High-voltage battery capacity degradation
high- Typically appears
- 40k–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $3,000 – $8,000
2018 Kia
Soul EVWagon
Single permanent-magnet AC motor (81.4 kW) · Wagon
The 2018 Kia Soul EV is the all-electric version of Kia's boxy, personality-driven Soul hatchback/wagon. It runs on a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery pack powering a single front-mounted electric motor, giving it a real-world range of roughly 90–100 miles under normal conditions. It shares the Soul's practical, upright cabin with a generous cargo area relative to its footprint, making it a solid urban and suburban daily driver. For 2018, the Soul EV came well-equipped as standard — heated seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, DC fast charging (CHAdeMO), and Kia's then-industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (original owner). The battery pack carries a separate 7-year/100,000-mile warranty. Running costs are very low compared to a gasoline car, but the limited range and CHAdeMO charging standard (which is becoming less common vs. CCS) are real-world limitations to keep in mind. At 6–7 years old in 2025, battery degradation is the primary concern. Expect original capacity to be down 10–20% depending on charge history and climate exposure. The Soul EV is a niche vehicle with a small used market in the upper Midwest, so factor in EV-specific inspection steps before buying.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Engine
Single permanent-magnet AC motor (81.4 kW)
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Electric
MPG
243 mi range (EPA est. ~111 MPGe city / ~98 MPGe hwy)
Seats
5
Doors
4
Body
Wagon
MSRP
$35,950
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2018 Kia Soul EV is the all-electric version of Kia's boxy, personality-driven Soul hatchback/wagon. It runs on a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery pack powering a single front-mounted electric motor, giving it a real-world range of roughly 90–100 miles under normal conditions. It shares the Soul's practical, upright cabin with a generous cargo area relative to its footprint, making it a solid urban and suburban daily driver. For 2018, the Soul EV came well-equipped as standard — heated seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, DC fast charging (CHAdeMO), and Kia's then-industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (original owner). The battery pack carries a separate 7-year/100,000-mile warranty. Running costs are very low compared to a gasoline car, but the limited range and CHAdeMO charging standard (which is becoming less common vs. CCS) are real-world limitations to keep in mind. At 6–7 years old in 2025, battery degradation is the primary concern. Expect original capacity to be down 10–20% depending on charge history and climate exposure. The Soul EV is a niche vehicle with a small used market in the upper Midwest, so factor in EV-specific inspection steps before buying.
Known for
- Fun, upright wagon body with excellent outward visibility
- Very low day-to-day running costs — electricity vs. gasoline
- Strong standard equipment for the price when new
- CHAdeMO DC fast charging capability (30-min to 80%)
- Quiet, smooth driving experience with instant torque
Best for
- Daily commuters driving under 80 miles round-trip
- City and suburban drivers with home charging available
- Owners looking to minimize fuel and routine maintenance costs
- Buyers who want a compact, practical wagon with low emissions
Watch for
- Limited range (~90 mi new; less as battery ages) — not suitable as a sole vehicle without charging infrastructure
- CHAdeMO fast-charge standard is being phased out; fewer public fast chargers available
- Battery capacity loss in cold Wisconsin winters can cut usable range significantly on sub-zero days
- Used-market battery health varies widely — always check State of Health (SOH) with a compatible scanner before buying
- EV-specific repair knowledge is less common at independent shops; some items require dealer or EV-specialist
Common issues by mileage
6 knownOnboard charger (OBC) failure — Level 2 charging stops working
medium- Typically appears
- 50k–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $1,200 – $3,500
12V auxiliary battery failure (powers all electronics; separate from traction pack)
high- Typically appears
- 30k–80k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $350
Brake vacuum pump noise or failure (EVs use an electric vacuum pump for brake boost)
medium- Typically appears
- 60k–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $900
Thermal management system / coolant pump issues affecting battery conditioning
medium- Typically appears
- 60k–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $1,200
Infotainment / UVO telematics module freezing or loss of communication
medium- Typically appears
- Any mileage
- Estimated repair
- $100 – $800
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 3–4 years or at first sign of slow starts / electronics glitching Check and replace 12V auxiliary battery
The 12V battery is completely separate from the traction pack and runs all the car's electronics. It drains faster on EVs because the car wakes up frequently for remote monitoring. A dead 12V will leave you stranded even if the traction battery is fully charged. Wisconsin winters are especially hard on it.
- 2 Every 6,000–7,500 miles Rotate tires
EVs are heavier than comparable ICE cars due to the battery pack, and the instant torque wears front tires faster. Regular rotation maximizes tire life.
- 3 Every 2 years regardless of mileage Inspect and flush brake fluid
Regenerative braking means the friction brakes are used less, so brake fluid can go years without being 'worked.' Moisture absorption still occurs over time and can cause caliper corrosion — especially in Wisconsin's salty winters.
- 4 Every 15,000 miles or annually Inspect brake calipers and rotors for corrosion/sticking
Infrequent use of friction brakes leads to caliper slide pin corrosion and rotor surface rust. Catching a sticking caliper early prevents uneven wear and brake fade.
- 5 Every 15,000–20,000 miles Cabin air filter replacement
The Soul EV's heat pump and HVAC system pulls outside air through this filter. A clogged filter reduces heating/cooling efficiency and battery range in both winter and summer.
- 6 Every 30,000 miles or 2 years Coolant system inspection (battery and motor cooling loops)
The Soul EV uses liquid cooling for its battery pack and motor. Check for leaks, inspect hoses, and verify coolant level. Kia specifies coolant replacement at 200,000 km (~120k mi) but inspect for contamination earlier.
- 7 Annually Inspect CHAdeMO and Level 2 charge port contacts
Corrosion or debris on charge port pins can cause charging failures. Clean contacts and check for bent pins, especially after a Wisconsin winter with road salt in the air.
- 8 Every 2 years or before any used purchase Battery State of Health (SOH) scan
A compatible OBD2 scanner (or Kia dealer GDS2 tool) can pull the actual battery SOH percentage. Knowing your real remaining capacity is the single most important health check for this vehicle.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$300 – $700
Fuel
At Wisconsin average electricity rates (~$0.15/kWh), charging from near-empty costs roughly $4.50 per full charge. Expect $400–$700/year in electricity for typical driving, vs. $1,800–$2,500 in gasoline for a comparable ICE vehicle.
Insurance
Typically $1,100–$1,600/year for full coverage in the Lake Geneva area for a driver with a clean record. EVs can run slightly higher due to higher repair costs for electrical systems.
Day-to-day running costs are among the lowest of any vehicle in its class — no oil changes, no spark plugs, minimal brake wear. The savings are real and add up quickly. However, if the high-voltage battery pack needs significant work or replacement outside of warranty, costs can be substantial ($3,000–$8,000+). The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty may still be active for the original owner; confirm warranty transfer status when buying used.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Cold weather (especially below 20°F) can cut usable range by 20–40%. Pre-condition the battery and cabin while plugged in before departing — this uses grid power instead of battery power and preserves range.
- The 12V auxiliary battery is at high risk in sub-zero temperatures. Keep it fresh (replace proactively if over 3 years old) to avoid a no-start situation.
- Switch to winter tires. The heavier curb weight and instant torque make all-season tires marginal on packed snow or ice.
- Rinse the undercarriage regularly at a touchless car wash — road salt accumulates around the battery enclosure, charge port door, and brake components.
- Use winter-rated washer fluid rated to at least -20°F. Refill more frequently — winter visibility demands it.
- Charge to 100% the night before very cold days when you need maximum range, departing the normal 80% daily charge limit temporarily.
Summer
- Heat above 90°F increases battery thermal management workload. Parking in shade or a garage helps preserve battery longevity and reduces A/C pre-conditioning time.
- Check tire pressure monthly — tires gain roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F rise in temperature. Overinflation reduces traction.
- Inspect the battery and motor cooling loops for leaks after winter — freeze-thaw cycles can stress coolant hoses and fittings.
- Test the A/C system early in the season. The Soul EV uses an electric compressor; if it's weak or not cold, address it before peak summer — A/C failure on an EV is a comfort and safety issue with no 'roll down the windows and limp home' buffer on hot days.
Comparable vehicles
2018 Nissan
LEAF
The most direct rival — similar price, similar range (40 kWh option available in 2018 for ~150 mi range), compact hatchback, FWD. Uses CHAdeMO like the Soul EV. More widely available used and has a larger service/parts network.
2018 BMW
i3
Similar urban EV mission and price bracket. Offers optional range extender. Unique carbon fiber construction; higher ownership costs but strong EV performance and a tighter turning radius.
2018 Volkswagen
e-Golf
Golf-sized hatchback EV with ~125 mi range, CCS fast charging (more future-proof than CHAdeMO), and conventional Golf practicality. Comparable price used.
2018 Chevrolet
Bolt EV
Step-up option in the same era — significantly longer range (~238 mi EPA), CCS charging, similar hatchback form factor. Costs more used but addresses the Soul EV's biggest limitation head-on.
If you're shopping for one
Red flags
- SOH below 70% — real-world range may be under 65 miles, making the car impractical for most use cases
- Any history of flood damage — high-voltage battery packs and water are a dangerous and expensive combination
- Warning lights on the EV system, BMS (battery management system), or charge system that the seller cannot explain
- Seller cannot confirm warranty transfer status — the 10-year powertrain warranty is valuable if still active
- Evidence of undercarriage repairs near the battery enclosure without documented reason
- CHAdeMO port that won't lock or initiate a charge — OBC or port issues are costly repairs
What to inspect
- Battery State of Health (SOH): Pull this with a GDS2 scan or compatible EV scanner before any purchase. Anything below 75% SOH is a significant deduction in real-world usability.
- Charging history: Frequent DC fast charging (CHAdeMO) accelerates battery degradation. Ask the seller and check if the car shows high CHAdeMO session counts if accessible.
- 12V auxiliary battery age: Ask when it was last replaced. If unknown, budget to replace it immediately.
- Charge port condition: Inspect CHAdeMO and Level 2 ports for bent pins, corrosion, or signs of forced insertion.
- Brake rotors and calipers: Look for heavy rust grooves on rotors (common when friction brakes are rarely used) and check for sticking calipers.
- Undercarriage and battery enclosure: Check for salt corrosion, especially around battery pack mounting points and coolant line fittings.