If you're looking at a used 2017 Kia Soul EV in 2026, here's the quick answer: it's a budget-friendly electric commuter with an EPA-rated 93 miles of range, a 27 kWh usable battery, and DC fast charging up to ~50 kW. Expect to pay between $6,000 and $9,000 on the used market. It works best as a second car or city runabout for drivers with home charging and short commutes. Highway range and cold-weather performance drop significantly below the EPA sticker, and the CHAdeMO connector limits your public fast-charging options in 2026's increasingly NACS-dominated network.
Quick Verdict: Is the 2017 Kia Soul EV Worth It in 2026?
Yes, if: you need a cheap electric commuter under $10K, have Level 2 home charging, and drive under 60 miles round-trip daily.
No, if: you need highway range, live in a cold climate, rely on public DC fast charging, or want a modern infotainment experience.
2017 Kia Soul EV Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA Range | 93 miles (111 mi on Eco mode, 93 combined) |
| Battery (Usable / Total) | 27 kWh usable / 30 kWh total (NMC chemistry) |
| Motor Output | 109 hp / 210 lb-ft torque |
| 0–60 mph | ~11.2 seconds |
| MPGe (Combined) | 93 MPGe |
| Energy Consumption | 36 kWh/100 mi |
| DC Fast Charging (Peak) | ~50 kW (CHAdeMO) |
| Level 2 Charging | 6.6 kW (J1772) |
| 10–80% DC Fast Charge | ~33 minutes (estimated) |
| Level 2 Full Charge Time | ~4.5 hours |
| Cargo Volume | 24.4 cu ft (rear seats up) / 49.5 cu ft (folded) |
| Battery Warranty (Original) | 7 years / 100,000 miles (expired by 2024) |
| Used Price Range (2026) | $6,000–$9,000 |
The 2017 model year was the final year of the first-generation Soul EV. Kia upgraded the battery from the 2015–2016 model's 27 kWh total to a 30 kWh pack for 2017, bumping EPA range from 93 to 111 miles on the window sticker in Eco driving mode — though the combined EPA figure remained around 93 miles. This matters when shopping: confirm you're looking at a true 2017 with the 30 kWh pack, not a leftover 2016.
Real-World Range: What to Actually Expect
EPA vs. Reality
EPA Sticker: 93 miles combined
Real-world summer city driving: 85–100 miles
Real-world highway (70 mph): 65–75 miles
Cold weather (below 32°F): 55–70 miles
The Soul EV's range is its biggest limitation in 2026. The 27 kWh of usable energy simply doesn't go far, especially at highway speeds where aerodynamic drag (the Soul's boxy shape has a high drag coefficient) devours electrons. On a 70 mph interstate run, expect to use roughly 40–45 kWh/100 mi, cutting range to about 65–70 miles.
Cold weather is the bigger concern. The 2017 Soul EV uses a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) resistive heater rather than a heat pump. Resistive heating draws 3–5 kW continuously in winter, compared to roughly 1–2 kW for a heat pump system. Combined with the battery's reduced chemical efficiency in cold temperatures, you can lose 30–40% of your range in sub-freezing conditions. If your winter commute is 30 miles each way, you'll need to charge daily and precondition while plugged in.
According to fueleconomy.gov, the 2017 Soul EV is rated at 93 MPGe combined. That's competitive with other early-generation EVs like the Nissan Leaf (107 MPGe for the 30 kWh version) but well below modern EVs like the Hyundai Kona Electric (120 MPGe) or Tesla Model 3 (132 MPGe).
Charging: Connectors, Speeds, and 2026 Network Reality
| Level | Connector | Max Power | Miles Added per Hour | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V) | J1772 | 1.2 kW | ~3–4 mi/hr | Full charge in ~24+ hours |
| Level 2 (240V) | J1772 | 6.6 kW | ~20–22 mi/hr | Full charge in ~4.5 hours |
| DC Fast Charge | CHAdeMO | ~50 kW | ~150 mi/hr (peak) | 10–80% in ~33 min; taper above 80% |
The CHAdeMO connector is the 2017 Soul EV's biggest infrastructure liability in 2026. When this car was new, CHAdeMO was widely available alongside CCS. Today, the North American charging landscape has consolidated around NACS (Tesla's connector, now the industry standard adopted by Ford, GM, Hyundai, Rivian, and others) and CCS1. CHAdeMO stations are increasingly rare — Electrify America and most newer networks have stopped deploying them, and existing CHAdeMO stalls at older stations may not be maintained.
Before buying, use apps like PlugShare to map CHAdeMO stations along your regular routes. If there are no reliable CHAdeMO chargers within a comfortable detour of your commute or common trips, this car's DC fast-charging capability becomes largely theoretical.
Level 2 home charging at 6.6 kW is the Soul EV's sweet spot. A full overnight charge from near-empty takes about 4.5 hours. If you install a 240V Level 2 home charger (expect $800–$2,000 installed, depending on your electrical panel and run length), daily top-ups become trivial. This car requires home charging access to be practical — relying on Level 1 (standard 120V outlet) means adding only about 3–4 miles per hour of charging, which is insufficient for most drivers' daily needs.
Battery Health and Degradation: What to Check Before Buying
The 2017 Soul EV's original 7-year/100,000-mile battery warranty expired no later than 2024. That means every 2017 Soul EV on the used market in 2026 is out of battery warranty. This is the single most important factor in your purchase decision.
The 30 kWh NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery pack will have experienced some degradation over 8–9 years of use and calendar aging. Based on owner reports and industry data for similar-era NMC packs:
- Typical degradation at 8–9 years: 15–25% capacity loss
- Expected remaining range: 70–80 miles (from original 93)
- High-mileage or hot-climate examples: may see 25–35% loss
Before purchasing, request a battery state-of-health (SoH) reading. The Soul EV's onboard diagnostic system can display this through the dashboard menu (navigate to the EV info screen) or a dealer can pull it via OBD-II. Aim for a pack with at least 80% SoH. Below 75%, you're looking at 65–70 miles of real range — tight even for a commuter.
If the battery needs replacement, expect to pay $8,000–$12,000 for a refurbished or new pack plus labor. At that cost, a battery replacement would likely exceed the car's value, making it an economic total loss. This is why SoH verification is non-negotiable.
Cost Breakdown: Owning the 2017 Soul EV vs. a Gas Car
| Cost Category | 2017 Kia Soul EV | Comparable Gas Car (2017 Kia Soul 2.0L) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price (used, 2026) | $6,000–$9,000 | $8,000–$12,000 |
| Annual Fuel/Energy (12,000 mi/yr) | $480–$650 (home charging at $0.13–$0.18/kWh) | $1,440–$1,800 (at $3.50–$4.00/gal, 27 MPG) |
| Annual Maintenance | $200–$400 (tires, cabin filter, brake fluid) | $600–$900 (oil, filters, brakes, belts) |
| Annual Insurance (avg.) | $1,100–$1,500 | $1,000–$1,400 |
| 5-Year Fuel + Maintenance Total | $3,400–$5,250 | $10,200–$13,500 |
| Federal Tax Credit (used EV, §25E) | Up to $4,000 (30% of sale price, max $4K; income caps apply) | $0 |
The 2017 Soul EV's strongest argument is operating cost. At the national average residential electricity rate of roughly $0.16/kWh (EIA data), charging 12,000 miles per year costs approximately $580 — compared to $1,600+ for gasoline at $3.75/gallon and 27 MPG combined. Over five years, that's roughly $5,000–$8,000 in fuel savings alone.
Maintenance savings add another $2,000–$3,000 over five years. The Soul EV has no engine oil, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, no timing belt, and no exhaust system. Regenerative braking significantly reduces brake pad wear. Your main recurring costs are tire rotation/replacement, cabin air filter, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid flushes every 2–3 years.
The used EV tax credit (§25E) may apply: if you buy this car from a dealer for $25,000 or less (easily met), you may qualify for 30% of the sale price, up to $4,000, as a federal tax credit. However, income caps apply ($75,000 single / $150,000 joint modified AGI), the vehicle must be at least two model years old (met), and the sale must be through a licensed dealer. Verify current rules at IRS.gov and consult a tax professional — credit eligibility depends on your specific tax situation.
Common Misconceptions: Myth vs. Fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "93 miles of range is enough for anyone's commute" | The average US commute is 16 miles each way (32 round-trip), so 93 miles covers most daily driving — but highway trips, cold weather, and detours can cut range to 55–70 miles, creating real limitations. |
| "I can use any public fast charger" | The Soul EV uses CHAdeMO, which is being phased out across North America. Tesla Superchargers (NACS) and most new Electrify America stalls are not compatible without an adapter, and no reliable CHAdeMO-to-NACS adapter exists for DC fast charging. |
| "The battery is still under warranty" | The original 7-year/100,000-mile battery warranty expired by 2024 at the latest. All 2017 Soul EVs in 2026 are out of factory battery coverage. |
| "EVs are always cheaper to own" | Lower operating costs are real, but a degraded battery replacement ($8K–$12K) could exceed the car's value. The savings only materialize if the battery holds up. |
| "I can charge from a regular outlet overnight" | Level 1 (120V) charging adds only 3–4 miles per hour. A full charge from near-empty takes 24+ hours. Daily driving above 20–25 miles requires Level 2 home charging. |
Who Should Buy the 2017 Kia Soul EV (and Who Shouldn't)
Decision Framework
Buy it if:
- Your daily round-trip driving is under 50 miles (leaving comfortable buffer)
- You have access to Level 2 (240V) home charging — garage, driveway, or landlord-approved installation
- You live in a mild climate (rarely below 32°F) or can precondition while plugged in
- This is a second car for errands and commuting, not your only vehicle
- The battery SoH reads above 80%
- You can get the used EV tax credit (§25E), bringing your effective price to $4,000–$6,000
Skip it if:
- You regularly drive more than 60 miles in a day
- You lack home charging and would rely on public infrastructure
- You live in a cold climate where winter range drops to 55–70 miles
- You need a single-vehicle household solution
- Battery SoH is below 75% or the seller won't provide a reading
- You need DC fast charging for road trips — CHAdeMO availability is too limited in 2026
What a First-Time EV Buyer Should Know About This Car
If the 2017 Soul EV is your first EV, understand that it represents early-generation electric vehicle technology. It's a fundamentally different ownership experience from a 2025 or 2026 EV with 250+ miles of range, a heat pump, and a NACS or CCS connector. Here's what to prepare for:
Plan every trip around range. With 70–90 real-world miles, you'll develop range awareness quickly. This is fine for a predictable commute but requires planning for anything beyond your routine. There's no "just fill up and go" flexibility.
Precondition while plugged in. The Soul EV allows you to set a departure timer that warms or cools the cabin while drawing power from the grid rather than the battery. Use this feature every morning in winter — it preserves 10–15 miles of range per trip.
Regenerative braking takes practice. The Soul EV offers multiple regen levels. The highest setting enables near-one-pedal driving in city traffic, recovering energy that would otherwise be lost to friction brakes. Expect to use your brake pedal far less than in a gas car.
Insurance may be slightly higher. Some insurers charge more for EVs due to higher repair costs for battery and powertrain components. Get quotes before purchasing — the difference is usually $100–$300/year but varies by carrier and state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 2017 Kia Soul EV compare to a gas Kia Soul?
The gas-powered 2017 Kia Soul (2.0L 4-cylinder) gets about 27 MPG combined, costs $8,000–$12,000 used, and has a range of 350+ miles per tank. The EV costs less to operate (~$580/yr vs. ~$1,600/yr in fuel), requires less maintenance, but costs more upfront and offers only 70–93 real-world miles of range. The gas Soul is the better single-vehicle choice; the EV wins as a low-cost commuter if you have home charging.
Is the 2017 Soul EV battery replacement worth it?
Generally, no. A replacement battery costs $8,000–$12,000, which meets or exceeds the car's entire market value. If the battery degrades below 70% SoH, the car is effectively an economic total loss unless you can source a used/salvage pack at a steep discount. This is why verifying battery health before purchase is critical.
Can I charge the 2017 Soul EV at Tesla Superchargers?
No. Tesla Superchargers use the NACS connector, and the Soul EV uses CHAdeMO for DC fast charging and J1772 for Level 2. There is no commercially available CHAdeMO-to-NACS adapter that supports DC fast charging. You can use J1772-to-NACS adapters for Level 2 (slow) charging at Tesla destination chargers, but not Superchargers.
What should I inspect before buying a used 2017 Soul EV?
Prioritize: (1) Battery state of health reading (aim for 80%+), (2) charging port condition (both J1772 and CHAdeMO), (3) tire condition (EVs are heavier and wear tires faster), (4) service records showing brake fluid flushes and cabin filter changes, and (5) a test drive that includes a full-charge cycle to verify the onboard charger works at 6.6 kW.
Does the 2017 Soul EV qualify for any tax credits in 2026?
It does not qualify for the new-vehicle §30D credit (that's only for new EVs). However, the used clean vehicle credit (§25E) may provide up to $4,000 (30% of sale price, capped at $4,000) if you meet income requirements ($75K single / $150K joint), buy from a licensed dealer, and haven't claimed the credit in the past 3 years. Check current rules at IRS.gov.
