Test: Kia SOUL EV

You do not have to be different in order to do something different. You do not have to do without something if you decide otherwise. You do not really have to be crazy if you choose a combination that seems to be at an angle. Like the cube of KIA, the SOUL and then also as E-variant.

Driving report: KIA SOUL EV

E-mobile with edge

For some time now, KIA has been offering a special variant of the already completely different SOUL. A purely electrical variant. After the test of the petrol variant, it was clear to us that the square SOUL was already a completely weird alternative to the classics. That it could be even cooler - should be certain after the two weeks with the E version. Some call him smart. One city car the other. We say: A theoretical range of over 200 kilometers is a good start! And no, it is neither a suburban car, nor a pure city car. It's commuter luck!

Unobtrusive conspicuous?

It was noticeable how inconspicuous the Soul EV seems to be. Inquisitive glances from schoolchildren at the roadside: none, other eye-catchers - nada. The Korean, painted in light blue and white, is a very conspicuous, almost visually loud appearance. The passer-by does not, of course, notice that he drives electrically. Other cars are also parked at the traffic lights without the engine running and moving quietly through traffic-calmed zones. With the latter, the Soul reveals the same weakness as its conventionally powered counterparts. You just can't hear him coming. The chassis of the Soul is tight and the 18-inch light alloy wheels of the test car are not really good for rolling comfort. Instead the batteries placed in the basement of the Soul. Lower center of gravity and all that.

Zero emissions, 100 percent lifestyle

The electric motor produces 110 hp (81,4 kW) and has 285 Nm of torque. The front wheels are driven via a reduction gear. The word has gotten around that electric cars are agile. And you also like to drive the SOUL EV in stop-and-go. When it comes to range, “up to 212 kilometers” is on the E-Soul’s plus side. The Soul stores its power in a lithium-ion polymer high-performance battery that Kia developed together with SK Innovation. The battery is based on battery cells with an energy density of 200 Wh/kg. Its capacity is 27 kWh.

11,2 on 100 and 145 km / h top speed

The Kia SOUL EV can be either fully charged with the standard on-board charger (6,6 kW AC) to a corresponding 230 volt connection in just four to five hours, or, if time is of the essence, charge via ChaDeMo. Here, the battery can be charged to 50 percent in only 33 minutes on an 80 kW fast charging station (Version Play only). On 100 kilowatt stations, which are only occasionally available in Germany, this load time is reduced to 25 minutes.

Ecopoints for karma

The on-board computer awards the ecopoints in order to educate the driver to use resources calmly and economically. If you use the “B” position of the gearbox, the Soul EV brakes sharply every time you lift the accelerator and returns the energy generated by the generator to the battery. If you lazily stay in automatic level “D”, there is less braking and the reverse thrust into the memory is correspondingly smaller. Normal driving within the urban speed limits, including longer waiting phases at red lights, walking pace and a few very courageous sprints at yellow lights result in two miserable points on the eco-scale symbolized by a green tree in the central 8-inch display. You can probably also score eight points. All it takes is a little “ambition”.

Incredibly good meanwhile: The entire look and feel of the KIA Soul. The infotainment system convinces with extensive information frenzy with successful UX logic. The materials in the interior also look well processed and valuable. That you drive a Korean here - rather unreal. Every ride in the SOUL EV becomes a revelation. It doesn't really take more. Even the 160 km, which is realistic in everyday life, are sufficient. If the energy density of the battery increases in the next generation just as it does with the competition, then 300 km will no longer be an option. And why exactly should you still use the petrol variant?

More karma points

Speaking of convincing: When it comes to the equipment, the Koreans don't spoil themselves. From air conditioning to navigation systems to reversing cameras, everything is already on board ex works. The only optional extra is a comfort package for 990 euros. It includes seat covers in partial leather, Seat ventilation in front, rear seat heating and parking sensors. In terms of air conditioning Kia has come up with a lot. Thus, the automatic allows only the driver's seat to cool, or to temper, if only this is occupied. And in favor of the higher feel-good factor, seat and steering wheel heating are standard. The heating element can be switched off in favor of more range, without affecting the ventilation. But you should select summer and winter the right temperature, if the car is still hanging on the charging cable.

And finally ...

The KIA SOUL EV is a demonstration of why it's worth thinking off the beaten track. The angular box offers a fabulous feeling of space, great equipment, good workmanship and that “certain extra differentness” and combines it in the electric version with a car that can be driven with zero emissions. Anyone who draws electricity from their own roof should think more quickly than before - out of the box, so to speak!

Karma-point Hunters

Because being different can be good too

Alternative to: BMW i3, Nissan Leaf, Renault ZOE
Match with: Homeowners and commuters with electricity at the parking lot.
That convinces: That difference can be so “normal”.

All technical data of the KIA SOUL EV:

The vehicle registration for the KIA SOUL EV:

All photos: Diana Habegger