Kia Soul has become one of the most favorite EVs in the market. It’s compact, but at the same time, crossover SUV style, and it became the best-selling subcompact EV in the US. That popularity came with different questions and issues. Amongst them, its battery and replacement cost is crucial to cover.
So how much does it cost to replace a battery for a Kia Soul? The price of the battery can vary, but in most cases, the price is around $13,000. Service costs for this procedure can also differ depending on the service center. From our research, the price is usually between $300 and $500.
If you are thinking about buying a Kia Soul, stay with us. We will cover everything you need to know about this EV, from its history and specification to maintenance. Enjoy!
History of Kia Soul EV
Kia Soul came to the market in 2013. In the first generation, it was not an EV, in 2013, everything changed. The second generation of this compact SUV brought a revolution – a completely electric vehicle. This model opened the market for something new and different that we are seeing right now.
There are two generations of this popular model from Kia, and its popularity continues to rise. In the first year of production, around 1,500 Kia Souls were sold. That number continued to rise in 2021; it rose to 31,000 units. That was the peak number, and for 2022 we are still waiting for the figures. One thing’s for sure – it won’t go under 22,000 units.
All this shows how important this model was for developing a bridgehead for the rest of the EVs we see now. A pioneer in its class, and it is still a design and innovation marvel to look out for.
Check Out The Truth about Kia Soul EV Battery Replacement Cost:
Kia Soul EV Specifications
| First generation (2014 – 2020) | Second generation (2020 – | |
| Battery | 27.0 kWh | 64.0 kWh |
| Range | 155 km/h | 370 km/h |
| Total power | 81 kWh (110 PS) | 150 kWh (204 PS) |
| Maximum speed | 145 km/h | 167 km/h |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 11.2 sec | 7.9 sec |
| Price | $14,900 – $20,500 | $19,290 – $27,890 |
| Dimensions (L, V, H) (mm) | 4,140; 1,800; 1,593 | 4,195; 1,800; 1,605 |
| Maximum payload (kg) | 470 | 498 |
Common Kia Soul EV Battery Problems
Users didn’t have many troubleshooting problems with the battery in this Kia model. One thing did stand out, and it is battery degradation. There were reports that the battery lost about 50% of its capacity after 3 or 4 years.
Degradation is one of the common problems of most electric vehicles, so that should not be so surprising. The battery production technology is still developing. In the future, batteries will have a longer life and higher capacity. This can already be seen when comparing the improvement between the two generations of Kia Soul.
How To Remove Kia Soul EV Battery?
The process is similar for all EVs, but we will now show how to remove a battery from Kia Soul in steps.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable so there is no power in the vehicle
- Between rows of seats is a panel that protects the high-voltage plug. Remove it, and plug off the safety plug. For this operation, use rubber safety gloves
- Raise the car on a lift
- You should remove two safety covers on the bottom of the car. One is in the front, and the second is in the back
- Now the connectors are visible. Disconnect the BMS connectors from the battery. Disconnect the high-voltage cable. Use a flat-head screwdriver to help
- With a multimeter, check the positive and negative ends of the battery. It should measure 0 voltage
- Remove the mounting bolts that are holding the battery panel. Now you can remove the battery
Check Out How to replace HV battery pack on 2015-2019 Kia Soul EV:
What Is The Battery Replacement Cost of Kia Soul EV?
Battery replacement price depends on whether the battery is new or used. A new battery costs around $13,000. You should add on that labor costs that can be between $200 and $350.
The price for a used battery can also vary depending on the state of the battery and its capacity. There is a large market for these batteries. They can be found for a mere $45, but some batteries cost $500.
Kia Soul EV Battery Warranty
Kia gives a battery guarantee that lasts between 3 and 10 years, or 100,000 miles.
FAQs
Is it expensive to replace EV batteries?
Yes, replacing an EV battery can be an expensive task. In some cases, the price of the new battery is not profitable. When you put all the numbers on paper, buying a new EV is better and more sensible.
What is the battery life of the Kia Soul EV?
Kia gives a battery guarantee that lasts between 3 and 10 years, or 100,000 miles. In that period, you will see a certain degree of degradation, but the deal is good all in all.
To prolong the battery’s life, protect the car from extreme temperatures. Also, keep the battery charged between 20% and 80%. Always charging the battery to 100% and driving it below 20% capacity will shorten its lifespan.
Final Considerations
Users of EVs are learning the hard way that their new vehicle is very limited when it comes to the question of battery. There are many options – buying used batteries, refurbished, or new ones- but they all come with a price. And sometimes, the price can surprise you.
That is why we decided to cover this topic. Driving a Kia Soul is a privilege, and we wanted to advise you on how to keep driving it as long as you want. Think about these options, put the figures together, and try to find the best option for your needs.
