2017 Kia Soul EV Used Buying Guide: Range, Costs & Ownership in 2026

Range, Battery, and Real-World Expectations

The 2017 Kia Soul EV was a significant upgrade over the 2015–2016 model years. Kia increased the battery from 27 kWh total capacity to 30 kWh total (approximately 27 kWh usable), which pushed the EPA range from 93 miles to 111 miles for the 2017 model year according to fueleconomy.gov. This was a meaningful improvement, though it still falls well short of modern budget EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt (259 mi) or Nissan Leaf Plus (212 mi).

The battery chemistry is an earlier-generation NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) formulation. After 8–9 years of service, expect some degradation. Most owners report 85–92% State of Health (SoH) on 2017 models with typical mileage (60,000–90,000 miles), meaning effective range may be closer to 80–100 miles EPA-adjusted in practice. Always request a battery health diagnostic before purchasing.

2017 Kia Soul EV — Key Specifications

Spec	Value
EPA Range	111 miles
Battery Capacity	30 kWh total / ~27 kWh usable
Battery Chemistry	NMC (lithium-ion polymer)
Motor Output	109 hp / 210 lb-ft torque
0–60 mph	~11.2 seconds
EPA Efficiency	108 MPGe combined (31 kWh/100 mi)
DC Fast Charge (CHAdeMO)	50 kW peak, ~35 min (10–80%)
Level 2 Charge (J1772)	6.6 kW, ~4.5 hours (0–100%)
Level 1 Charge (120V)	~1.4 kW, ~22+ hours (0–100%)
Battery Warranty (original)	10 years / 100,000 miles (capacity below 70%)
Original MSRP	$33,950 (base, before incentives)
Used Price Range (2026)	$7,000–$12,000

Charging: Speeds, Connectors, and the CHAdeMO Problem

Charging is where the 2017 Soul EV reveals its age most clearly. The vehicle uses three charging methods:

2017 Kia Soul EV Charging Speeds

Level	Connector	Max Power	Miles Added/Hour	Full Charge Time
Level 1 (120V)	Standard outlet	1.4 kW	~4–5 mi/hr	22+ hours
Level 2 (240V)	J1772	6.6 kW	~22–25 mi/hr	~4.5 hours
DC Fast	CHAdeMO	50 kW peak	~150+ mi/hr (peak)	~35 min (10–80%)

The CHAdeMO challenge: In 2026, the North American charging infrastructure has overwhelmingly standardized on NACS (Tesla's connector, now adopted by nearly every major automaker) and CCS1. CHAdeMO stations are becoming increasingly rare. Electrify America has largely stopped installing new CHAdeMO connectors, and many older CHAdeMO stations have been decommissioned or converted. This means DC fast charging on road trips is significantly less practical than it was when the car was new.

For daily use, this matters less if you can install a Level 2 home charger. A 6.6 kW onboard charger means you'll recover a full battery overnight — roughly 4.5 hours from empty. Home Level 2 installation typically costs $500–$2,000 depending on your electrical panel's proximity to the charging location and whether a panel upgrade (to 200A service) is needed. Factor in $300–$600 for a quality Level 2 EVSE unit (ChargePoint Home Flex, Emporia Vue, or similar).

Important kW vs kWh note: The 6.6 kW charge rate (power) means the car can accept 6.6 kilowatts of energy flow at any given moment. The 27 kWh battery (energy capacity) is the total "fuel tank." Dividing 27 kWh by 6.6 kW gives roughly 4.1 hours — plus charging overhead and taper near full, yielding ~4.5 hours total.

Cost Breakdown: What Ownership Actually Costs

One of the strongest arguments for a used 2017 Soul EV is its low running cost — but the full picture requires examining every expense category.

Estimated Annual Costs: 2017 Kia Soul EV vs. 2017 Kia Soul Gas (12,000 mi/yr)

Cost Category	Soul EV (Used)	Soul Gas (1.6L)
Purchase Price (2026)	$7,000–$12,000	$9,000–$14,000
Fuel / Electricity	$350–$550/yr (home charging at $0.13/kWh)	$1,300–$1,600/yr (30 MPG, $3.50/gal)
Maintenance	$200–$400/yr (no oil, fewer brake jobs due to regen)	$600–$900/yr (oil, filters, belts, brakes)
Insurance	$1,100–$1,500/yr	$900–$1,300/yr
Tires	$500–$700 every 40,000 mi (EVs are heavier)	$400–$600 every 45,000 mi
Estimated 5-Year Total*	$15,000–$24,000	$22,000–$30,000

*Includes purchase price. Electricity costs vary by region; gas prices fluctuate. Insurance premiums for EVs tend to run 10–20% higher due to higher repair costs and battery replacement risk.

The fuel savings alone — roughly $800–$1,100 per year — are significant. Over five years of ownership, that's $4,000–$5,500 in fuel savings compared to the gas Soul. Combined with lower maintenance, the EV version can save $6,000–$9,000 total over a five-year ownership period, even accounting for slightly higher insurance.

Federal tax credit note: The §30D federal tax credit of up to $7,500 applies only to new EV purchases and has strict MSRP caps, buyer income limits, and battery sourcing requirements per the IRS. For used EVs, a separate used clean vehicle credit of up to $4,000 (30% of sale price, max $4,000) may apply if the sale price is $25,000 or less, you meet income requirements, and you purchase from a licensed dealer. Since most 2017 Soul EVs sell well under $25,000, this credit is potentially available — but verify eligibility with a tax professional.

How It Compares: Soul EV vs. Gas Soul vs. Modern Used EVs

2017 Kia Soul EV vs. Gas Soul vs. Popular Used EV Alternatives

Metric	2017 Soul EV	2017 Soul Gas (1.6L)	2019 Chevy Bolt EV	2018 Nissan Leaf Plus
EPA Range	111 mi	~370 mi (13.2 gal tank)	259 mi	226 mi
Used Price (2026)	$7K–$12K	$9K–$14K	$12K–$17K	$10K–$15K
Annual Fuel Cost	$350–$550	$1,300–$1,600	$400–$600	$400–$600
DC Fast Connector	CHAdeMO (50 kW)	N/A	CCS (55 kW)	CHAdeMO (100 kW)
Cargo Space	24.4 cu ft	24.4 cu ft	16.9 cu ft	23.6 cu ft
0–60 mph	~11.2 sec	~9.8 sec	~6.5 sec	~7.9 sec

The Soul EV's advantage is its combination of low entry price, practical boxy cargo area, and low running costs. Its disadvantages — short range, CHAdeMO connector, slow DC charging — become deal-breakers if you regularly drive more than 80 miles round-trip or take road trips.

The Chevy Bolt EV (2017–2022) is the stronger used buy for most people: 238–259 miles of range, CCS connector, and a more modern battery management system. But it costs $3,000–$5,000 more on the used market and offers less cargo volume. If budget is the primary constraint and your commute is short, the Soul EV wins on pure value.

Real-World Ownership Considerations

Home Charging Access Is Non-Negotiable

With only 111 miles of range, relying on public charging is impractical for daily use. You need a dedicated Level 2 (240V) charging setup at home or work. If you live in an apartment without charging access, or street-park without a garage, the Soul EV's short range becomes a daily burden. Level 1 charging (standard 120V outlet) adds only ~4–5 miles per hour — meaning a full recharge takes over 22 hours, which is functionally inadequate for daily driving exceeding 30–40 miles.

Climate Matters Significantly

The 2017 Soul EV lacks a heat pump. Its resistive PTC cabin heater draws 2–4 kW in cold weather, directly reducing range. Owners in northern states (Minnesota, Maine, Colorado) routinely report winter ranges of 60–75 miles in sub-freezing temperatures. If you live in a region with harsh winters, plan your commute around this reduced figure — not the 111-mile EPA sticker.

In moderate climates (California coast, Southeast, Pacific Northwest), the Soul EV performs closest to its rated range year-round and is a far more practical proposition.

Battery Health Before Purchase

Before buying any used 2017 Soul EV, insist on a battery State of Health (SoH) report. Kia's original battery warranty covers 10 years/100,000 miles against capacity dropping below 70%. Since 2017 models are now approaching or exceeding those thresholds, verify whether:

• The battery SoH is above 85% (healthy) or approaching 70% (warranty territory)
• Any warranty claims have been filed or honored
• The car has a clean service history with no evidence of deep-discharge damage or DC fast-charging abuse

A Kia dealer can pull the SoH via OBD-II diagnostic. Third-party tools like LeafSpy (adapted for Kia protocols) can also read this data. Do not skip this step — a degraded battery can cost $5,000–$8,000+ to replace, which would exceed the car's value.

Common Misconceptions — Fact vs. Fiction

2017 Kia Soul EV Myths vs. Facts

Myth	Fact
"The battery will need replacing soon and cost a fortune."	Kia's NMC batteries have proven durable. Most 2017 examples show 85–92% SoH after 60K–90K miles. Degradation is gradual, not a sudden cliff. Replacement is rarely needed before 150K+ miles.
"It qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit."	The §30D new-vehicle credit does not apply to used purchases. A separate used-EV credit of up to $4,000 may apply if purchased from a dealer for ≤$25,000 and you meet income caps. Verify with a tax professional.
"I can use any DC fast charger on road trips."	The Soul EV uses CHAdeMO, which is being phased out in North America. NACS and CCS stations will not work without adapters (which don't currently exist for CHAdeMO-to-NACS). Plan road trips around remaining CHAdeMO infrastructure.
"111 miles of range is enough for anyone."	It's enough for some drivers — those with sub-60-mile commutes, home charging, and moderate climates. For single-car households or anyone with unpredictable driving patterns, 200+ miles is the practical minimum in 2026.
"EVs have no maintenance costs."	EVs have lower maintenance costs — no oil changes, fewer brake replacements thanks to regenerative braking. But tires wear faster (heavier vehicle), cabin air filters need replacing, coolant loops require service, and the 12V auxiliary battery still needs periodic replacement.

Decision Framework: Is the 2017 Soul EV Right for You?

Frequently Asked Questions