2015 Kia Soul EV Coming To US With $33K Price Tag

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Looking for an EV that doesn’t cost Tesla money or resemble a jelly bean? Then Kia might just have what you need with its electrified version of the Soul when it arrives in showrooms later this year.

AutoblogGreen reports the compact EV — the South Korean automaker’s first such mass-market offering — will enter showrooms with a base MSRP of $33,700 before the $7,500 federal tax rebate is applied. The price of admission places the Soul EV above the Nissan Leaf ($28,980), but just below the Volkswagen e-Golf ($35,445).

The base model — dubbed Base — brings a 6.6kW on-board charger and an “exclusive” HVAC system designed to maintain the vehicle’s 93-mile range “by minimizing energy draw.” The UVO eServices system, which provides in-car and — via the UVO app — smartphone info on range and were to pull over for a charge, comes standard. Other amenities available include Bluetooth, rear-camera display, cruise control and power windows.

Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line + — or Plus — model adds heated leather-trimmed seats, fog lights and power-folding mirrors, all for a starting price of $35,700 MSRP pre-rebate.

For those who would rather lease, Kia is offering an introductory $249/month rate for 36 months on the Soul EV Base with $1,999 down. Either way, the crossover will only be available in a few California markets, with expansion planned down the road.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • SCE to AUX SCE to AUX on Sep 12, 2014

    The blue Soul EV in the picture could be a candidate to replace the Leaf next year, if it appears in western Pennsylvania. It has similar specs to the Leaf, except it's larger inside.

    • See 1 previous
    • Petezeiss Petezeiss on Sep 12, 2014

      @Dr. Kenneth Noisewater "What an embarrassingly slow slug." Well, plenty good for me. And I would take your scorn as a compliment.

  • Sco Sco on Sep 12, 2014

    It doesn't cost Tesla money but it also doesn't have a 300 mile range. Both my wife and I would love to go electric but given that we both drive places roughly 50 miles away on a regular basis, this Soul is not the answer. When can I get an affordable electric with even a 200 mile range?

  • Bd2 Bd2 on Sep 12, 2014

    While pricey (that's to be expected for this current crop of EVs), the lease deal isn't too bad (or purchase with the tax rebates). But EVs like the Soul won't really start to take off (in urban/metro areas) until they get the range up to around 150 miles and the price further down - which might just very well happen for the nex gen of EVs. One demerit to the EV Soul over its gas sibling is that the plastic grill cover makes the front look ungainly. In other Soul "news", there is talk of an addition of a more powerful engine (1.6T) and maybe even AWD (probably won't happen until the next gen model).

  • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Sep 12, 2014

    I don't like the look of the grille on this Soul EV. It's a pity that a company is forced to manufacture a vehicle at a loss, then have the vehicle subsidised to the consumer to sell them. America is obviously not ready for EVs and Hybrids. I wonder how would sell without all of those ridiculous subsidies and regulations. When the vehicles can be sold without any assistance, then and only then should they be manufactured or if a manufacturer builds them, then it's there decision not some dumb regulation. Remember it's the taxpayers making this possible. The many are paying for the privileged few who buy these vehicles.

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