Kia has added a new trim level for the 2016 Soul EV, which lowers the price of the vehicle by $2,000. There’s a catch, however: the Soul EV-e model is only available in California.
The other states in which the Soul EV is available (Georgia, Hawaii, Oregon, Texas and Washington) will continue to offer only two trim levels – Soul EV and Soul EV+.
The new Soul EV-e model offers a long list of standard equipment at a lower price point, while the Soul EV+ continues as the range-topping trim and is further enhanced for 2016 with the addition of the Sun & Fun Package.
In addition, all Kia Soul EV models get additional standard features for 2016 including a charge port nozzle lock, an illuminated Aux/USB port and two new exterior colors: Shadow Black and Bright Silver.
Priced from $32,775 ($25,275 if the federal tax credit is deducted), the new Soul EV-e model offers a long list of standard features including a DC fast charge port, 6.6-killowatt onboard charger, 3.5-inch OLED Supervision cluster, smart key with push button start and a driver-only ventilation function that closes the passenger vents to help maximize efficiency based on vehicle occupancy. The Soul EV-e also includes heated front seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and FlexSteer.
However, compared to the $34,775 Soul EV, it lacks a battery-heating system, heat-pump HVAC, navigation system, backup camera, UVO EV connectivity services, cargo screen, and turn-signal side mirrors.
For 2016, the popular Soul EV+ gains a new available Sun & Fun Package, which includes a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting and speaker lights that pulse to the beats of the six-speaker audio system. Standard EV+ features include ventilated front passenger seats, heated rear outboard seats, leather trimmed seats, front and rear Park Assist, and power folding mirrors.
Nothing changes from a technical point of view, with the Soul EV offering an EPA estimated range of 93 miles (150 km) from its 27-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
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