2017 Kia Soul EV: A Detailed Overview
The 2017 Kia Soul EV offered a distinctive blend of practicality, style, and electric vehicle efficiency, making it a compelling choice for urban commuters and eco-conscious drivers. Building on the already popular Soul's unique design, the EV variant provided zero-emission driving without sacrificing the quirky charm and everyday usability that defined the model.
Highlights
- Powertrain: The 2017 Soul EV was powered by a single electric motor producing 109 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. This electric motor provided instant torque for brisk acceleration from a standstill and smooth, quiet operation.
- Battery and Range: It featured a 30 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. In real-world driving conditions, the EPA estimated range for the 2017 Soul EV was approximately 93 miles on a full charge. While not class-leading, this was sufficient for many daily commutes and city driving needs.
- Safety Features: Kia equipped the 2017 Soul EV with a suite of standard and available safety features designed to protect occupants:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps prevent skids and loss of traction by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when slippage is detected.
- Traction Control System (TCS): Limits wheel spin during acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces, to maintain grip.
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC): Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline.
- Six Airbags: Including front, front side, and side curtain airbags, providing comprehensive protection in the event of a collision.
- Available Backup Camera: Aids in parking and low-speed maneuvering by displaying a view of the area behind the vehicle.
- Trim Summary:
- Soul EV: This was the sole trim offered for the 2017 model year, meaning all the core electric drivetrain and feature set were standard. This simplified the buying process and ensured a consistent EV experience for all buyers.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Regenerative Braking: The Soul EV featured regenerative braking, which recaptured energy typically lost during deceleration and braking, feeding it back into the battery to extend range. Drivers could often select different levels of regenerative braking to suit their driving style.
- Distinctive EV Styling: While sharing the Soul's iconic boxy silhouette, the EV model often featured subtle visual cues like unique wheel designs, specific badging, and sometimes a distinctive front grille absence or different design to signify its electric nature.
- Quiet and Smooth Ride: As expected from an EV, the Soul EV offered a remarkably quiet and smooth driving experience, free from engine noise and vibration, contributing to a more relaxed cabin environment.
What to Expect
The ownership experience of a 2017 Kia Soul EV is generally characterized by its ease of use and low running costs. Daily charging is the norm, typically done overnight at home using a standard outlet or a Level 2 charging station for faster replenishment. The 93-mile range is well-suited for urban commuting, local errands, and short trips.
Maintenance for electric vehicles is typically simpler and less frequent than for gasoline-powered cars. Routine maintenance often involves checking and topping up brake fluid, inspecting tires, and replacing cabin air filters. The electric motor and battery pack have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes or exhaust system inspections. However, it's important to follow Kia's recommended service schedule, which might include checks on the battery coolant and other EV-specific components.
Insurance costs for EVs can vary depending on location, driving history, and the specific insurance provider. While the initial purchase price might be a factor, insurers also consider the vehicle's safety features and the cost of battery replacement if needed. It's advisable to get multiple quotes to find the best coverage at a reasonable price.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Kia Soul EV presents a compelling package, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Limited Range: The 93-mile EPA estimated range is a significant limitation for drivers who frequently embark on longer road trips or live in areas with sparse public charging infrastructure. While adequate for most urban dwellers, it requires more planning for extended journeys.
- Charging Speed: While the Soul EV supports DC fast charging (CHAdeMO connector), the charging speed was not as rapid as some contemporary EVs, meaning longer stops would be required for significant range replenishment on the go.
- Battery Degradation: Like all battery-electric vehicles, the Soul EV's battery will naturally degrade over time and with use, resulting in a gradual decrease in its maximum range. While Kia offered a battery warranty (typically 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, for the original owner), understanding the potential for reduced range as the vehicle ages is important for used car buyers.
- Interior Space: While the Soul's overall design is practical, the battery pack does intrude slightly into the rear cargo area compared to its gasoline counterpart, slightly reducing overall luggage capacity.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Kia Soul EV was a well-executed electric vehicle that brought the unique character of the Soul into the zero-emission realm. It offered a practical and stylish option for urban driving, characterized by its quiet operation, instant torque, and lower running costs. While its range and charging speeds might not appeal to everyone, for those seeking an eco-friendly, distinctive, and efficient compact car for daily commutes, the 2017 Kia Soul EV remained a commendable and enjoyable choice.
