As New Model Looms, Kia Drops Bare-bones Soul EV Trim

The sound you hear is more range coming to the Kia Soul EV, but it’s not here yet. As such, the electric version of Kia’s shockingly popular Soul remains pretty much unchanged for 2019, with one exception: you can’t get the least expensive version anymore.

For buyers living outside California, this change won’t mess with plans or cost anyone a cent. They couldn’t get their hands on one, anyway.

As noticed by CarsDirect, the Korean automaker has pulled the plug on the Soul EVe in California, leaving buyers in that key green car market with a choice of Base or Plus. Those trims carry MSRPs of $34,845 and $36,845, respectively. The (apparently hard to find) EVe went for $33,145.

Kia only sells its Soul EV in states conforming to California’s zero-emission vehicle mandate, so it doesn’t have blanket coverage. It remains a pretty rare sight. Part of the cute ute’s problem is the range afforded by its small 30 kWh battery pack. At 111 miles, is significantly less that other EVs. Even low-priced electrics now boast a larger driving radius — the second-generation Nissan Leaf, for example, gets 151 miles. Even the bargain basement Hyundai Ioniq Electric hatch is rated at 124 miles. Looks and cargo space are on the Soul’s side, however.

Despite the carryover year, Kia isn’t ignoring the model. A vastly updated Soul EV should appear for the 2020 model year. Recent spy photos taken in Europe show a disguised Soul test vehicle with a range of 437 kilometers displayed on the dash, and that’s with a 92 percent charge. That tentatively puts range at around 500 km, or 311 miles. For comparison, the Hyundai Kona Electric earns a 258-mile rating from the EPA, with the Chevrolet Bolt garnering a 238-mile rating.

[Image: Kia Motors]