Kia Soul Electric Car Price in India Revealed Check Now

kia soul electric car price in india is an essential topic that provides valuable insights and practical knowledge for anyone interested in learning more about this subject.

Key Takeaways

• Price starts at ₹45 lakhs: Competitive pricing for India’s premium EV segment.
• Launch expected mid-2024: Official bookings may open within 3 months.
• 300 km range per charge: Ideal for urban commutes and short trips.
• Fast charging in 45 mins: 10-80% with 50kW DC charger.
• Top rivals: Hyundai Kona, MG ZS EV: Compare specs and pricing before deciding.

Why the Kia Soul Electric Car Is Creating a Buzz in India

Imagine zipping through Mumbai’s chaotic traffic or cruising down Bengaluru’s tree-lined avenues in a car that’s not just stylish but also kind to the environment. That’s the dream many Indian EV enthusiasts have, and the Kia Soul Electric car price in India has become a hot topic of discussion. With rising fuel costs and growing environmental awareness, more people are looking for affordable, efficient, and practical electric vehicles. Enter the Kia Soul EV—a quirky, boxy, and surprisingly spacious electric crossover that’s been making waves globally. But is it coming to India? And more importantly, how much will it cost?

While Kia India has already launched the EV6 and the upcoming EV9, many are wondering if the more compact and affordable Soul EV will join the lineup. As someone who’s spent years tracking the Indian EV market, I’ve seen how price, range, and practicality often make or break a car’s success. The Kia Soul EV, with its unique design and strong performance, could be a game-changer—if it arrives at the right price point. In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Kia Soul Electric car price in India, including expected pricing, features, competition, and whether it’s worth the wait.

Expected Price Range: What Can Indian Buyers Expect?

Global Pricing vs. Indian Market Realities

Let’s start with the big question: How much will the Kia Soul EV cost in India? In the U.S., the 2023 Kia Soul EV starts at around $34,000 (approx. ₹28.2 lakh), while in Europe, it’s priced between €38,000–€42,000 (₹34–37 lakh). But India isn’t the U.S. or Europe. Import duties, local taxes, and manufacturing costs play a huge role in determining final pricing.

If Kia imports the Soul EV as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), expect a price tag between ₹38–45 lakh due to India’s 60% import duty on EVs above $40,000. However, if Kia localizes production—like it did with the Seltos and Sonet—the price could drop to ₹28–34 lakh, making it far more competitive. For context, the Hyundai Kona Electric (now discontinued) launched at ₹23.79 lakh, while the MG ZS EV starts at ₹23.38 lakh. So, a Kia Soul Electric car price in India under ₹35 lakh would position it as a premium compact EV option.

What Influences the Final Price?

• Localization: Assembling the car in India (CKD) reduces costs significantly. Kia’s Anantapur plant already produces the EV6 locally, so scaling up for the Soul EV is feasible.
• Battery Size & Range: The current Soul EV comes with a 64 kWh battery, offering ~450 km (WLTP). If Kia offers a smaller 39.2 kWh variant (as in some markets), the price could dip to ₹25–28 lakh, though range would drop to ~300 km.
• Government Subsidies: Under the FAME-II scheme, EVs with a battery capacity of 10 kWh or more get a subsidy of ₹10,000/kWh (max ₹1.5 lakh). This could reduce the effective price.
• Tax Benefits: EVs are taxed at just 5% GST (vs. 28–43% for ICE cars), which helps lower the ex-showroom price.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Kia India’s social media and press releases. If they hint at “local assembly” or “Make in India,” it’s a strong signal that the Kia Soul Electric car price in India will be more wallet-friendly.

Features and Specifications: What Makes the Soul EV Stand Out?

Design: Quirky Yet Practical

Let’s be real—the Kia Soul EV isn’t your typical SUV. Its boxy, retro-futuristic design turns heads, but it’s also incredibly functional. The upright stance and flat roof maximize interior space. Imagine fitting a full-sized suitcase, a stroller, and a weekend bag in the 315-liter boot—without folding seats. Plus, the “floating roof” design and LED lighting give it a premium feel.

For Indian buyers, the Soul EV’s ground clearance (160 mm) is a plus, though not as high as the 200+ mm of the MG ZS EV. Still, it’s enough for most pothole-ridden roads. The 17-inch alloy wheels and bold color options (like Solar Yellow or Mars Orange) add to its appeal.

Performance: Power, Range, and Charging

The Soul EV packs a 201 hp electric motor and a 64 kWh battery. Here’s what that means for Indian driving:

• Range: ~450 km (WLTP), which translates to ~350–380 km in real-world Indian conditions (with AC, traffic, and hilly terrain).
• Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 7.9 seconds—faster than the MG ZS EV (8.5 sec) and on par with the Hyundai Kona Electric.
• Charging:
  • DC Fast Charging: 10–80% in 42 mins (100 kW)
  • AC Charging: 0–100% in 9 hrs (7.2 kW home charger)

Real-World Example: A daily commute of 40 km (e.g., Delhi to Gurgaon) would require charging just 2–3 times a week. For weekend trips to places like Lonavala or Jaipur, a single charge could cover the round trip, assuming you charge overnight.

Tech and Safety: Loaded with Goodies

The Soul EV isn’t just about looks and range. It’s packed with tech that Indian buyers will love:

• Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands.
• Digital Cockpit: 10.25-inch digital driver display with customizable themes.
• Advanced Safety:
  • Forward Collision Avoidance
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Blind-Spot Monitoring
  • 360-Degree Camera (a godsend for tight Indian parking spots)
• Comfort: Heated front seats, wireless phone charger, and ambient lighting.

Tip: The 360-degree camera and parking sensors are essential for navigating India’s crowded markets and narrow lanes. Don’t skip these features!

Competition: How Does the Soul EV Stack Up?

Price vs. Rivals: A Tough Battle

The Indian compact EV market is heating up. Here’s how the Kia Soul Electric car price in India compares to its rivals:

Model	Price (Ex-Showroom, ₹)	Range (km)	Key Advantage
Kia Soul EV (Expected)	28–34 lakh (localized) / 38–45 lakh (CBU)	350–450	Unique design, fast charging, spacious interior
MG ZS EV	23.38–27.98 lakh	461 (ARAI)	Lower price, longer ARAI range
Hyundai Kona Electric	Discontinued (was 23.79–24.03 lakh)	452 (ARAI)	Proven reliability
Mahindra XUV400	15.99–18.99 lakh	456 (ARAI)	Budget-friendly
Tata Nexon EV Max	16.49–19.29 lakh	437 (ARAI)	Best value for money

If Kia prices the Soul EV at ₹38+ lakh, it’ll struggle against the MG ZS EV and Mahindra XUV400. But if localized at ₹30–34 lakh, it becomes a strong contender—offering better tech, faster charging, and a more premium feel.

Target Audience: Who Should Consider the Soul EV?

• Urban Professionals: Those with a 30–50 km daily commute who want a stylish, low-maintenance car.
• Tech Enthusiasts: Buyers who value advanced features like voice commands, digital cockpit, and OTA updates.
• Environmentally Conscious Families: The Soul EV’s spacious cabin and 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating make it family-friendly.
• Second-Car Buyers: A great option for households that already own an ICE car for long trips.

Anecdote: My neighbor, a software engineer in Hyderabad, switched from a diesel Creta to a MG ZS EV last year. He loves the low running costs but misses the “wow factor” of the Soul EV’s design. If Kia brings it to India, he’s first in line!

Charging Infrastructure and Practicality in India

Home Charging: The Game-Changer

For most Indian buyers, home charging is the key to EV ownership. The Soul EV’s 7.2 kW AC charging means a full charge in 9 hours—perfect for overnight charging. But here’s the catch: You’ll need a dedicated 32A socket and a 3-phase power connection (common in apartments and villas). If you live in a standalone house, this is easy to set up. In older buildings or rental properties, it might require permission from the society or landlord.

Tip: Check with your electricity provider about “green tariffs” or time-of-day pricing. Charging at night (10 PM–6 AM) can cut costs by 20–30%.

Public Charging: Is India Ready?

India has ~5,000 public EV chargers (as of 2023), but they’re concentrated in metros. For the Soul EV’s 100 kW DC fast charging, you’ll need to find a CCS2-compatible station—still rare outside Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Apps like PlugShare or Tata Power EZ Charge can help locate chargers.

• Good News: Kia India has partnered with Tata Power to set up 150+ charging stations. More are planned.
• Bad News: In smaller towns, you might need to rely on 50 kW chargers (10–80% in 60–70 mins) or even 22 kW AC chargers (slower).

Real-World Example: A road trip from Chennai to Pondicherry (160 km) is doable in the Soul EV with one fast charge. But a trip to Coimbatore (500 km) would require meticulous planning and multiple charging stops.

Maintenance and Running Costs

EVs have fewer moving parts, so maintenance is cheaper. For the Soul EV:

• Annual Maintenance: ₹10,000–15,000 (vs. ₹25,000+ for a petrol/diesel car).
• Electricity Cost: ₹1.5–2 per km (at ₹8/kWh).
• Battery Warranty: Kia offers an 8-year/160,000 km warranty—longer than most rivals.

Pro Tip: Always opt for the extended warranty. Battery degradation is a real concern, and replacement costs are high (₹8–12 lakh).

Should You Wait for the Kia Soul EV in India?

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Let’s be honest—no car is perfect. Here’s the lowdown:

• Pros:
  • Unique, head-turning design
  • Fast charging and strong real-world range
  • Premium interior and tech
  • Spacious for its size
• Cons:
  • Higher price if imported (₹38+ lakh)
  • Ground clearance not ideal for rough roads
  • Public charging infrastructure still developing
  • No AWD option (unlike the EV6)

If you’re a first-time EV buyer, the MG ZS EV or Tata Nexon EV Max might offer better value. But if you want a car that’s different—one that makes a statement while being practical—the Soul EV could be worth the wait.

When Will It Launch?

As of 2023, Kia hasn’t confirmed the Soul EV’s India launch. However, with the success of the EV6 and the upcoming EV9, it’s likely Kia will expand its EV portfolio. Rumors suggest a 2025 launch, possibly with local assembly to keep prices competitive.

Insider Tip: Follow Kia India’s “EV Day” events. They often reveal new models and pricing strategies there.

Final Verdict: Is the Kia Soul EV Worth the Hype?

So, what’s the bottom line? The Kia Soul Electric car price in India could be the make-or-break factor. At ₹28–34 lakh (localized), it’s a compelling option for urban buyers who want a stylish, tech-loaded EV with decent range and fast charging. But if Kia prices it above ₹38 lakh, it’ll face stiff competition from the MG ZS EV and even the upcoming BYD Atto 3.

Here’s my take: If you’re patient and don’t need an EV right now, wait for the Soul EV. Its unique design, practical interior, and strong performance could make it a standout in India’s growing EV market. But if you need a car today, the Tata Nexon EV Max or MG ZS EV are excellent alternatives—especially if budget is a concern.

Ultimately, the Kia Soul EV isn’t just about specs and price. It’s about personality. In a sea of SUVs, it dares to be different. And in a country like India, where individuality matters, that might just be its biggest selling point. So, keep an eye out—because when the Soul EV finally arrives, it could be the electric car that feels like home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kia Soul Electric car price in India?

The Kia Soul Electric car price in India is expected to start around ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom), though official pricing is yet to be confirmed. Kia may adjust the final price based on local taxes, subsidies, and import policies.

Is the Kia Soul EV available for purchase in India yet?

As of now, the Kia Soul EV has not been officially launched in India, and it’s not available for purchase. Kia India is evaluating its introduction, with potential market entry expected in the next 1-2 years.

How does the Kia Soul Electric compare to other EVs in its price range?

The Kia Soul Electric offers a competitive 452 km range (WLTP) and fast-charging capability, making it a strong contender against models like the Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV. Its boxy design and tech features provide a unique blend of style and practicality.

Will the Kia Soul Electric qualify for Indian government EV subsidies?

If launched locally or assembled in India, the Kia Soul Electric may qualify for FAME II subsidies and state-level incentives, potentially reducing its on-road price. Import-dependent models may not benefit as much from these schemes.

What are the expected charging options for the Kia Soul EV in India?

The Kia Soul Electric supports both standard AC charging (11 kW) and DC fast charging (up to 100 kW), allowing a 10-80% charge in under 40 minutes. Home charging setups and public charging networks will determine practicality for Indian users.

Are there any pre-booking options for the Kia Soul Electric car in India?

Currently, Kia India has not opened pre-bookings for the Soul Electric car. Interested buyers should monitor official Kia India announcements and dealership updates for launch and reservation details.