KIA Soul electric lease deals

Leasing a Kia Soul Electric in the UK

Are electric cars a new concept to the UK?

While the onset of electrification in the UK’s mainstream fleet can probably be attributed to 2020, many first-time electric car (and van) customers are probably unaware that some EVs have been enjoyed by personal and business leasing customers for some time.

Indeed, the Kia Soul EV was one of the “originals”, with this compact SUV having globally launched in 2013, with units landing across European countries around mid-2014. Yes, this zero-emission product was made available over 8 years ago. But was the Soul actually popular? By January 2016, European customers were responsible for over 6,500 orders since its launch!

While the 1st generation SUV worked on a small 27 kWh lithium-ion battery solution, the upgraded 2018 model saw a 30 kWh revision with a further update in 2020 increasing this to a 64 kWh option. Within two years, Kia managed to effectively double the capacity and range of their affordable EV before many manufacturers had actually launched any options.

And is the Soul a good electric car to lease or buy?

Where customers were noticeably reticent, was with the aesthetics of the 1st generation Soul. In-keeping with modern Asian designs, this was quite futuristic, box-like and novel. Not unlike other manufacturers, Kia had taken the route of challenging a tried and tested format relating to the design of an automobile.

In particular, the UK was becoming more engrossed with brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes, which offered style, comfort and performance. In some ways, the Soul was too unique for some UK customers, who already had the trepidation about moving to an electric car. But the 1st and 2nd generation Soul did sell and was received quite positively by many customers who wanted an alternative to the Kia Niro EV, the Hyundai Kona and VW e-Golf. In 2020, nearly 7,000 were sold across Europe.

Is there an all-new Soul?

For 2022, and beyond, Kia announced that the Soul would again be revamped, as the Korean manufacturer underwent a complete rebrand of their logo and product. While some expected the new Niro EV to be the flagship battery electric product, the Soul EV was confirmed as partner to it, with the ergonomic and robust family SUV continuing to be available to lease or buy. And so far, two key options have been confirmed which include:

•  The Urban – from £32,795 this entry model will include 17” alloys, 8” touchscreen display, 7” display cluster, reversing camera, LED headlamps, adaptive smart cruise control, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, automatic lights, Apple CarPlay  lane follow assist and forward collision assist; and

• The Explore – from £38,995 the top specification model will add a 10.25” touchscreen with satellite navigation, leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, privacy glass, aero blade wipers, rain sensing wipers, sun visor with illuminated vanity mirror, auto-dimming rear view mirror, safe exit warning and blind spot collision avoidance assist.

Some other upgrades include metallic paint, colour contrast roof options plus some aesthetic options like the body decal, bumper foil and door handle protection.

And how does the battery perform with Soul EV – what is the range, charging times and performance?

To account for varying need and budgets, two battery options will feature including:

•  39 kWh (available with the Urban) – the usable 39.2 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 9.9 seconds, 98 mph top speeds and 100 kW (or 134 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 120 miles with warmer weather allowing for 165 miles. On charging, the 7.2 kW AC max will allow 6 hour and 30 minutes 0 – 100% charging times with the 44 kW DC maximum allowing 47 minute 10 – 80% times. The Soul offers cargo volume of 315 L and will comfortably allow for 5 people, with an option for roof rails enabling additional storage; and

•  64 kWh (available with the Explore) – the usable 64 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.2 seconds, 104 mph top speeds and 150 kW (or 201 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 190 miles with warmer weather allowing for 260 miles. On charging, the 7.2 kW AC max will allow 10 hour and 30 minutes 0 – 100% charging times with the 77 kW DC maximum allowing 44 minute 10 – 80% times. 

The rebranded model almost certainly brings the Soul EV into the modern era, with the 64 kWh battery likely to be popular with higher mileage drivers. With more products available, Kia are presenting yet another practical electric vehicle to UK customers, who continue to buy, lease and rent with considerable passion.

In particular, salary sacrifice and employer schemes have served as a significant catalyst for electric vehicles, creating the fundamental issue of supply and lead times. Our own e-car lease Electric Car Scheme has introduced a swathe of new customers to BEVs and so more complimentary products, like the Soul EV, will serve as a credible option. 

So will the Soul EV be your leasing option?

Personal, business and salary sacrifice are welcome to use our leading website, bolstered by a host of amazing tools which help you understand if you, or the business, are ready for electric cars. The “living with your ...” tool is available on each model, so that you are confident that the next 2, 3 or 4 year contract will be a positive one.

And for those who are new to EVs or just need that extra service, don’t forget to call our expert term at e-car lease on 01942 910 001 or email at [email protected]. We look forward to helping you go electric!