Kia Soul EV 2018, Jackinabox

Jackinabox drives a Kia Soul EV 34kWh 2018.

This is Jackinabox’s first electric car, they’ve owned the Kia Soul EV less than a year and drive under 5,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 10,000-20,000 miles and they achieve 130 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the Kia Soul EV?

I liked its unusual style and the one I bought was an ex-demonstrator with only 50 miles on the clock at a really good price of nearly £11000 under list, as the upgraded model was imminent.

Positives

Easy to drive
servicing is a lot cheaper than ICE cars
been very reliable over 4.5 years
battery is still 99.9 %.

Negatives

The only negative I have about the car is the recess were the wiper blades sit catches pine needles in it if I don’t garage it.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

1 manufacturer’s recall which was rectified by a main dealer at no charge
12 volt battery failed at 4 years.

What are the standout technological features of the car?

Technology is not my forte, I just find it a straightforward and easy car to use.

Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car

It’s got driver and front passenger heated seats and a heated steering wheel, sat nav with charging point locations , sat nav informs you when you plot a journey if your route will need a charge along route.

What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?

Possibly an MG ZS EV with a larger battery for a bit more range, funds permitting.

Do you charge your electric car from home?

Yes

Do you have a home charging unit installed?

Electricity supplier & tariff

Standard tariff & I use granny charger. Position of meter makes installation of a 7.5kW charger impractical and cost prohibitive.

Do you use public charging networks?

Yes

What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?

Pod Point – generally most reliable. I used to pay a subscription to bp pulse but their chargers have become more and more unreliable and there customer service was atrocious so I cancelled it.

Insurer

I change it every year to get the best price.

Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running a Kia Soul EV

No road tax so £42.00 a month saved and first 3 years I got free charging at various supermarkets and council-owned chargers saving me around £4,000 in diesel running a Land Rover Defender. And there is still reduced-cost charging at Tesco, LIDL & ALDI if you look!

*library image used.