Another small electric car is about to leave the market. A week after General Motors announced the end of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, we learn that Kia will discontinue the Soul EV at the end of the 2023 model year.
The news was confirmed at Car guide by a Kia Canada representative. Remember that this model was not offered in the United States since the arrival of the second generation in 2020.
The gasoline-powered Soul, which received aesthetic updates and new standard safety features for this year, will however remain on the market. Five versions are available: LX, EX, EX+, EX Premium and GT-Line Limited.
For its part, the Soul EV was available in Premium and Limited versions, priced at $43,095 and $52,095 respectively. The first didn’t impress anyone with its 134 horsepower (despite 291 lb-ft of torque) and its 39.2 kWh battery, which only provides a range of 248 km. More powerful and more enduring, the second boasts 201 horsepower and can travel 383 km with its 64 kWh battery.
Photo: Kia
These latest figures are satisfying for many drivers, but not as much as those of the Kia EV6, a much more modern, sophisticated, spacious and capable crossover built on the Hyundai Group’s new e-GMP platform. The power of its different versions varies from 168 to 577 horsepower and the range from 332 to 499 km. It also has the advantage of offering the choice of two or four-wheel drive.
Obviously, not everyone needs such a vehicle, but let’s not forget that Kia also offers the completely redesigned and improved Niro EV for 2023. This front-drive-only subcompact utility has an engine 201 horsepower and a 64.8 kWh battery with a range of 407 km. An optional battery thermoregulation system helps maximize battery efficiency in cold weather. In addition, like the EV6, the battery can be used as a generator to recharge or power various devices that are plugged into the vehicle.
Photo: Kia
The Niro EV comes in three versions (Premium, Premium+ and Limited) with prices ranging from $44,995 to $52,995, therefore very comparable to those of the Soul EV. Like the latter, it is eligible for government subsidies for electric vehicles totaling $12,000.
In our opinion, Kia is making a wise decision to keep only the more attractive of its two smaller electric models. Then, as we’ve been talking about in recent months, the EV6 will be followed by the three-row EV9 for 2024. Thereafter, an EV5 model should also make the jump to us.