The good news is that the new Kia Soul Electric car will be available to order early 2020. Unfortunately, the bad news is that the current Soul EV model which has proven to be a popular electric vehicle choice for many (including the DriveElectric team!), will no longer be available. Now all we can do is wait with excitement, and as much patience as we can muster for the new model to arrive.
After the new model’s debut at the LA Motor Show along with the release of the specifications in November 2018, we now know there is plenty to look forward to. We think this new model will be well positioned to be another crowd pleaser.
Let’s start with the most important one, the updated battery powertrain. The new Kia Soul EV (set to be renamed the ‘e-Soul’) will use the same 64kWh battery that the Kia e-Niro and sister brand’s top EV the Hyundai Kona Electric both use. The e-Soul will also feature four drive modes, along with smart regenerative braking capable of adding extra range to the car.
The new 2020 model comes with a much-improved range due to the bigger 64kWh battery. This electric car is still undergoing range testing but is expected to travel around 230 miles per charge, which is nearly double the ‘real world’ range of the previous 2018 model. (We will update you with the official WLTP range when it is formally released later this year). For more information on EV range take a look at our guide: Electric vehicle range: Everything you need to know
The e-Soul also will also have DC fast charging capability which will top up the battery in a short time. To gain 80% battery on a rapid charger you should expect it to take around an hour and on a standard wall box home charger it will take just over 9 hours to charge from flat to full.
The 2020 e-Soul is revamped with a sporty looking new exterior which still stays loyal to its boxy roots. It has a unique updated style (but only for the electric version) that provides the e-Soul with a flair of its own. The distinctive design features include restyled front and rear bumpers, new styled LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels. Not forgetting the new bold colours the car comes in. Delicious!
This new e-Soul is built with plenty of gadgets and tech. Some of the features that will be available include 10.5 inch colour touchscreen with rear view monitor and parking guidance. The car has a 6-speaker audio system with the ability to connect your phone to the Apple Car Play and Android Auto, it also has wireless Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition. It’s also equipped with Kia’s “Drive Wise” which includes assistance technology helping you have a safer drive on the road, assistance includes lane departure, forward collision and driver attention warnings.
The ‘Designer Collection’ Version of the new model comes with a few extras including a sound system upgrade, heated front seats, wireless phone charging and power folding exterior mirrors.
We are hoping to have pricing for this model early in 2020 – to stay informed in the meantime Join the DriveElectric newsletter for our latest offers and news updates:
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