The 2016 Soul EV marks the second year of Kia’s first mass-market zero emissions, battery electric vehicle. For 2016, the Soul EV is offered in three trims – Soul EV-e, Soul EV, Soul EV+ (plus) – up from two in 2015. Offering a long list of standard equipment at a lower price point, the Soul EV-e brings new value for those looking for a fun and funky alternative in the EV segment. The Soul EV+ continues as the range-topping trim, and is further enhanced for 2016 with the addition of the Sun & Fun Package. Additional 2016 enhancements standard across the Soul EV lineup include a charge port nozzle lock, an illuminated Aux/USB port, and two new exterior colors: Shadow Black and Bright Silver.
The new Soul EV-e provides versatility and affordability while offering a long list of standard equipment. Eco-conscious drivers will appreciate standard features that include a DC fast charge port, 6.6-killowatt onboard charger, 3.5-inch OLED Supervision cluster, smart key with push button start and a driver-only ventilation function that closes the passenger vents to help maximize efficiency based on vehicle occupancy. The Soul EV-e also includes heated front seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and FlexSteer™, as standard equipment.
The Soul EV trim carries over for 2016 with a number of standard premium features and content that adds to the Soul EV-e’s equipment list. Front and center is the capacitive touch 8-inch navigation2 touchscreen with Rear Camera Display3 and UVO EV Services2, Kia’s suite of telematics technology that incorporates the ability to search for charging stations, remotely check the state-of-charge and precondition the vehicle’s interior temperature through the user’s Smartphone. In addition, a heat pump HVAC system is standard, and helps improve energy efficiency to maximize driving range.
For 2016, the popular Soul EV+ (plus) is available with the new Sun & Fun Package, which includes a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting and speaker lights that pulse to the beats of the six-speaker audio system. Additional standard EV+ features include ventilated front passenger seats, heated rear outboard seats, leather trimmed seats, front and rear Park Assist, and power folding mirrors.
Addressing range anxiety, the entire Soul EV lineup offers an EPA estimated range of 93 miles4 and an EPA MPGe of 92 miles highway and 120 miles city for a combined mileage of 105 miles4. This class-leading range originates from the Soul EV’s state-of-the-art 27kWh air-cooled, 200-watt-hour/kg Lithium Ion Polymer battery, located under the floor.
The Soul EV makes charging easy by plugging into any standard 120v outlet or a conventional 240v EV charger. Two charging ports are standard, including a SAE J1772 port for Level 1 and Level 2 AC, and a CHAdeMO DC fast-charging port (480v). Found behind a sliding door located in the front grille, the dual ports offer flexibility and increase the Soul EV’s go-anywhere appeal, making it more convenient to charge inside the owner’s garage or when on the road. Recharging times vary from 24 hours for a fully depleted battery using a standard 120v outlet to under five hours when plugged into a 240v outlet. An 80-percent charge can be achieved from empty in as little as 33 minutes with a 50 kW-output DC fast charger. Kia has partnered with three charger providers – Bosch, Leviton and AeroVironment™ – which gives Soul EV buyers an opportunity to select the unit best suited to their in-home needs.
The Soul EV has been honored with an industry-first automotive environmental validation by Underwriters Laboratory (UL)5 for its innovative use of 52.7 lbs. of bio-based organic interior content. Bio-based plastics derived from cellulose and sugar cane are found in many areas within the cabin, including the door panels, headliner, seat trim, roof pillars and carpeting. In all, organic, bio-based materials are used in 19 different interior parts.
