Kia Soul EV Range & Specs: A Closer Look

Kia, and the entire Hyundai group for that matter, is transitioning to its third generation of electric vehicles like the EV6. This time, though, they’re riding on an all-new dedicated architecture called E-GMP. 

But that isn’t stopping Kia from continuing to sell its older electric vehicles. While the Soul EV shares a platform with its gasoline twin, it’s still a wonderful alternative to the other Kia SUV and crossover options and the more expensive EVs currently on sale. Here’s a closer look at Kia’s charming, electrified box on wheels.

What kind of range and charging times can you expect from the Soul EV?

2023 Kia Soul EV | Photo: Kia 

2023 Kia Soul EV range and charging specs:

	EV Premium	EV Limited
Electric Driving Range - est.	248 km	383 km
Charging - Level 1 (120V)	36 hours	59 hours
Charging - Level 2 (240V)	6 hours (220V ~ 240V)	9 hours & 15 min (220V ~ 240V)
Charging - Level 3 (Fast Charge)	48 min (50 kW) / 47 min (100 kW)	64 min (50 kW) / 47 min (100 kW)
Battery Energy - kWh	39.2	64

The Soul EV may be a last-generation electric car, but its range is still plenty competitive. Consumers can choose between two battery capacities according to their needs and budget. 

The entry level Soul EV Premium is powered by a 39.2-kWh battery that’s good for a claimed 248 kilometers of range. Opting for a Soul Limited cranks things up to a more robust 64-kWh, allowing the range to spike up to a claimed 383 kilometers.

The good news is that both batteries are compatible with a 100-kW fast charger. Considering that the Soul EV’s technology dates to 2017, that’s still competitive as far as charging power goes, allowing the car to replenish its battery to an 80% charge in a matter of about 48 minutes for the EV Premium; 64 minutes for the EV Limited. 

Otherwise, from a level 2 home charger, expect anywhere between 8 to 10 hours with the 39.2-kWh battery and 10 to 12 hours with the 64-kWh unit thanks to the 7.2-kWh onboard charger.

2023 Kia Soul EV | Photo: Kia 

However, many EV enthusiasts have claimed that the Soul EV’s range estimates are conservative. These people say they’ve travelled more than 400 kilometers in their electric Soul. Considering that this is in tune with what you’ll get from an all-new Volkswagen ID.4, it’s worth saying that the little Kia is still competing well versus newer, more sophisticated electric alternatives.

Two Kia Soul batteries for different budgets

The Soul EV’s pricing strategy was engineered to adapt to different budgets and needs. And there are only two trim levels to choose from as well as very little options. This makes the buying process easy and much like a turnkey experience.

2023 Kia Soul EV price

• EV Premium: $43,095
• EV Limited: $52,095

For instance, a Soul EV Premium costs $43,095 before incentives, while a Soul EV Limited, the one with the larger capacity battery, costs $9,000 more at $52,095. Both models are eligible to the federal government’s $5,000 rebate for electric vehicles and in some provinces, like Quebec, the total rebate can climb up to $12,000. 

2023 Kia Soul EV | Photo: Kia 

View all the current government EV rebates and incentives per province here.

You’ll appreciate the Soul EV if you’re in the market for a practical urban SUV that’s also easy to maneuver around a crowded city. It’s also super easy to park and seeing out of it is never a problem thanks to large windows. 

The boxy styling means there’s a ton of headroom, which is perfect for tall passengers. And when lowering its rear seat flat, you’ll get a grand total of 1,758 liters of available cargo space. That’s more than its own little brother, the Kia Niro EV (1,543 liters), but also its main competitor, the Chevrolet Bolt EV (1,602 liters). 

Below, some key size dimensions shared between both trim levels:

Kia Soul EV dimension specs

• Length: 4,195 mm
• Width: 1,800 mm
• Height: 1,605 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,600 mm

2023 Kia Soul EV | Photo: Kia 

Over 200 horsepower with the Soul EV Limited

The Soul EV is quick off the line too, especially if you opt for the larger capacity battery pack. With 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque on tap, it accelerates like a hot hatchback without attracting too much attention to itself. 

Plus, if eccentricity is your thing, you’ll be pleased to find out the already funky Soul EV can be painted in flashy colors such as Kia’s punchy Neptune Blue. The Soul EV is much more than a rolling box!

Kia Soul EV Specs

Here are some other key specs shared between the EV Premium and EV Limited trims:

• Engine Type: Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Motor
• Battery Type: LIPB (Lithium Ion Polymer Battery)
• Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
• Wheels: 17” Alloy
• Tires: 215/55R17
• Front Brakes: 12" vented disk
• Rear Brakes: 11.8" solid disc
• Braking System: 4-wheel disc
• Stability Control: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Assist Control (HAC)