2016 Kia Soul EV: A Distinctive Electric City Car
The 2016 Kia Soul EV stands out in the compact electric vehicle segment with its unique styling, practical interior, and a focus on urban usability. Offering a comfortable and quiet driving experience, it's a compelling option for those seeking an emission-free commute and a distinctive aesthetic.
Highlights
- Powertrain: The 2016 Soul EV is powered by a 109-horsepower electric motor paired with a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. This setup delivers instant torque, making for zippy acceleration from a standstill, ideal for city driving.
- Safety Features: Kia equipped the Soul EV with a suite of safety technologies designed to protect occupants:
- Six Airbags: This includes front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags, providing comprehensive protection in various impact scenarios.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps maintain vehicle control during sudden maneuvers or slippery conditions by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power.
- Traction Control System (TCS): TCS prevents wheel spin during acceleration, ensuring better grip and stability, especially on less-than-ideal road surfaces.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC): HAC prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline, providing a smoother and safer hill start.
- Trims: The 2016 Kia Soul EV was primarily offered in a single, well-equipped trim level, simplifying the buying process and ensuring most desirable features were standard. This trim typically included premium amenities such as heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation system, and a panoramic sunroof.
- Regenerative Braking: The Soul EV features a sophisticated regenerative braking system that captures energy normally lost during deceleration and converts it back into electricity to recharge the battery. This not only extends range but also reduces wear on the traditional braking system.
- Unique Styling: The iconic boxy, upright styling of the Kia Soul carries over to the EV model, giving it a distinctive and recognizable presence on the road. This design also contributes to an unexpectedly spacious interior and excellent outward visibility.
- Comfortable Ride: Despite its compact size, the Soul EV generally offers a comfortable and composed ride, absorbing road imperfections well, making it suitable for longer commutes within its range.
What to Expect
Owning a 2016 Kia Soul EV typically involves a straightforward and cost-effective ownership experience.
- Maintenance: As an electric vehicle, the Soul EV has significantly fewer moving parts than a traditional gasoline-powered car. This translates to lower routine maintenance costs. You can expect less frequent visits to the mechanic, with services primarily revolving around tire rotations, brake inspections (though regenerative braking reduces wear), cabin air filter replacement, and general fluid checks. There's no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and no exhaust system to worry about.
- Insurance: Insurance premiums for EVs can sometimes be higher than for comparable gasoline cars due to the cost of battery replacement if a major issue arises. However, this can vary significantly based on your location, driving record, and chosen insurance provider. It's advisable to get quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate.
- Charging: The 2016 Soul EV supports both standard Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging. Level 1 charging, using a standard household outlet, is slow but convenient for overnight top-ups. Level 2 charging, typically installed at home or available at public charging stations, significantly reduces charging times, allowing for a full charge in several hours. Fast DC charging was not a standard feature on the 2016 model, meaning longer trips would require more planning around available charging infrastructure.
Potential Considerations
While the 2016 Kia Soul EV offers many positives, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Limited Electric Range: With an EPA-estimated range of around 93 miles on a full charge, the 2016 Soul EV is primarily suited for city driving and shorter commutes. Longer road trips will require careful planning and reliance on public charging infrastructure, which may not always be readily available or fast.
- Charging Speed: The absence of DC fast charging means that recharging the battery on the go will take considerably longer compared to newer EVs equipped with this technology.
- Battery Degradation: As with any electric vehicle, the battery's capacity can degrade over time and with use. While Kia offered a warranty on the battery, it's important to consider the age of a used 2016 model and potential for reduced range compared to when it was new.
- Limited Availability of Specific Parts: As the vehicle ages, finding specialized EV parts or technicians experienced with this specific model might become more challenging in some regions.
Overall Summary
The 2016 Kia Soul EV presents a compelling package for urban dwellers and eco-conscious commuters seeking a practical, stylish, and affordable electric vehicle. Its unique design, comfortable interior, and user-friendly features make it a pleasant daily driver. While its range and charging capabilities are more suited to shorter journeys, its low running costs and distinctive character ensure it remains a noteworthy contender in the used EV market for those prioritizing practicality and personality over maximum electric range.