At the end of 2014, the Kia Soul EV, an electric variant of the eponymous model, was launched on the European market. It is the first small crossover of its kind on the old container and its competition, therefore distant, will take the form of city cars Renault ZOE, Nissan Leaf or even Volkswagen e-Golf.
About KIA Soul EV
The design of this Soul EV is based on the second generation of the combustion types, launched a little earlier the same year. We are therefore dealing with a sort of very original urban SUV. With square shapes and carved into the rock but which emerges a certain elegance. Thanks to the designs of its front / rear lights and its floating roof, the Korean vehicle also emits a slight impression of a futuristic car. Inside, the design of the dashboard is more classic but the quality of finish is there, as are the ergonomics and the equipment.
For example, the more economical heat pump air conditioning or the load programming via the central screen will be noted. The rear habitability, meanwhile. Remains good despite less knee room but the trunk is unfortunately reduced to 281 liters instead of 354. Also note that we can not “connect” to the Kia Soul EV from home itself (via computer or smartphone). And that it is therefore impossible to start a remote preconditioning or to consult the battery charge level.
KIA Soul Battery
The latter is based on Lithium-ion technology as in the competition. However, its capacity has been boosted and the theoretical autonomy announced of 212 km is large enough for the segment. In real conditions, it should rather oscillate between 110 and 170 km depending on the outside temperature and driving conditions. “Economic” mode, energy recovery under braking … All the usual systems to increase the range are present.
Power and speed
More powerful on paper than a Renault ZOE or a Nissan Leaf with its 110 horsepower in thermal value (81.4 Watts), the Soul EV offers honorable performance with a 0 to 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds and a top speed of 145 km/h. To get it back on its feet, it will still take 16 hours on a 230 Volt domestic socket with the supplied cable. But the electric crossover is compatible with faster recharging modes in alternating or direct current and the recharging time can drop to half an hour for 80%.
Everything else about KIA Soul EV
At the wheel of the Kia Soul EV, the behaviour is correct but not as dynamic as that of electric city cars which are less tall and slightly less heavy. Nothing prohibitive however and we will take great pleasure in driving this car in the greatest silence and not rejecting the slightest carbon dioxide in the air. Good news, finally, the famous seven-year warranty specific to Kia does exist on this electric model.
Unique in its kind, the Soul EV adds one more possibility to the electric car market and at the same time serves as a technological showcase for its manufacturer. Its crossover look is its No. 1 argument because in other areas (livability, autonomy …) it remains similar to the competition. So it’s mainly a matter of taste!
The price of KIA Soul EV starts from 40 000 EUR in EU
Competitor
Well, our guess that you already know who is the competitor of KIA Soul. Yes, this is JAC iEV7S. JAC charges faster, is more powerful and costs much less. It has much further traveling distance, more comfortable and you will agree – JAC iEV7S is much more beautiful. If you do not agree with us, then try the JAC iEV7S for yourselves. You will see the difference right away.
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