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Rumor suggests Kia Soul EV replacement will not come stateside

The replacement for the Kia Soul EV may not come to the United States after all. Despite the company's plans to introduce it here last year, presumably as a 2020 model, a Kia source has reportedly told Roadshow that plans to bring the next-generation compact electric hatchback to the U.S. have effectively been canceled. While Kia has not officially commented on the current status of the Soul EV, its delayed introduction is a troublesome signal to those who hoped to see the second-generation electric hatchback on U.S. dealer lots. While a delay of just a year is fairly minor compared to what we've seen from some promised introductions in the past decade (looking at you, Mazda), this rumor — combined with the lack of official updates from Kia — is nonetheless concerning to those who were excited by the prospect of Kia's small EV returning.  The Soul EV has been on sale in Europe since late last year. It can drive for up to 243 miles on a single charge, which is about double that of the last-generation model. Kia originally blamed the delay on supply issues related to its battery pack, which it shares with the Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV. Roadshow speculates that priority is being given to the Niro here in the United States, as it is already on sale and its crossover format gives it an advantage with American buyers. When reached for comment, a Kia spokesperson confirmed that the company is focused on Niro EV deliveries and that the Soul EV is not expected to arrive any sooner than 2021, but stopped short of confirming that it is currently on track for release next year.  If this rumor turns out to be accurate, it will be a blow to the compact electric car segment, as the Soul EV looked to be a highly competitive entry, with more polish and refinement than the Chevrolet Bolt and a healthy range advantage over the Nissan Leaf.  Related Video:

Supply issues force Kia to delay new Soul EV until 2021 model year

The electric version of the new, third-generation Kia Soul won't join its gasoline-powered siblings in showrooms for the 2020 model year. Kia announced it was forced to delay the model. American motorists seeking an electric Soul will need to wait until the 2021 model year, Green Car Reports learned. Kia blamed the delay on a shortage of electric motors, and on battery-pack-related supply issues, and it warned the new timeline might change. Autoblog reached out to the company to find out whether the delay is linked to its decision to sell only the electric variant of the hatchback on the European market. We can confirm the model already arrived in showrooms in many European nations, and several dealers we spoke to in France told us they had a handful in their inventory. The Soul EV will be worth the wait when it finally disembarks in the United States. It can drive for up to 243 miles on a single charge, which is about twice the number its predecessor was capable of achieving. It shares its 64-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack with the Hyundai Kona Electric, and it offers a Soul Turbo-like 201-horsepower output. We called it a top choice among entry-level electrics after driving it for the first time in its home country of South Korea. The other reason why the Soul EV might be worth the wait is that Green Car Reports added Kia might choose to sell it in more states. The last-generation model axed after the 2019 model year was only available in 13 states, including Hawaii, New York, Georgia, and, of course, California.

2019 Kia Niro EV Review and Buying Guide | Long-range fun

Kia entered the increasingly competitive small crossover game with the Niro hybrid, followed by the Niro PHEV shortly after. Now it offers the 2019 Kia Niro EV, which retains the same desirable body style but adds a big battery good for an estimated 239 miles of driving range on a single charge, and with the ability to charge at up to 100 kW on a DC fast charger. Even better, the Niro EV is funky and spunky, with an attitude that translates to genuine on-road fun without sacrificing practicality or driving range. What's new with Niro for 2019? The all-electric powertrain is new to the Niro lineup, making this the very first model year of the Niro EV. What are the Niro EV's interior and in-car technology like? The interior design is a little bit funky, with some interesting geometry and blue-green accents here and there. It's not too far-out, though, and we like the intuitive usability of the hard button controls for audio and climate control on the center stack below the central touchscreen. The plastics don't stand out as particularly cheap, the seats feel high-quality and supportive (though we had a little trouble finding a natural seating position), and the leather steering wheel feels good in hand. Amenities like heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel are available. Kia's infotainment system is attractive and easy to use, with either a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen depending on trim. There's also a 7-inch TFT LCD display panel in the center of the digital instrument cluster, providing useful information directly in front of the driver. Bluetooth and voice recognition are standard, as are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Wireless phone charging comes standard in the higher, EX Premium trim. How big is the Niro EV? The Niro EV fits into the subcompact crossover segment, alongside its cousin the Hyundai Kona Electric. It's 172.2 inches long, with a 106.3-inch wheelbase. That's 7.6 and 39 inches longer than the Hyundai, respectively. It's longer than the Chevy Bolt, Mazda CX-3 and Jeep Renegade, but smaller than the Honda CR-V. This should be a just-right size for many, and it means more room and highway stability while still maintaining maneuverability in tight parking lots. Its 71.1 inches wide, 61.8 inches tall, with a ground clearance of 6.1 inches. Inside the Niro EV, there is 36.0 inches of rear legroom, which makes it comfortable for two adults.