2022 Kia Soul EV gains new entry-level battery option
For the first time, two battery sizes are available in the Soul EV, with the new 39.2kWh battery offering 171 miles of range
![Kia Soul EV Urban 39.2kWh](https://media.drivingelectric.com/image/private/s---CQHumZD--/f_auto,t_primary-image-mobile@1/v1664542858/autoexpress/2022/09/Kia%20Soul%20EV%20facelift%202022-3.jpg)
The Kia Soul EV is now available with two battery sizes for the first time, making it a more versatile option for buyers looking for a funky electric crossover. Previously available with just a 64kWh battery, entry-level models now feature a 39.2kWh battery, with two trim levels available as well.
Fitting a smaller battery has reduced the price of the base Soul EV, which now starts from £32,795. Considering the sole model offered up until now cost £34,995, that’s a useful decrease that brings the Soul closer to rivals such as the Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Mokka-e and Hyundai Kona Electric.
The 39.2kWh battery is the same one that’s fitted in the Kona Electric. In the Soul EV, it’s good for a 171-mile range, but Kia says that up to 252 miles on a charge is achievable if you only drive around town.
Meanwhile, cars with the 64kWh battery offer 280 miles of range, or a huge 402 miles in town, according to Kia. Cars with the smaller battery also get a less powerful 134bhp electric motor for a 0-62mph time of 9.9 seconds; the 201bhp motor fitted to larger-battery examples cuts the acceleration time to 7.9 seconds.
![Kia Soul EV Explore 64kWh](https://media.drivingelectric.com/image/private/s---AJBPu7z--/f_auto,t_content-image-mobile@1/v1664542857/autoexpress/2022/09/Kia%20Soul%20EV%20facelift%202022-2.jpg)
Both versions can fast-charge at 80kW, with a 0-80% top-up taking 54 minutes. From a 7kW home wallbox, fully recharging the smaller battery model takes just over six hours, compared to around nine-and-a-half hours for those fitted with the 64kWh unit. Using a domestic three-pin socket – an emergency option for most buyers – takes 18 hours and 29 hours respectively.
With the new battery comes a new trim level structure. The 39kWh battery gets Kia’s ‘Urban’ trim level, featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a reversing camera, cloth upholstery and an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard driver aids include adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.
The ‘Explore’ trim is exclusively available with the 64kWh battery, and replaces the current ‘Maxx’ trim. It gets a larger touchscreen with sat nav and Kia Connect live services, plus auto wipers, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery. It adds extra safety features in the form of blind-spot monitoring and Kia’s Safe Exit Warning, and you also get an SUV pack with more rugged looks and roof rails. Explore costs £38,995 before options.
The ‘free’ colour for both versions is Mars Orange, with single-tone paint costing £595 for the Urban edition. Explore versions get a two-tone paint scheme, with optional colours costing £745.
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