2015 Kia Soul EV
Kia's Soul hits high note with electric plug-in
By Dave Boe
Kia's funky Soul has driven to its own beat since its 2009 debut. The boxy, compact, five-door hatchback enjoys wide-appeal popularity thanks in part to hip-hop hamsters hired for on-line videos, television commercials and much-hyped personal appearances. The gerbil effect helped catapult Soul beyond just a niche product; it's Kia's second-best selling vehicle behind the mid-size Optima sedan.
During the 2014 Chicago Auto Show last February, Kia presented the world debut of the 2015 Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) with electrified Chicago Blues plucking away during the early morning media preview. It's the first-ever pure electric transport from the South Korean automaker. Mark your calendars; the 2015 edition of the auto show begins Saturday, February 14 (yes, Valentine's Day) continuing through Sunday, February 22.
Although unveiled in the Midwest, early sales start on the left and right coasts. California and Oregon received initial shipments this past fall while Maryland, New York and New Jersey have dibs out east starting the first quarter of 2015. After several prods, Kia remained mum about sharing a Chicago-area arrival time; so, 'stay tuned.'
Nissan's all-electric Leaf, currently the best-selling pure electric vehicle in the world, is sold in all 50 states and a key competitor to the upstart front-wheel-drive Kia Soul EV.
Rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery packs consisting of 192 cells power electric motors for this tall-standing five-door wagon/crossover. Stored in flat housing under the passenger-compartment floor, this design allows second-row 60/40 seats to be folded down, expanding the cargo region. Many first-generation plug-in hybrids housed battery packs behind second-row seats.
Lithium-ion batteries power most cell phones and portable lap tops. As with a cellular phones, Soul EV needs periodic charging to keep and maintain meaningful power.
Also adding to the power grid, an advanced regenerative braking system (with four selectable modes) capturing kinetic energy during coasts or brake pedal engagements.
While plug-in hybrid vehicles including the Ford C-Max and Ford Fusion hybrid require similar electrical charging, all include a secondary internal combustion engine for an extended travel ranges surpassing 300 miles. With many pure electrics cars, driving range remains below 100 miles after a full charge and keep in mind: air conditioners and other power draws greatly influence projected estimates downward.
Kia Soul EV provides two sets of range estimates within information windows: one with climate controls in action, and one switched off. Turning off electric-sapping functions adds up to about eight miles of estimated range.
According to EPA numbers, Kia Soul EV averages 93 miles from a fully-charged battery surpassing the all-electric Nissan Leaf ($29,010). During testing, a full-charge never registered higher than 85 miles; the difference attributed to several factors including driving style and kinetic energy yet to be added back to the battery pack.
Technology comes with a weight gain. The EV variant adds more than 400 pounds to the gas-exclusive version.
How many hours does a full charge take? That depends upon wall socket oomph. During our week of testing, a common 120-volt household outlet (also known as 'Level 1') led the charge. Kia estimates a charge time of between 15 and 30 hours to fully replenish from an exhausted battery, utilizing a 120-volt outlet. A long, Level 1 charging cord comes standard.
Another option involves utilizing a 240-volt (Level 2) outlet, the type most home-based washing machines employ. Estimated charging time from a depleted battery is a more palatable five hours. Three partnering aftermarket companies (Bosch, Leviton and Aerovironment) have teamed with Kia to install aftermarket, in-home Level 2 ports ranging in price from $500 to $1,500 depending upon existing rebate opportunities.
A more intriguing option is a direct current (DC) fast charging system, utilizing a thumping 480 volts. Not usually found in conventional homes (including mine), a fast charger cuts time drastically. Kia estimates an exhausted battery can reach an 80 percent full charge in 33 minutes. These DC fast chargers can be found at select public sites around the country, clustered mostly on the west coast. Installation and investment ranges anywhere between $10,000 and $90,000.
Soul EV positions two illuminated plug-in receptacles behind a narrow rectangular door that when closed, serves as front grille panel. One port accepts Level 1 and Level 2 charges. The second, designed for high-speed DC charge.
The long serpentine extension connecting Soul EV to the power source is stowed in a compartment under the cargo area's flat floor when not in use, taking the spot once home to a conventional spare tire.
Our fresh-faced 2015 Soul EV tester arrived with only 800 previously driven odometer miles. The first test spin lasted 13 miles before arriving back home. According to the on-board info window, a 13 miles drive would take slightly more than two-and-a-half hours to replenish with a Level 1 charge.
During a trip over the DuPage River and through Churchill Woods from Glen Ellyn to Oak Park, EV luck was illuminating brightly. A Walgreens parking lot along Madison Avenue featured 240-volt Level 2 charging station. In less than 40 minutes, 20 miles of driving range was replenished while shopping and a short visit with kin folk.
The on-board UVO software provides a constantly updating listing and distance away of the nearest public charging station (more than 200 throughout Chicagoland) via the center multi-function screen. Some area Walgreen's (Palatine, Addison, and Oak Park) sport 240-volt (Level 2) ports with designated EV parking spots. The drug store chain boasts 800 stations nationwide. As discovered during testing, some ports offer complimentary plug-ins, others require fantastic plastic.
Once behind the three-spoke tilt (no telescoping) steering wheel and pushing the standard electronic start button near the floor-mounted gear selector, expect an eerie silence from under the hood. However, chimes chirp when starting and ending a drive, an audio reminder of the vehicles on/off status. Despite the absence of gasoline engine, the accelerator pedal provided more than enough passing and merging power.
Two EV trims are available: Base and Plus (designated '+'). Base models start at $33,700 and '+' trims add $2,000 for leather seating, front and rear parking assist, power folding outside mirrors and front fog lights. With no factory-installed options or combo packages, the selection process remains straight forward. In-dash navigation and a five-year subscription to Sirius Satellite radio and UVO applications come standard in both trims.
While the Soul EV's $33,700 starting price stands considerably higher than its gas-engine counterpart, plenty of enticing incentives abound. Soul easily qualifies for the Federal government's $7,500 alternative-fuel tax credit, reflected when filing personal income tax forms.
Illinois offers its own separate rebate driving down the costs further through its 'Illinois Alternative Fuels Rebate program' first begun in 1998. For all pure electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf or Kia Soul EV, the state of Illinois offers a rebate amount based on 10 percent of the base list price. In the case of the Soul EV with a base price of $33,700, the Illinois rebate would amount to 3,370. This specific Illinois rebate program has a top ceiling of $4,000.
The center multi-purpose information eight-inch touch screen plays a pivotal role. Selecting the green eco mode icon brings up a quick reference guide listing not only estimated driving range (in miles) but the approximate charging time (in minutes and hours) utilizing either 120 volt or 240 volt outlets.
Soul EV, as with the conventional gas-powered version, provides gobs of front headroom. Good noggin room awaits row two travelers also. While promotional literature likes to shoehorn three riders in back, two travel in optimal comfort. However, three tweens or preteens could manage, and that's a big achievement. The current first generation
Chevrolet Volt seats only four (Gen 2 due out in the 2016 model year expands capacity to five). Volt is not a pure Electric vehicle, but an 'extended range' car with a backup gasoline engine utilized after its lithium-ion battery expires.
Estimated driving miles also get listed in the instrument panel within a three-quarter left-side circle. A right-side digital speedometer receives similar three-quarter framing to the right. A center information window includes audio information and other toggle windows controlled via a steering wheel button. All too often, these information tidbits proved an irresistible temptation when eyes should have been focused ahead.
Our tester boasted 'white' enhancements specific to the pure electric trim: a long, flat white roof and white side-view mirror accents. Another two-tone choice includes shadow black with red roof and red side-view mirrors. Rather than broadcast its electric status, Soul takes a more measured approach with relatively diminutive 'Soul EV' badging on side fenders and hatch door. With a passing glance, most casual observers would not suspect the all-electric hardware lurking under the urban-inspired outer shell. The hinged-at-the-top hatchback gets framed with long vertical tail light housing.
Electric vehicles currently make a strong case for a second-car option for suburban Chicago families. Driving range and a limited number of charging stations (both of which will increase steadily in coming years) still need upward tweaking before it's a comfortable choice as a sole transport. Just wish the 2015 Soul EV arrives in Chicagoland sooner rather than later; it impresses on many levels.
2015 Kia Soul EV
Price as tested: $33,700
Battery: Lithium-ion polymer
Horsepower: 109
Range estimate: 93 miles
Length: 163 inches
Wheelbase: 101.2 inches
Height: 63 inches
Curb weight: 3,289 pounds
Powertrain/Battery warranty: 10-years/100,000
Assembly: South Korea