2018 Kia Soul EV: A Practical and Stylish Electric Choice
The 2018 Kia Soul EV offered a compelling blend of distinctive styling, practicality, and electric propulsion, making it a noteworthy contender in the compact electric vehicle market. Building on the already popular and quirky Soul platform, the EV variant provided a zero-emission driving experience without sacrificing the everyday usability that made the standard Soul a success.
Highlights
- Powertrain: The 2018 Soul EV was powered by a 109-hp electric motor paired with a 30-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered instant torque for zippy acceleration from a standstill and a quiet, smooth driving experience. The estimated range was approximately 93 miles on a full charge, making it suitable for city commuting and shorter trips.
- Safety Features: Kia equipped the 2018 Soul EV with a suite of standard and available safety technologies designed to protect occupants and enhance driver awareness. Key features included:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This system helps prevent skidding and loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when it detects a loss of traction.
- Traction Control System (TCS): TCS prevents wheelspin during acceleration, ensuring better grip, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC): HAC prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when stopped on an incline, giving the driver ample time to transition from the brake to the accelerator.
- Antilock Braking System (ABS): ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Brake Assist System (BAS): BAS detects emergency braking situations and automatically applies maximum braking force to help shorten stopping distances.
- Available Blind Spot Detection (BSD): This system alerts the driver when a vehicle is detected in their blind spot, reducing the risk of lane-change collisions.
- Available Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): RCTA warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
- Trims: The 2018 Kia Soul EV was offered in two primary trims:
- Base: This trim provided the core electric vehicle experience with essential features for comfortable and safe driving.
- Exclaim (Exclaim): The Exclaim trim built upon the Base model, adding more premium amenities such as upgraded interior materials, enhanced infotainment options, and potentially some of the advanced driver-assistance systems mentioned above.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Regenerative Braking: The Soul EV featured regenerative braking, which captures energy normally lost during deceleration and braking and uses it to recharge the battery, thereby extending the vehicle's range. Drivers could often select different levels of regenerative braking to suit their driving style.
- Distinctive Design: The iconic, boxy styling of the Soul was retained, offering a unique and eye-catching presence on the road. This distinctive look set it apart from many other EVs.
- Practical Interior: Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Soul EV boasted a surprisingly spacious and versatile interior, with ample headroom and a usable cargo area.
What to Expect
Ownership of a 2018 Kia Soul EV typically involves a straightforward and cost-effective experience. As an electric vehicle, routine maintenance is significantly reduced compared to gasoline-powered cars. You can expect:
- Lower Maintenance Costs: The absence of an internal combustion engine means no oil changes, spark plug replacements, or exhaust system repairs. The primary maintenance items are typically limited to tire rotations, brake inspections (though regenerative braking reduces wear), cabin air filter replacements, and checking the electric powertrain components.
- Charging Infrastructure: To maximize the benefits of EV ownership, access to a charging solution is essential. This could be a Level 1 charger (using a standard household outlet, which is slower) or a Level 2 charger (requiring professional installation but significantly faster). Many owners opt for home charging to ensure a full battery each morning. Public charging stations are also an option for longer journeys.
- Insurance: Insurance premiums for the 2018 Soul EV will vary based on your driving record, location, and chosen coverage. However, EVs are often comparable in cost to similar gasoline-powered vehicles, and in some cases, may even be slightly lower due to fewer mechanical parts. It's always advisable to get quotes from multiple insurance providers.
- Driving Experience: Expect a quiet and responsive driving experience. The instant torque from the electric motor makes for eager acceleration, and the low center of gravity contributes to composed handling. The regenerative braking system, while efficient, can take a short period to adjust to for some drivers.
Potential Considerations
While the 2018 Kia Soul EV offers many advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks or factors buyers should be aware of:
- Limited Electric Range: With an EPA-estimated range of around 93 miles, the 2018 Soul EV is best suited for urban commuting and shorter daily drives. For those who frequently travel long distances or live in areas with limited charging infrastructure, the range may be a significant concern.
- Charging Speed: While Level 2 charging is feasible, the battery capacity means that even with a Level 2 charger, replenishing a significant portion of the battery will take several hours. DC fast charging capabilities were not a prominent feature for this model year, meaning longer trips would require more careful planning around charging stops.
- Battery Degradation: Like all electric vehicles, the Soul EV's battery will experience some degradation over time, meaning its maximum range will gradually decrease. Kia offered a battery warranty to address this concern for a certain period or mileage.
- Ride Quality: While generally comfortable, some reviewers noted that the ride quality could be a bit firm over rougher road surfaces, a characteristic sometimes found in smaller EVs.
Overall Summary
The 2018 Kia Soul EV presented a compelling option for individuals seeking an eco-friendly and practical compact car. Its distinctive styling, user-friendly interior, and enjoyable electric driving characteristics made it a charming choice for urban dwellers and those with predictable daily commutes. While its electric range and charging speed were moderate by today's standards, for its time, it represented a solid entry into the EV market, offering a practical and stylish way to embrace electric mobility with the reliability and value associated with the Kia brand.