The 2018 Kia Soul EV will come with some nice improvements, according to the latest reports. While the original model of this small crossover was available just with conventional gasoline and diesel aggregates, the second generation also comes as an electric vehicle. It came along with a standard model, three years ago. The new electric model was very well accepted, but the company wants to make it even better. For that occasion, we will see some improvements for the next year. It is confirmed that the 2018 Soul EV will come with a better battery and this could also provide some improvements in terms of performances. When it comes to the other aspects of the cars, it is hard to tell will the new model feature some novelties. Along with these new powertrain parts, we could also see some new visual details and some new standard features.
2018 Kia Soul EV powertrain
As we already mentioned, the 2018 Kia Soul EV will feature a new battery. To remind you, this electric vehicle uses power from a 30.5kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and CHAdeMO fast charging system. With some modifications, battery capacity will be increased to the 31.8 kWh. So, the effective capacity will also increase. According to some reports, it will go up to 30 kWh, compared to the current 27. The company did several modifications to achieve these numbers. They added 8 new cells, so the total number is now 200. This also added some weight, so the whole battery pack is now good for almost 580 pounds. Another nice addition that will also improve performances are new Michelin tires that feature reduced rolling resistance.
2018 Kia Soul EV performances
These modifications will improve performances of the 2018 Kia Soul EV. However, we don’t expect changes when it comes to the power. The new model will probably keep the same output, which is rated at 110 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. On the other side, we should see some nice improvement in terms of range. The current model is good for about 93 miles, according to EPA ratings. The 2018 Soul EV will come with a big improvement and go all away up to 118 miles. This also means a better economy. The current model features economy equal to 105 miles per gallon and the new model should be even better.
2018 Kia Soul EV redesign
The 2018 Kia Soul EV will come with nice improvements in terms of performances. On the other side, the base design will remain pretty much the same. We will see the same small crossover that rides on the same platform as popular Cee’d hatchback. The great thing about this is that the chassis is very modern. It features plenty of lightweight materials. Over 66% of its construction is made of HSS, which provides not only significant weight savings but also harder construction compared to the original. In terms of styling, 2018 Kia Soul EV remains pretty much the same as the model that came three years ago. Its design is pretty much the same as for the standard Soul, although there are many details that accentuate its “electric character”.
2018 Kia Soul EV features
The 2018 Kia Soul EV comes in several variants when it comes to equipment, but all of them are full of standard features. Pretty much all models feature things like 16-inch wheels, 8-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, a rearview camera and other. However, if you are for more luxury, there are things like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, premium audio system, front and rear parking sensors and many other premium features.
2018 Kia Soul EV release date and price
The 2018 Kia Soul EV will come later in the year. We don’t expect changes in price, so it should go in a range between 33.000 and 38.000 dollars. When it comes to the competition, this model will compete mostly with small electric hatchbacks, although it is basically a crossover. There are models like Chevrolet Bolt, Mercedes B-Class, VW e-Golf, Nissan Leaf and several other cars of different types.
