This one was on its way out since this thread started, but I waited until the car was gone to make a post.
2022 Kia Soul EV Premium
Picked this one up in March 2022 after I determined it was cheaper to daily this than to pump gas into the V8 Camry. Now that both vehicles are no longer with me, I can conclude my math indeed worked out.
Performance:
This Soul EV is not exactly soul-less like its gasoline counterpart. Horsepower on this base-spec is low at 134hp (the more expensive trim has 201hp), but torque at 291 lb-ft is more than a base Model 3 / Model Y (EDIT: this is not true, I had my facts wrong), base EV6, and even the base EV9 (which I call the Soul XL). The combination of horsepower and torque feels adequate for city driving, but it loses steam on the highway - something that the 201hp model makes up for.
Handling is decent in normal driving conditions but falls apart when pushed. The chassis doesn't know what to do with the extra body weight and torque when driven with vigor, and the eco-friendly Nexen tires are easily overwhelmed when they detect any sign of performance driving. The car would benefit greatly from a set of Pilot Sport 5 tires from a handling perspective, but I understand range and efficiency are what sell for an EV. Despite all these criticisms, the mismatched powertrain/chassis specs give the Soul a ton of character that translates to a chaotic but fun driving experience - an attribute missing from most EVs that come well-calibrated from the factory.
Range / Charging:
It's officially rated at 238km, but the range guess-o-meter shows 282km in summer and 220km in winter at 90% charge. This estimated range is pretty accurate based on my consumption - I average around 13.5kWh / 100km in the summer, and 18kWh / 100km in the winter with just myself behind the wheel. Like the Niro EV, fast charging caps out at 77kW, but I never tested the limits since I charge at home. A 110V outlet + charger is sufficient to recoup my 40km daily commute with hours to spare overnight.
Exterior:
I was drawn to its mini bread van shape - this is the only small and boxy EV at its price point. It's practical, unassuming, and doesn't draw attention to itself. People seem polarized about its inoffensive design anyway, but I love how it looks. Great visibility is a bonus as well!
Interior:
The interior has lots of hard plastic, but the areas that matter are soft to the touch. It doesn't feel like a penalty to be inside the vehicle - the cloth seats are somehow more comfortable than my lolvo seats, and the boxy shape with a high roofline helps make the space feel airy. The heated seats get up to temperature super fast and I have to turn them off within 5 minutes 90% of the time. The standard heated steering wheel and driver assistance systems are nice touches as well - I wasn't expecting a car with economy roots to include these features as standard equipment.
Who It's For:
Anecdotally, I find seniors behind the wheel of these most of the time. They're everywhere in South Delta and I can see how the car's technical limitations are non-issues for this demo that drive short distances and charge at home. The footprint and seating height are perfect for these empty nesters, and the low operating costs make this a very appealing package. Overall, the vehicle is very approachable and easy to live with - all the switchgear is where you expect them to be so there's no confusion where things are when behind the wheel.
Final Thoughts:
The Soul EV is the second cheapest vehicle I've owned, but easily the one I miss the most. It's an NPC car in appearance but hides a quirky personality with an interesting driving signature. It was sad to see the car go, and I got even sadder when the new owner told me that 2023 is the final year for the model. I went into this car simply as a rational decision, and now I'm left feeling slightly emptier with its departure.