Learn more about the Kia SOUL EV
Kia has increased the battery life from its previous incarnation of the Soul EV which now provides up to 280 miles between charges and plugging it into a 77kW charging point can take the battery from 0 to 80% in around 40 minutes.
The Kia Soul is a great car to drive, feeling agile and nippy in an urban environment, yet tremendously quiet when driven at speeds on a motorway. It comes with a choice of driving modes and, thanks to its regenerative braking system, you’ll find you hardly need to use the brake pedal.
The car comes with the same bold styling that made the regular Soul such a smash hit, here in the UK. It also comes with a decent range and intuitive technology, making it one of the most attractive electric cars on the market.
In fact, the brand new Kia Soul only comes with electric power here in Blighty, with the petrol powered versions no longer hopping over the channel.
At Glance Kia SOUL EV Review
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Kia SOUL EV trim options
When choosing to buy a used Kia Soul EV it is important to understand that the majority of the models you’ll find on the used market will be first-generation models with a range around 100 miles. To buy a second-generation more modern Kia Soul EV you will need to look for one built after 2020.
About Kia SOUL EV
When the Kia Soul EV was originally launched in 2014 it was one of the first of its kind on the market in the UK, but sales were hindered by its limited range, its high price and the scarcity of electric vehicle charging points across the country.
Originally sold alongside conventional powered Souls, the electric version was among the front-runners in the EV revolution, and an early adopter of CCS rapid charging. As such, range was limited by its 30KWh battery, which was about the same as the 2017 Nissan Leaf.
Brief History of the Kia SOUL EV
A prototype of the Soul EV was first tested by Kia back in 2013 and by November of that year the company announced that they would be selling the Soul EV.
Unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show of 2014 this first-generation Soul EV was designed to copy the looks and styling of the second-generation petrol and diesel Kia Soul. It joined its petrol and diesel stablemates on UK roads later that year.
The second-generation Kia Soul EV has been seen as a major upgrade on the original car and is now the only version of the Soul available to buy in Europe, Kia having done away with the fossil fuel versions.
Why Buy a Used Kia SOUL EV?
If you’re looking for an affordable daily runabout with a quirky, fashionable face, the Soul EV is the one to pick. It has charm in spades and a tonne of character.
EV Soul’s were often very highly specified, so you get plenty of tech and toys, even in lower trims.
Kia SOUL EV 5 most frequently asked questions
Kia provides all of their cars with a 7-year or 100,000 miles warranty that covers most of the car and includes the battery.
Sadly, the Plug-in Grant has now been discontinued in the UK.
Thanks to modern electric vehicle battery technology, it can take as little as 42 minutes to recharge the battery from 20 to 80% when using a 100kW DC charger. The car itself can take up to 77KWs of power.
The Kia Soul EV along with Kia’s other popular electric car the e-Niro uses the Combined Charging System (CCS) connector that allows for slow, fast and rapid charging where necessary.
In the UK it is Pod Point that is Kia’s preferred partner when it comes to domestic charging points. They have also invested money in Ionity the rapid charge company but the Soul can charge at any point with a standard AC plug or CCS plug, for rapid charging.
What Should I Look for When Financing a Kia SOUL EV?
With an eye-catching design and fantastic build quality and good practicality, there is much to like about the Kia Soul EV. Older models do have a decent range but may be better suited to urban users, but the second-generation models come with faster charging and a much better range.
Due to high demand, almost-new models have managed to hold their value particularly well, and with that in mind, it might be a good idea to look for new models so you can benefit from low depreciation. Older models are likely to be available for approximately £10k making them a great value electric car for first-time buyers.
Used Kia SOUL EV Finance
If you are looking to buy a used Kia Soul EV then your first port of call should be ChooseMyCar.com where you can buy cars on Hire Purchase (HP), via Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or on a lease contract. Our car finance options allow you to purchase a quality used vehicle without the need to pay the full price in advance.
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