Jerry Robbin

2015 Kia Soul EV

Overview

The 2015 Soul has created a EV version, which has a very impressive driving range. In my drive report I will let you know if the estimated driving range of 93 miles is reality.

Safety Features

Safety Features

4-wheel ABS	Front and rear head airbags
Dual front side-mounted airbags	Child seat anchors
Emergency braking assist	Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks	Daytime running lights
Engine immobilizer	Auto delay off headlamps
Dusk sensing headlamps	2 front headrests
3 rear headrests	Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear center 3-point belt	Turn signal mirrors
Stability control	Traction control
Rear height adjustable headrests	Tire pressure monitoring

 

Emergency Service*

Airbag Deployment Notification*

 

Driving Impression

The Soul EV handles very well on the highway and has excellent pick for an EV. When taking turns you feel like the wheels are glued to the road and the maneuverability is exceptional.

Driving the Soul EV is exceptionally quiet and peaceful experience. There is absolutely no whining noise during acceleration.
The Soul EV has two drive modes: D for drive and B for more aggressive regenerative braking.

 

Under the Hood

• 109 HP
• 210 Pound-feet of torque
• 27 kWh lithium polymer battery pack
• Target range of more than 120 miles (expect 90 or so for an official EPA rating)
• Recharge in under 5 hours on 240 volt or in 25 minutes via quick charge (likely CHAdeMO, though Kia doesn’t specifically mention this)
• 0 to 62 MPH in less than 12 seconds
• Top speed of 90 MPH

 

Inside

 

The interior of the Soul EV is well laid out with a gauge cluster highlighted with an estimated-range meter, a battery-charge percentage meter, a speedometer, and a reconfigurable display in the middle. The seats are comfortable and supportive. A host of amenities were included on my test drive, which are listed below.

Interior Features

Front Seats

Multi-level heating passenger seat	Multi-level heating driver seat
Height adjustable driver seat	Cloth
Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

Split-folding rear seatback

Power Features

Hands-free entry

1 one-touch power windows

Instrumentation

Clock	Trip computer
External temperature display	Compass

Convenience

Cruise control	Front cupholders
Front and rear door pockets	Front seatback storage
Electric power steering	Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel	Rear view camera

 

Roadside Assistance*	Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Destination Download*

Comfort

Interior air filtration	Climate control
Leather steering wheel	Heated steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors	Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

In Car Entertainment

6 total speakers	AM/FM stereo
Satellite radio satellite radio	Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
3 Months of provided satellite radio service	USB connection

Telematics

Navigation with voice activation navigation system	UVO eServices telecommunications service
Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone	Real time traffic

 

Outside

 

Outside the Soul EV looks just like the standard Soul. The grill has been redesigned and is now used as the cover for the charging ports. Other changes include new alloy wheels, different badges and some unique color options.

 

Summary

The Soul EV is an environmentally friendly vehicle that has a lot going for it. The driving range and performance make the Soul EV a class leader. If you are in the market for an EV you should got to your local Kia dealer for a test drive.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH 5 ft. 10.9 in. (70.9 in.)	HEIGHT 5 ft. 3 in. (63 in.)
LENGTH 13 ft. 7 in. (163 in.)	GROUND CLEARANCE 0 ft. 6.3 in. (6.3 in.)
WHEEL BASE 8 ft. 5.2 in. (101.2 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM 39.6 in.	FRONT HIP ROOM 53.2 in.
FRONT LEG ROOM 40.9 in.	FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 55.5 in.
REAR HIP ROOM 49.3 in.	REAR HEAD ROOM 39.5 in.
REAR LEG ROOM 36.0 in.	REAR SHOULDER ROOM 54.7 in.