What the Kia Soul EV costs right now

The Kia Soul EV starts around $33,000 to $34,000 before incentives for the 2024 model year, though prices shift based on trim level, options, and your location. The base Standard trim is the lowest entry point; the Standard Plus and EV9 trims cost more. These are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP), meaning the actual price you negotiate at a dealership can be lower or higher.

Prices have moved down from earlier model years. The 2023 Soul EV started higher, and 2022 models were even more expensive due to supply constraints and semiconductor shortages that affected the entire auto industry. If you are shopping used, a 2023 Soul EV typically sells for $28,000 to $31,000 depending on mileage and condition.

Federal tax credits and state rebates can reduce your out-of-pocket cost significantly. The federal tax credit for electric vehicles is currently up to $7,500, though you must meet income limits and the vehicle must meet domestic content requirements. Some states add their own rebates on top of the federal credit, while others offer tax deductions or registration fee waivers.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Kia Soul EV base price is approximately $33,000 to $34,000 before any credits or rebates.
  • Federal tax credits up to $7,500 can reduce your cost if you meet income and vehicle content requirements.
  • State and local incentives vary widely; some states offer additional rebates while others offer registration discounts or tax deductions.
  • Used 2023 Soul EV models typically range from $28,000 to $31,000, reflecting depreciation from the new model year.
  • Trim level, optional features, and dealer location all affect the final price you pay.

How trim levels and options change the price

The Soul EV comes in three main trims: Standard, Standard Plus, and EV9. The Standard is the base model with the lowest price. The Standard Plus adds features like a larger touchscreen, wireless charging, and upgraded interior materials, typically adding $3,000 to $4,000 to the base price. The EV9 trim is the highest-end option and includes premium audio, leather seating, and additional safety technology, pushing the total closer to $40,000 before incentives.

Optional packages and individual features also add cost. A premium audio system, heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, or advanced driver information packages each add $500 to $2,000 depending on what you choose. Paint color selection can add $300 to $500 if you pick a specialty color instead of the standard options.

Battery size does not vary on the Soul EV the way it does on some other electric vehicles — all 2024 models come with the same 64-kilowatt-hour battery. This simplifies pricing compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which offers multiple battery sizes at different price points.

Federal tax credits and income limits

The federal electric vehicle tax credit is worth up to $7,500 for new vehicles, but you must meet specific requirements. Your modified adjusted gross income cannot exceed $300,000 if you are married filing jointly, $150,000 if you are single, or $200,000 if you are head of household. These limits are adjusted annually for inflation.

The Kia Soul EV must also meet domestic content requirements set by the Inflation Reduction Act. As of 2024, the vehicle must contain a minimum percentage of battery components and critical minerals sourced from the United States or free-trade agreement countries. Kia has worked to meet these thresholds, but you should confirm with your dealer that the specific vehicle you are buying qualifies for the full credit.

The credit is applied at tax time, not at the dealership. You claim it on your federal tax return for the year you bought the vehicle. Some dealerships offer point-of-sale credit, meaning they deduct the credit from your purchase price when ready, but this requires the dealer to participate in the program and you to meet all requirements.

State and local incentives beyond the federal credit

Many states offer their own rebates or tax benefits for electric vehicle purchases. California offers a state rebate of up to $2,000 for new electric vehicles and up to $1,500 for used ones, though the program has income limits and vehicle price caps. New York provides a $2,000 rebate for new EVs. Colorado, Connecticut, and Massachusetts each have their own programs with different amounts and may be able to access rules.

Some states offer registration fee waivers or tax deductions instead of direct rebates. Vermont allows a tax deduction for EV purchases, while some municipalities waive or reduce registration fees for electric vehicles. A few states have no state-level incentive but allow local utilities to offer rebates for charging equipment installation.

Incentive programs change frequently and some run out of funding partway through the year. Before you buy, check your state's environmental or energy office website or contact your local utility to see what programs are currently available and whether you meet the requirements.

How battery range and charging affect total cost

The 2024 Soul EV has an EPA-estimated range of 232 miles on a full charge. This range is competitive with other affordable electric vehicles in its class, though it is shorter than larger EVs like the Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 6. For most daily driving — commutes under 100 miles round trip — the range is sufficient without daily charging.

Charging costs depend on your local electricity rates and how often you charge. If you charge at home using a Level 2 charger (240 volts), the cost per mile is typically $0.03 to $0.05, compared to $0.10 to $0.15 per mile for gasoline vehicles. Public fast charging (DC fast chargers) costs more per kilowatt-hour but is useful for longer trips. Installing a home Level 2 charger costs $500 to $2,000 for equipment and installation, though some states and utilities offer rebates to offset this cost.

Maintenance costs for electric vehicles are lower than gasoline cars because there is no oil, transmission fluid, spark plugs, or timing belts to replace. Brake wear is also reduced because regenerative braking captures energy when you slow down. Over the vehicle's lifetime, these savings can offset some of the higher upfront purchase price.

Comparing the Soul EV to other affordable electric vehicles

The Kia Soul EV competes directly with the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Hyundai Kona Electric in the affordable EV segment. The Chevrolet Bolt EV starts around $26,500 and offers slightly more range (259 miles), making it the lowest-priced option. The Hyundai Kona Electric starts around $34,000 and offers similar range to the Soul EV but with a different design and interior layout.

The Soul EV's advantage is its spacious interior and hatchback design, which offers more cargo room than the Kona Electric. It also benefits from Kia's warranty — the Soul EV comes with a 10-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty, which is longer than most competitors. The Bolt EV has an 8-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty, while the Kona Electric offers a 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty as well.

Price alone does not tell the full story. Consider your driving habits, available charging at home or work, and whether the vehicle's range meets your needs. A cheaper vehicle that does not fit your lifestyle costs more in the long run.

Used Soul EV pricing and depreciation

Used Kia Soul EV models depreciate like other vehicles, but electric cars have historically held value better than gasoline cars in recent years as demand for EVs has grown. A 2023 Soul EV with under 20,000 miles typically sells for $28,000 to $31,000, a depreciation of roughly $5,000 to $7,000 from the new price. A 2022 model with higher mileage may sell for $24,000 to $27,000.

Battery health is the primary concern when buying used. Kia's battery warranty covers degradation, so if the battery has lost more than a certain percentage of capacity, Kia will replace it at no cost to you during the warranty period. Ask the seller for service records and request a battery health report if available; some dealerships can run this diagnostic.

Used EVs from certified pre-owned programs often come with extended warranties that cover the battery and drivetrain. This adds cost but provides peace of mind. Private party sales are cheaper but offer no warranty unless you negotiate one separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Kia Soul EV may have access to for the full $7,500 federal tax credit?

The Soul EV meets the price cap and domestic content requirements for the federal credit as of 2024, but you must meet income limits and the specific vehicle must be assembled in North America. Confirm with your dealer that the model you are buying qualifies, as requirements change annually.

Can I get the federal tax credit at the dealership instead of waiting until tax time?

Some dealerships participate in point-of-sale credit programs that deduct the credit from your purchase price when ready. Not all dealers offer this, and you must still meet all income and vehicle requirements. Ask your dealer whether they participate before you buy.

What is the difference between the Soul EV and the Soul EV9?

The EV9 is the highest trim level of the Soul EV, not a separate vehicle. It includes premium features like leather seating, upgraded audio, and additional safety technology. The base Standard and Standard Plus trims are less expensive but have fewer features.

How much does it cost to install a home charging station?

A Level 2 home charger costs $500 to $2,000 for equipment and professional installation. Some states and utilities offer rebates that cover part or all of this cost. Check your local utility's website for available programs before you buy the charger.

Is the used Soul EV a good value compared to buying new?

A used 2023 Soul EV saves you $5,000 to $7,000 compared to new, but check the battery health and service history. If it is a certified pre-owned vehicle with an extended warranty, the added cost may be worth the protection. Private party sales are cheaper but come with no warranty.