Katy Duke drives a Kia Soul 30kWh 2017 electric car.
This is Katy’s first electric car, she’s owned the Kia Soul under 1 year and drives 5,000-10,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 40,000-50,000 miles and she achieves 75 miles range from a full charge.
Rate your Kia Soul out of 5
Why did you choose this electric car?
We were looking in the £11k range and considered the Zoe but this is more robust for muddy site visits and the range is better. We test drove 4 cars & this one 3 times before choosing the more expensive option at £15.5k from a dealer.
Positives
- Running costs
- interior
- lovely to drive.
Negatives
- A bit too SUV-like.
Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?
12v battery terminals poor, mouse-munched cable. Now replaced by the AA.
What are the standout tech features of the car?
Groovy controls I’ve never had before! Reversing camera & heated steering wheel are notable. Timed charging which is great with the night-time tariff.
Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car.
Funky coloured, pulsating speakers!
What electric car are you interested in next and why?
Newer version of the same car for better range.
Home charging unit
MIDA type 1 7kW – very good value from EV Chargers Direct. Not very smart though.
Rate your home charging unit out of 5
Home electricity supplier & tariff
Octopus Go – highly recommended for night-time tariff option.
Rate your electricity supplier out of 5
What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?
None particularly, have found bugs & availability is patchy.
Insurer
Elephant – seem fine.
Rate your insurance provider out of 5
Estimate how much money you save per month (or not) owning and running an electric car compared to a petrol/diesel car.
£100.
