The 2018 Kia Soul EV is virtually indistinguishable from the 2017 model except for one very important technical detail: a boost in driving range of nearly 20 percent, to 111 miles.
It?s a distinction that is bound to increase the Soul EV?s appeal among commuters and those who see it as a potential second car. The Soul EV steps up its range without stepping on the toes of the upcoming 2019 Kia Niro EV, a model that is expected to arrive by the end of the year with driving range close to the concept’s 238 miles.

Keeping the Soul EV around enables Kia to go after two subsets of the electric-vehicle market. While a Niro EV would be a rival for the Chevrolet Bolt EV and other long-range models, the Soul EV could occupy a more price-conscious spot for those looking for an inexpensive commuter car. The Soul EV?s gain in range comes in part from improvements in the energy density of its lithium-ion battery pack?bringing its capacity from 27 kWh up to 30 kWh?and it?s representative of the rapid clip at which EV batteries have been improving, whether you look at their energy by volume or weight.
Most of the Soul EV?s competitive set have also seen battery upgrades over the past year or two. That list includes the Volkswagen e-Golf, Ford Focus Electric, and outgoing Nissan Leaf, as well as the Honda Clarity Electric, which is new but has a smaller battery.

More Energy, Not More Bulk
For the Soul EV, the gains actually come from two sides. Supplier SK Innovation has improved t...