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Posted 25 March 2025
The Kia Soul EV made history as one of Kia’s first fully electric vehicles, combining quirky design with cutting-edge technology.
Launched as a trailblazing urban crossover, the Soul EV evolved through multiple iterations, offering increasingly advanced features and a longer electric range.
From its UK debut to the one-of-a-kind Boardmasters Edition, the Soul EV cemented its place as a key player in Kia’s electric vehicle journey. As production of the Soul EV has ended, its spirit lives on in the all-new Kia EV3.
First introduced to the UK market in 2014, the original Kia Soul EV marked a bold step forward in electric mobility. Retaining the distinctive boxy design of its petrol-powered counterpart, the Soul EV delivered zero-emissions driving with a practical range of 132 miles (NEDC-rated). A 27kWh lithium-ion battery powered its electric motor, offering 109bhp and instant torque, making city driving both smooth and responsive.
The Soul EV was praised for its comfort, spacious interior, and regenerative braking system, which helped maximise range. Charging was flexible, with standard AC charging and DC rapid charging capabilities, allowing an 80% charge in just 33 minutes.
The next major evolution arrived in 2020, with the launch of the second-generation Kia Soul EV. Unlike its predecessor, this model was exclusively electric in Europe, reflecting Kia’s growing commitment to EV technology.
This new iteration featured a 64kWh battery pack, dramatically improving range to 280 miles (WLTP), a figure that rivalled many higher-priced EVs at the time. The new 150kW (201bhp) electric motor delivered instant acceleration, while the car’s bold design remained, now with sharper lines, LED lighting, and a closed front grille to enhance aerodynamics.
Inside, the Soul EV was packed with technology, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen with UVO CONNECT, a Harman/Kardon® premium sound system, and a head-up display. Advanced driver assistance systems such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Smart Cruise Control were fitted as standard, ensuring safety-matched performance.
In 2021, Kia introduced the Soul EV ‘Maxx’, replacing the ‘First Edition’ model. The ‘Maxx’ retained the 64kWh battery and 280-mile range but introduced the refreshed Kia logo and a selection of new paint options, including the striking Inferno Red with a Black roof.
By this point, the Soul EV had established itself as a practical, fun, and stylish alternative to more conventionally designed electric crossovers.
One of the most exciting moments in the Soul EV’s history came in 2021, when Kia UK unveiled the Soul EV Boardmasters Edition. Created as a one-off model to celebrate Kia’s partnership with the Boardmasters surfing and music festival in Cornwall, this car was a radical reimagining of the Soul EV.
Originally a pre-production model destined for scrappage, the Boardmasters Edition was instead transformed into a rugged, beach-ready EV, complete with:
Retaining the standard 64kWh battery and 201bhp motor, the Boardmasters Edition showcased how the Soul EV’s electric platform could be adapted for adventurous lifestyles. It was a true one-off, exhibited at Boardmasters 2021 before taking its place as a standout creation in Kia’s history.
In 2022, Kia expanded the Soul EV range with two distinct models:
This move provided buyers with greater choice, catering to those who needed an affordable city EV as well as those who required long-distance capability.
By 2024, the Kia Soul EV had reached the end of its journey, with Kia shifting focus to its next-generation electric models. The newly unveiled Kia EV3 takes over as Kia’s compact electric crossover, built on the dedicated E-GMP platform and featuring ultra-fast 800V charging technology.
While the Soul EV is no longer part of Kia’s lineup, its impact is undeniable. As one of the brand’s first widely available electric vehicles, it paved the way for models like the e-Niro, EV6, and EV9. Its unique design, impressive range, and practical features helped to shape Kia’s EV future, one that is now moving forward with the groundbreaking EV3.
The Kia Soul EV’s journey, from its pioneering debut to its adventurous Boardmasters Edition and its final model updates, reflects Kia’s rapid progress in electric mobility. While the Soul EV may now be a part of history, its legacy continues as Kia pushes forward with a bold new generation of electric vehicles.
