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2018 Soul EV's Leaked Range Isn't Impressive, But Kia Can Win With This Move

Leaked document shows the 2018 Kia Soul EV model's battery improvement, but not enough. Is there anything KIA can do to make it competitive? Yes, if it can make this simple step.
Kia Soul EV

In the past two years Kia Soul EV has had some minor trip changes, but nothing major. Now, a leaked specs of the 2018 Kia Soul EV, published by Kia-World, show that the 2018 Kia Soul EV will get 30 kWh battery and a range boost.

Current and Upcoming Range of Kia Soul EV

Currently the Kia Soul Ev gets 93 miles of range per charge. This is basically in par with currently-made Nissan Leafs. The upcoming 2018 Nissan Leaf will have 150 miles of range per charge. Now, the 2018 Kia Soul EV, thanks to the extra capacity of the new 30 kWh battery should get a better range. It should be beyond 100 miles per charge and probably the 2018 Kia Soul EV will get about 115 miles of range per charge.

This is not good enough for the Kia Soul to compete with Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model 3. The MSRP starts from $32,250. For that price you can get an entry level Model S or Nissan Leaf, which is less expensive.

Kia Should Lower Soul EV's Price

This suggestion came from EV advocate and owner David Herron, who has also contributed stories to TorqueNews.com. Here is what Herron thinks about the 30kWh Soul EV. He wrote this in Kia Soul EV public group on Facebook.

"This is based on a leak of a spec sheet in Germany showing that for the 2018 model Kia will add 8 more cells (bumping up battery voltage) and enabling the use of more of the capacity in the battery pack, increasing total usable capacity to 30 kWh. That should produce a range increase to about 115 miles EPA rating. That level of improvement isn't so good compared to what else is going on in the EV market. If Kia couples this modest battery increase with a price decrease then it would remain competitive on a cost/range basis. It's likely the debut of this model will occur at the Los Angeles auto show in November."

I agree with Herron. If Kia's new Soul EV is going to have only modest improvement in range and get only 115 miles per charge, Kia should definitely lower its price if it can. I know this may be difficult to do, depending on the cost of the production, but if Kia can significantly lower the price of the 2018 Kia Soul EV, then the vehicle will still be very competitive and relevant for city drivers.

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Comments

Frank Scarpine (not verified)    November 9, 2017 - 11:23AM

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I own a 2016 Soul EV and LOVE it. It rides like a champ and even though the miles are lower it compensates in different ways. You sit up higher in traffic, has more storage room and you can sit 4 people comfortably. One of the most comfortable vehicles I ever owned. The only complaint or bummer is, the A/C doesn't work to well. I believe it's a different type of system but it never really cools the vehicle once the outside temp hits 90.

Tom (not verified)    November 11, 2017 - 4:35AM

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I drive this car since 2015 and I will not give it away. It is a dream to drive. Just drove a GMC Yukon XL for 7 weeks...what a nightmare exept if you need this kind of space.
Your climate problem: Turn of "driver only" if it turned on. I do not have any problem

Deon (not verified)    March 15, 2018 - 1:28PM

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Hello , guys I’m looking to purchase a used 2016 soul ev. Do you guys have trouble using the app to pre cool and heat the car ? I live in Modesto ca and its very hot. How has you ev held up as far as range . My wife needs 50 miles a day . Thanks for the help .