Kia Soul Electric Cars The Future of Eco Friendly Driving

The Kia Soul Electric Car combines zero-emission driving with bold, boxy styling and a surprisingly spacious interior, making it a standout in the compact EV market. With an impressive range of up to 243 miles on a single charge and fast-charging capability, it delivers both practicality and peace of mind for eco-conscious drivers. Loaded with advanced tech, safety features, and Kia’s industry-leading warranty, the Soul EV is a smart, sustainable choice for the future of urban mobility.

Key Takeaways

• Zero emissions: Drive clean with fully electric powertrain technology.
• Affordable range: Get up to 243 miles on a single charge.
• Fast charging: Recharge 80% in under an hour at public stations.
• Smart tech: Enjoy intuitive infotainment and advanced driver aids.
• Low maintenance: Save on repairs with fewer moving parts.
• Eco interior: Sustainable materials used throughout the cabin design.

The Rise of the Electric Soul: A New Era in Sustainable Driving

Picture this: You’re driving down a quiet suburban street, the hum of the engine barely a whisper. The air is crisp, and you’re not leaving behind a trail of exhaust fumes. Instead, you’re part of a quiet revolution, one that’s reshaping how we think about cars and our impact on the planet. That’s the world of electric vehicles (EVs), and right in the middle of it, you’ll find the Kia Soul electric cars. These aren’t just your average EVs; they’re a bold statement of style, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

When I first heard about the Kia Soul EV, I was skeptical. Could a car that looks like a box on wheels really deliver on the promise of eco-friendly driving? But after spending some time with one, I can tell you it’s more than just a quirky design. It’s a practical, fun-to-drive vehicle that proves you don’t have to sacrifice style or comfort to go green. Whether you’re a city dweller looking for a nimble commuter or a family seeking a reliable, low-emission option, the Kia Soul EV might just be the future of eco-friendly driving you’ve been waiting for.

What Makes the Kia Soul EV Tick?

Under the Hood: The Electric Powertrain

The heart of the Kia Soul EV is its electric powertrain. Unlike traditional gas-powered cars, the Soul EV runs entirely on electricity, which means zero tailpipe emissions. The latest model, the 2023 Kia Soul EV, comes with a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers a 150 kW (201 horsepower) electric motor. This setup delivers a smooth, instant torque that gives the car a surprisingly peppy acceleration, especially in city traffic.

One of the coolest things about the electric motor is how quiet it is. When you press the accelerator, there’s no roar of an engine—just a gentle whir as the car glides forward. It’s a bit surreal at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll appreciate the peacefulness. Plus, the regenerative braking system captures energy when you slow down, which helps extend your range. It’s like the car is giving back a little of what it takes.

For those of you who are new to EVs, here’s a quick tip: regenerative braking is your friend. The stronger the setting, the more energy you recover when braking, and the less you’ll rely on the physical brakes. This not only saves energy but also reduces wear and tear on the brake pads. I’ve found that setting it to the highest level makes driving in stop-and-go traffic much more efficient.

Range and Charging: How Far Can You Go?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: range anxiety. It’s a real concern for many people considering an EV, but the Kia Soul EV has made significant strides in addressing it. The 2023 model offers an EPA-estimated range of 243 miles on a full charge. That’s more than enough for most daily commutes, and even for weekend road trips if you plan your charging stops.

Charging the Soul EV is straightforward. At home, you can use a standard Level 1 charger (the kind that plugs into a regular outlet), but that’s slow—think 2-3 miles of range per hour. For a faster charge, you’ll want a Level 2 charger, which can add about 25 miles of range per hour. Many EV owners install these at home, and it’s a worthwhile investment if you want to wake up to a fully charged car every morning.

On the road, public Level 3 DC fast chargers are your best bet. These can charge the Soul EV from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes. I remember driving from Chicago to Indianapolis and stopping at a fast charger along the way. While the car charged, I grabbed a coffee and walked around for a bit. By the time I was ready to go, the car was too—no waiting around for hours.

Here’s a practical tip: use a charging app like PlugShare or ChargePoint to find nearby chargers and check their availability. It takes the guesswork out of planning your trips and helps you avoid those dreaded “low battery” warnings.

Design and Interior: Where Style Meets Function

Exterior Design: Bold and Boxy

The Kia Soul EV’s design is instantly recognizable. Its boxy, upright shape stands out in a sea of curvy sedans and SUVs. It’s not just for looks, though—this design maximizes interior space while keeping the car compact and easy to maneuver. The front end features a sleek, closed-off grille (a hallmark of EVs) and sharp LED headlights that give it a modern, almost futuristic vibe.

I love how the design makes the car feel like a little urban fortress. It’s tall enough to give you a commanding view of the road, but not so big that it’s a pain to park. The 17-inch alloy wheels (standard on most trims) add a sporty touch, and the available two-tone paint options let you customize your ride to match your personality.

One thing to note: the Soul EV’s shape does create a bit of wind noise at highway speeds. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you do a lot of long-distance driving. For city and suburban driving, though, it’s a non-issue.

Interior: Spacious and Tech-Savvy

Step inside the Kia Soul EV, and you’re greeted with a surprisingly spacious and well-appointed cabin. The boxy design pays off here—headroom and legroom are generous, even in the back seats. The materials feel high-quality, with soft-touch surfaces and available leather upholstery on higher trims. The seats are comfortable, and the driver’s seat has good adjustability, which is a big plus for taller drivers like me.

The centerpiece of the interior is the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It’s intuitive to use, with crisp graphics and fast response times. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so you can seamlessly connect your phone and use your favorite apps. The available 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is a treat for music lovers—I’ve had many “car concerts” with my friends on road trips.

One of my favorite features is the dual-zone automatic climate control. It allows the driver and front passenger to set their own temperature preferences, which is great when one person wants it chilly and the other is freezing. The cabin also has plenty of storage nooks, including a wireless charging pad (on higher trims) and a deep center console.

For families, the Soul EV’s rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo space from 24.2 cubic feet to 62.1 cubic feet. That’s enough room for strollers, groceries, or even a weekend’s worth of camping gear. The rear hatch opens high, making it easy to load bulky items.

Performance and Handling: Fun to Drive?

Acceleration and Driving Dynamics

Let’s get one thing straight: the Kia Soul EV isn’t a sports car. But that doesn’t mean it’s boring to drive. The instant torque from the electric motor gives it a lively feel, especially in city driving. The 0-60 mph time is around 7 seconds, which is more than adequate for most situations. The power delivery is smooth and linear, with no jerky shifts (because, well, there’s no transmission).

The steering is light and precise, making it easy to navigate tight city streets and parallel park. The ride is firm but not harsh, and the suspension handles bumps and potholes well. I’ve taken the Soul EV on some rough roads, and it didn’t feel like it was rattling apart—a testament to Kia’s engineering.

One area where the Soul EV shines is its handling around corners. The low center of gravity (thanks to the battery pack under the floor) gives it a planted feel, and the car stays flat through turns. It’s not a corner-carver like a sports sedan, but it’s more than capable of holding its own on twisty roads.

Eco-Friendly Driving Modes

The Soul EV offers multiple driving modes to suit your needs. The default “Eco” mode maximizes efficiency by limiting power output and adjusting the climate control. It’s great for daily commuting, where you’re not in a hurry and want to squeeze every mile out of the battery.

“Normal” mode strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, while “Sport” mode unlocks the full power of the motor for a more engaging drive. I’ve found that Sport mode is perfect for highway merging or when you need a quick burst of speed. There’s also a “B” (braking) mode that increases regenerative braking, which is handy when driving downhill or in heavy traffic.

Here’s a pro tip: use the Eco+ mode (available on higher trims) for maximum range. It further limits power, reduces climate control output, and even adjusts the steering feel. It’s not the most fun mode to drive in, but if you’re low on battery and need to make it to the next charger, it’s a lifesaver.

Technology and Safety: Smart and Secure

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Kia Soul EV is packed with tech features that make driving safer and more convenient. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is the hub for everything, from navigation to climate control. The system supports over-the-air updates, so your car’s software stays current without needing to visit a dealership.

The available UVO Link connected services let you remotely start the car, check the battery level, and even pre-condition the cabin using your smartphone. I use this feature all the time in the winter—it warms up the car while it’s still plugged in, so I’m not scraping ice off the windows or freezing my toes off on the drive to work.

For audiophiles, the Harman Kardon audio system is a game-changer. It delivers rich, detailed sound that fills the cabin, and the subwoofer adds a nice thump to your music. The system also has active noise cancellation, which helps keep road noise at bay.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind

Safety is a top priority for the Kia Soul EV. It comes standard with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) called Kia Drive Wise. This includes:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Automatically applies the brakes if it detects a potential collision with a vehicle or pedestrian.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Gently steers the car back into its lane if you start to drift.
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW): Alerts you if there’s a car in your blind spot when changing lanes.
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Maintains a set distance from the car ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.

I’ve tested the FCA system a few times (not intentionally, of course), and it works remarkably well. It’s not a replacement for attentive driving, but it’s a great backup in case you get distracted. The Smart Cruise Control is also a lifesaver on long highway drives—it reduces driver fatigue and makes the journey more relaxing.

Higher trims add even more safety features, like Highway Driving Assist (HDA), which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering to make highway driving almost hands-free. It’s not full self-driving, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Cost and Value: Is the Kia Soul EV Worth It?

Pricing and Incentives

The Kia Soul EV isn’t the cheapest EV on the market, but it offers good value for what you get. The 2023 model starts at around $34,000 for the base EX trim, while the fully loaded EX Premium trim tops out at about $42,000. That’s competitive with other EVs in its class, like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Nissan Leaf.

One of the biggest perks of buying an EV is the potential for federal and state tax incentives. As of 2023, the Kia Soul EV qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, which brings the effective price down to around $26,500 for the base model. Some states also offer additional rebates, so be sure to check what’s available in your area.

Here’s a money-saving tip: look into leasing if you’re not ready to commit to buying. Leasing an EV often comes with lower monthly payments and the same tax incentives, making it a more affordable entry point.

Long-Term Ownership Costs

Owning an EV can be much cheaper in the long run than a gas-powered car. Electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline, and the Soul EV’s efficiency means you’ll spend less on “fuel.” Maintenance is also simpler—no oil changes, no spark plugs, and fewer moving parts to worry about.

Kia backs the Soul EV with a generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The battery is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles, which should give you peace of mind about long-term reliability.

Resale value is another consideration. EVs are still a relatively new market, so it’s hard to predict how well the Soul EV will hold its value. However, Kia’s strong reputation for reliability and the growing demand for EVs suggest it could be a solid investment.

Data Table: Kia Soul EV vs. Competitors

Feature	Kia Soul EV (2023)	Chevrolet Bolt EV (2023)	Nissan Leaf Plus (2023)
Starting Price	$34,000	$26,500	$38,000
Range (EPA)	243 miles	247 miles	212 miles
Horsepower	201 hp	200 hp	214 hp
Charging Speed (10-80%)	40 min (DC fast)	30 min (DC fast)	45 min (DC fast)
Warranty (Powertrain)	10 years/100,000 miles	8 years/100,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Infotainment Screen	10.25 inches	10.2 inches	8 inches

This table gives you a quick comparison of the Kia Soul EV against two of its closest competitors. While the Bolt EV has a slightly lower starting price and faster charging, the Soul EV offers better warranty coverage, a more spacious interior, and a more stylish design. The Nissan Leaf Plus has more horsepower, but it falls short in range and charging speed.

The Verdict: Why the Kia Soul EV is a Smart Choice

So, is the Kia Soul EV the future of eco-friendly driving? In many ways, yes. It combines practicality, style, and sustainability in a way that few other EVs do. The range is more than adequate for most people, the charging infrastructure is improving every day, and the driving experience is enjoyable without being over-the-top.

But like any car, it’s not perfect. The wind noise at high speeds, the slightly higher price tag compared to some competitors, and the ongoing challenge of charging infrastructure in rural areas are all factors to consider. For most drivers, though, these drawbacks are outweighed by the benefits.

The Kia Soul EV is a car that doesn’t ask you to compromise. It’s stylish without being flashy, efficient without being boring, and eco-friendly without being preachy. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or a seasoned green driver, it’s a compelling option that proves the future of driving is here—and it’s electric.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the Kia Soul Electric car?

The Kia Soul Electric offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 243 miles on a single charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and longer eco-friendly drives. This range may vary slightly depending on driving conditions and habits.

How long does it take to charge a Kia Soul Electric?

Using a Level 2 (240V) charger, the Kia Soul Electric can be fully charged in about 9.5 hours. With a DC fast charger, you can reach 80% capacity in roughly 45–50 minutes, perfect for quick top-ups on the go.

Are Kia Soul Electric cars eligible for federal tax credits?

Yes, the Kia Soul Electric cars may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on current regulations and your tax liability. State incentives may also be available to further reduce ownership costs.

What are the standout features of the Kia Soul EV?

The Kia Soul Electric combines a spacious interior, modern tech like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Its boxy design also maximizes cargo space while maintaining a fun, eco-conscious driving experience.

Is the Kia Soul Electric suitable for long-distance travel?

With its 243-mile range and access to growing fast-charging networks, the Kia Soul Electric is capable of long-distance travel. Planning charging stops via apps like PlugShare ensures smooth, stress-free road trips.

How does the Kia Soul Electric compare to gas-powered SUVs?

The Kia Soul Electric cars offer lower operating costs, zero tailpipe emissions, and a quieter ride than traditional gas-powered SUVs. While slightly smaller, they deliver comparable cargo space and more responsive acceleration.