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

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

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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