2020 Kia Soul EV Gets 243-Mile Range Rating From EPA

The 2020 Kia Soul EV now has an official EPA range rating: 243 miles (391 km).

The 2020 Soul was unveiled at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. At the time, Kia didn’t reveal the vehicle’s range, stating only that it features a 64 kWh battery paired to an electric motor with 201 hp and 291 lb-ft (392 Nm) of torque.

With an electric range of 243 miles, the Soul EV edges out the 239-mile certified Niro EV as the longest-range EV in Kia’s family. The Niro EV is rated at 239 miles. However, the longest-range vehicle from the Hyundai and Kia family remains the 258-mile Hyundai Kona. The range of the new Soul EV is also a huge improvement over the 111 miles (178 km) of the first-generation electric Soul.

Compared to its rivals, the Kia Soul EV is at the top of its game. For example, the Nissan Leaf E+ has a 226-mile range while the Bolt EV’s range sits at 238 miles.

One of the key features of its electric powertrain is the inclusion of a smart regenerative braking system. This feature is operated through the paddle shifters and allows drivers to slow down the car and capture kinetic energy to boost range. Kia has also implemented a Brake and Hold and a Smart Regen system that adjust the regenerative braking level based on a vehicle being detected in front.

The Niro EV offers four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Eco+. These are pretty much self explanatory and automatically adjust power output, regenerative braking, air conditioning/heating settings, and sets speed limits to manage the powertrain’s efficiency according to the driver’s preferences.