2016 Kia Soul EV
Kia has added a new
trim level for the 2016 Soul EV, which lowers the price of the vehicle by US$ 2,000. There’s a catch, however: the Soul EV-e model is only available in
California.
The other states in
which the Soul EV is available (Georgia, Hawaii, Oregon, Texas and Washington)
will continue to offer only two trim levels - Soul EV and Soul EV+.
The new Soul EV-e model
offers a long list of standard equipment at a lower price point, while the Soul
EV+ continues as the range-topping trim and is further enhanced for 2016 with
the addition of the Sun & Fun Package.
In addition, all Kia
Soul EV models get additional standard features for 2016 including a charge
port nozzle lock, an illuminated Aux/USB port and two new exterior colors: Shadow
Black and Bright Silver.
Priced from US$ 32,775
(US$ 25,275 if the federal tax credit is deducted), the new Soul EV-e model offers
a long list of standard features including a DC fast charge port, 6.6-killowatt
onboard charger, 3.5-inch OLED Supervision cluster, smart key with push button
start and a driver-only ventilation function that closes the passenger vents to
help maximize efficiency based on vehicle occupancy. The Soul EV-e also
includes heated front seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and
FlexSteer.
However, compared to
the US$ 34,775 Soul EV, it lacks a battery-heating system, heat-pump HVAC,
navigation system, backup camera, UVO EV connectivity services, cargo screen,
and turn-signal side mirrors.
For 2016, the popular
Soul EV+ gains a new available Sun & Fun Package, which includes a
panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting and speaker lights that pulse to the
beats of the six-speaker audio system. Standard EV+ features include ventilated
front passenger seats, heated rear outboard seats, leather trimmed seats, front
and rear Park Assist, and power folding mirrors.
Nothing changes from a
technical point of view, with the Soul EV offering an EPA estimated range of 93
miles (150 km) from its 27-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
