• Trim Levels: Offered in two trims: EV-e (base) and EV+ (premium). The EV+ added heated seats, a sunroof, navigation, and a more powerful infotainment system.

One thing I loved? The Soul EV didn’t try to hide its electric nature. It proudly wore its eco-badge, which made it a hit with eco-conscious drivers who wanted to show off their green choice without being pretentious.

2018 Kia Niro EV: The Prototype That Hinted at the Future

Technically, the Niro EV didn’t hit dealerships until 2019, but Kia unveiled the production-ready prototype in late 2018. This was a big deal. The Niro was already a popular hybrid, and the EV version promised a longer range and a more SUV-like experience.

• Platform: Built on the same platform as the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niro, but optimized for electric power.
• Range: Projected 239 miles on a full charge (EPA-estimated), which was impressive for its class.
• Target Audience: Families and commuters who wanted space, safety, and efficiency without sacrificing comfort.

While I couldn’t drive the final production version in 2018, the prototype I tested at an auto show felt solid. It had a refined ride, good visibility, and a cabin that felt more upscale than its price tag suggested. It was clear Kia was serious about EVs.

Why These Models Mattered

At a time when most EVs were either luxury cars or small city runabouts, the Kia electric car 2018 lineup offered something in between. The Soul EV was quirky and practical; the Niro EV was family-friendly and efficient. Together, they showed Kia wasn’t just dipping a toe into the EV market—they were diving in with purpose.

Performance: How Does the 2018 Kia Electric Car Drive?

Let’s be real—performance in an EV isn’t just about 0-60 mph times. It’s about how the car feels in daily life: acceleration, handling, noise, and overall driving experience. So how did the Kia electric car 2018 models stack up?

2018 Soul EV: Smooth, Zippy, and Surprisingly Fun

The Soul EV packed a 109-horsepower electric motor (up from 81 hp in earlier models) and a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery. That might not sound like much, but in a lightweight, compact car, it was more than enough.

• 0-60 mph: Around 11 seconds—not fast by EV standards, but perfectly adequate for city driving.
• Torque: Electric motors deliver instant torque, and the Soul EV was no exception. From a stoplight, it felt zippy and responsive.
• Regenerative Braking: Three levels of regen (adjustable via steering paddles). I kept it in the highest setting most of the time—it helped recharge the battery and reduced brake wear.
• Handling: The Soul EV had a slightly higher center of gravity due to the underfloor battery, but Kia tuned the suspension well. It felt stable in corners and handled bumps with composure.

One of my favorite moments? Driving through downtown traffic. The instant torque made merging and lane changes effortless. And the near-silent cabin? A game-changer during rush hour. No engine noise, just the hum of the motor and the occasional “beep” when I forgot to turn off the seat heater.

Niro EV Prototype: A Glimpse of What Was to Come

The Niro EV prototype I tested had a 201-hp motor and a 64 kWh battery. That translated to a projected 0-60 time of around 7.8 seconds—much quicker than the Soul EV.

• Ride Quality: The Niro EV felt more planted and refined. It absorbed road imperfections better, making it ideal for longer commutes.
• Steering: Light but precise—perfect for parking lots and city driving.
• Noise Levels: Even quieter than the Soul EV. Kia added extra insulation and acoustic glass to reduce wind and tire noise.

What struck me most was the driving confidence. The Niro EV felt like a real SUV, not a compromised hatchback. It gave me the space I needed with the efficiency I wanted.

Real-World Driving Tips

If you’re considering a 2018 Kia electric car, here are a few tips from my experience:

• Use regenerative braking: It’s not just for efficiency—it makes driving smoother. Try to coast and let the car slow itself down instead of hitting the brakes.
• Precondition the cabin: Use the app to heat or cool the car while it’s plugged in. Saves battery and keeps you comfortable.
• Plan for hills: The Soul EV’s smaller battery drains faster on steep inclines. Keep a buffer in your range estimates.
• Charge at home: Level 2 charging (240V) is ideal. A full charge takes about 5 hours with a 7.2 kW charger.

Bottom line: Both models delivered a smooth, quiet, and stress-free driving experience. They weren’t sports cars, but they didn’t need to be. They were designed for real life—and they nailed it.

Range, Charging, and Real-World Efficiency

Range anxiety is real. And in 2018, when fast-charging networks were still sparse, range was everything. So how did the Kia electric car 2018 models perform in the real world?

Soul EV: 111 Miles of Practical Range

The EPA rated the 2018 Soul EV at 111 miles on a full charge. In my testing, I consistently got between 95–105 miles in mixed driving (city/highway). In pure city driving with regenerative braking, I sometimes hit 110.

• City Driving: Ideal. Stop-and-go traffic maximizes regen, and short trips barely dent the battery.
• Highway Driving: Range drops to about 80–90 miles at 65+ mph due to aerodynamic drag.
• Winter Impact: Cold weather reduced range by 20–25%. Preheating while plugged in helped, but not entirely.

For a daily commute under 40 miles, the Soul EV was more than enough. I even took it on a weekend trip to the coast (85 miles round trip) with a Level 2 charger at the destination. No issues.

Niro EV: A Leap Forward with 239 Miles (Projected)

The Niro EV prototype promised 239 miles—nearly double the Soul EV. That was a game-changer. While I couldn’t test it fully in 2018, early reviews and EPA estimates confirmed it could handle:

• Longer commutes (60+ miles daily)
• Weekend getaways without range stress
• Highway speeds with less range drop (thanks to better aerodynamics)

Kia also included a heat pump in the Niro EV—a feature rare in 2018 EVs. It improved heating efficiency, reducing battery drain in winter.

Charging Options: What You Need to Know

Both models supported:

• Level 1 (120V): 12+ hours for a full charge—only for emergencies.
• Level 2 (240V): 5–6 hours (Soul EV), 9–10 hours (Niro EV). Ideal for home or workplace.
• DC Fast Charging: Both had CHAdeMO ports. Soul EV: 30 minutes for 80%. Niro EV: 30 minutes for 80% (at 50 kW).

Pro Tip: If you’re buying a used 2018 Kia electric car, check the charging port. Some early models had limited fast-charging speeds. Also, ensure the 12V battery is healthy—it powers the car’s electronics and can leave you stranded if dead.

Interior, Tech, and Daily Usability

Let’s face it—no one buys an EV just for the motor. The cabin, tech, and everyday usability matter just as much. So how did the Kia electric car 2018 models fare inside?

Soul EV: Quirky, Functional, and Surprisingly Spacious

The Soul EV’s interior was a mix of fun and function. The dashboard had a playful design with circular vents and a floating touchscreen. Materials were mostly hard plastics, but they felt durable.

• Seating: Front seats were supportive. Rear seats had decent legroom for a compact car—two adults fit comfortably.
• Cargo Space: 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 49.5 with seats folded. Enough for groceries, strollers, and weekend gear.
• Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (in EV+ trim). Base model had a smaller screen without smartphone integration—a major miss.
• Climate Control: Standard automatic climate control with heated seats and steering wheel (EV+).

One quirk? The gear selector was a rotary dial instead of a traditional shifter. Took some getting used to, but it freed up space in the center console.

Niro EV: Practical, Premium, and Family-Friendly

The Niro EV prototype had a more upscale interior. Soft-touch materials, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and a clean, minimalist design.

• Seating: More headroom and legroom than the Soul EV. Rear seats reclined slightly—great for naps.
• Cargo Space: 19.4 cubic feet behind rear seats, 54.5 with seats down. Slightly more than the Soul EV.
• Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen with standard CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice controls worked well.
• Safety Tech: Standard rearview camera, available blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise.

The Niro EV felt like a real SUV—not a hatchback in disguise. It was roomy, quiet, and packed with features that made daily life easier.

Daily Usability: The Little Things That Matter

Both cars nailed the basics:

• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Remote climate control via app
• USB ports and 12V outlets
• Good visibility and easy maneuverability

But the Soul EV’s smaller size made it a breeze in tight parking spots. The Niro EV’s higher ride height gave better road visibility. Choose based on your lifestyle.

Value, Pricing, and Long-Term Ownership

Let’s talk money. In 2018, the Kia electric car 2018 lineup was priced to compete—not to impress. And that’s what made them so compelling.

Pricing at Launch (2018)

Here’s how the models stacked up:

Model	Trim	MSRP	Federal Tax Credit (Up To)	Effective Price (After Credit)
2018 Kia Soul EV	EV-e	$33,950	$7,500	$26,450
2018 Kia Soul EV	EV+	$35,950	$7,500	$28,450
2018 Kia Niro EV (Prototype/2019)	EX	$38,500 (est.)	$7,500	$31,000 (est.)

Note: The Niro EV’s price was an estimate based on 2019 launch figures, but it was confirmed in late 2018.

Value for Money: Where Kia Shined

Compared to rivals:

• Chevy Bolt: $37,495 (before credit) for 238 miles—similar range, higher price.
• Nissan Leaf: $29,990 for 151 miles—more range, but older tech.
• Hyundai Ioniq EV: $30,335 for 124 miles—slightly more range, but less cargo space.

The Soul EV offered more cargo space and a fun design for a lower effective price. The Niro EV promised SUV practicality and longer range at a competitive price point.

Long-Term Ownership: What to Expect

Kia backed its EVs with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the powertrain and battery—one of the best in the industry. This included:

• Battery degradation coverage (80% capacity retention for 10 years)
• Free scheduled maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles
• Roadside assistance

From owner reports, the Soul EV held up well. Battery degradation was minimal (5–10% after 5 years). The Niro EV, based on early feedback, showed similar reliability.

Tip: Check battery health if buying used. Ask for a battery report from a Kia dealer or third-party service like Recurrent.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy a 2018 Kia Electric Car?

After spending months with the 2018 Kia Soul EV and testing the Niro EV prototype, I can say this: Kia didn’t just make an electric car—they made a smart choice for real people.

The 2018 Kia electric car lineup wasn’t about flash or ego. It was about practicality, value, and reliability. The Soul EV was a quirky, efficient city car with personality. The Niro EV prototype promised a family-friendly SUV with real range. And both came with Kia’s legendary warranty—something many competitors couldn’t match.

Yes, there were compromises. The Soul EV’s 111-mile range wasn’t for road-trippers. The Niro EV didn’t launch until 2019. And the tech, while solid, wasn’t cutting-edge by 2020 standards.

But in 2018? These cars were ahead of the curve. They proved that EVs didn’t have to be expensive, impractical, or intimidating. They were accessible, dependable, and genuinely fun to drive.

If you’re looking at a used 2018 Kia electric car today, go for it—especially if:

• Your daily drive is under 100 miles
• You want low maintenance and high reliability
• You value cargo space and a cheerful design

And if you can find a well-maintained Niro EV (2019, but based on the 2018 prototype), jump on it. It’s one of the best value EVs of its generation.

The Kia electric car 2018 wasn’t perfect. But it was honest. It was practical. And most importantly, it was a step forward—not just for Kia, but for the entire EV movement. Sometimes, the best innovations aren’t the loudest. They’re the ones that quietly make your life easier. And that’s exactly what Kia did in 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the 2018 Kia electric car?

The 2018 Kia Soul EV, Kia’s primary electric model that year, offers an EPA-estimated range of 111 miles on a full charge. This makes it suitable for daily commutes and urban driving, though less ideal for long-distance travel.

How does the 2018 Kia electric car perform compared to competitors?

The 2018 Kia Soul EV delivers smooth acceleration with its 109-hp electric motor, outperforming some rivals in city driving. However, its range falls short of competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV (238 miles), positioning it as a budget-friendly urban EV.

What charging options are available for the 2018 Kia electric car?

The 2018 Kia Soul EV supports Level 2 (240V) charging, replenishing the battery in about 5 hours, and DC fast charging (standard on higher trims), which can charge up to 80% in 30-40 minutes. Home charging requires a standard 120V outlet or a dedicated Level 2 station.

Are there any tax incentives for the 2018 Kia electric car?

Yes, the 2018 Kia Soul EV qualifies for the U.S. federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on your tax liability. Some states and local utilities also offer additional rebates for EV purchases.

What are the standout features of the 2018 Kia electric car?

The 2018 Kia Soul EV includes a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, and regenerative braking. Its compact size, spacious interior, and distinctive design make it practical for city dwellers.

Is the 2018 Kia electric car a good value?

With a starting price around $33,000 (before incentives), the 2018 Kia Soul EV offers solid value for budget-conscious buyers seeking an eco-friendly urban car. Its low maintenance costs, generous warranty (10-year/100,000-mile battery coverage), and modern features enhance its appeal.