2022 Kia Soul EV gains new entry-level battery option

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.

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.