Buying a used electric vehicle requires looking past glossy marketing claims and examining real-world battery health, charging speeds, and actual driving range. The 2016 Kia Soul EV remains a quirky, practical hatchback option for urban commuters, but early battery technology demands careful evaluation before you hand over cash.
The 2016 Kia Soul EV delivers an EPA-estimated range of 93 miles per full charge from a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. While outdated compared to modern long-range EVs, this boxy hatchback suits short-distance commuters, delivery drivers, and anyone seeking an affordable second car. You'll find these vehicles on private marketplaces, through independent used car dealers, and via EV-specific online inventory platforms.
Sourcing a Used Model
Finding a pre-owned 2016 Kia Soul EV involves looking beyond traditional franchise lots, as most dealerships stopped carrying them new years ago. Specialized online platforms like Autotrader and CarGurus let you filter by zip code, battery condition, and trim level.
Because early EVs experienced concentrated sales in select states—primarily California, Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest due to zero-emission vehicle mandates—regional availability varies wildly. If you live outside these pockets, you might need to arrange long-distance shipping or search nationwide dealer networks. Private party listings on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace often feature lower prices than dealerships, but they lack dealer warranties or certified inspection reports.
What to Expect: Performance and Practicality
The electric motor pushes 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque directly to the front wheels. Instant torque makes city driving punchy and fun, darting through gaps in traffic effortlessly. Highway passing power drops off significantly above 60 mph, though.
Cargo versatility stands out as a major selling point. The boxy shape preserves the standard Soul's interior volume, offering nearly 50 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat. Rear passenger legroom feels surprisingly generous for a subcompact vehicle, though battery placement under the floor raises the rear seat slightly compared to the gas-powered version.
Battery Health and Real-World Range Reality
The factory rating of 93 miles assumes ideal weather and flat terrain. In freezing winter conditions, cabin heating demands drain the battery fast, often dropping real-world winter range below 65 miles.
Checking battery degradation is non-negotiable. Over a decade of aging and thermal cycling, original packs lose capacity. Ask the seller for a State of Health (SOH) readout from an OBD2 scanner running an app like Soul EV Spy, or have a certified mechanic verify the remaining battery bars. A healthy 2016 model should retain at least 80 percent of its original capacity, though heavily used examples in hot climates may show more degradation.
Charging Infrastructure and Speeds
Charging options depend heavily on whether the vehicle includes the optional CHAdeMO DC fast-charging port, which came standard on the upscale "+ (Plus)" trim but was optional or absent on base models.
For home charging, the vehicle includes a standard 120-volt Level 1 cable that plugs into a regular household outlet. This method crawls, taking over 20 hours to refill a depleted battery. Installing a 240-volt Level 2 home charger cuts full charge times down to roughly 4 to 5 hours. On the road, finding a working CHAdeMO fast charger lets you replenish from 80 percent in about 30 minutes, though CHAdeMO hardware is becoming rarer as CCS and NACS connectors dominate modern infrastructure.
Common Issues and Maintenance Realities
Electric cars eliminate oil changes, spark plugs, and exhaust repairs, but they aren't completely maintenance-free. Pay attention to a few specific trouble spots unique to this era of Kia EVs:
- HVAC and Climate Control: The heat pump system on cold-weather trims can fail, leading to weak cabin heating and massive drops in driving efficiency. Test the heater thoroughly during a test drive.
- Tire Wear: Instant torque combined with the heavy battery pack chews through front tires faster than conventional gas hatchbacks. Check the tread depth across the entire width of the front tires.
- 12V Auxiliary Battery: Like most EVs, the 2016 Soul relies on a standard 12-volt accessory battery to power computers and relays. When this small battery fails, the car won't "turn on" even if the high-voltage pack is fully charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I road trip in a 2016 Kia Soul EV?
Long-distance road trips are impractical due to the limited 93-mile range and the declining availability of CHAdeMO fast-charging stations along major highways. It's best suited as a dedicated commuter or local errand runner.
Does the battery have a warranty?
Kia offered an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the high-voltage battery components. Depending on the original in-service date, many 2016 models are nearing or have recently passed this expiration window, meaning future battery repairs fall entirely on the owner.
How does the interior differ from the gas Soul?
The instrument cluster features an exclusive digital screen displaying energy flow, battery percentage, and driving efficiency graphs. The center console replaces the traditional gear shifter with a rotary dial, and blue or white interior accents denote the eco-friendly trim package.
What insurance costs should I expect?
Insurance rates for older electric hatchbacks are generally moderate, but collision coverage can be higher because specialized body panels and battery packs are expensive to replace if involved in an accident. Get a formal VIN-based quote before finalizing your purchase.
