Soul EV

Make
Kia
Segment
SUV

Last year, the all-new 2020 Kia Soul EV debuted alongside its combustion-powered sibling with a significantly longer range than its predecessor. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the 2020 Kia Soul EV can go up to 243 miles on a single charge – that's more than double the range of the outgoing model, which can last up to 111 miles before needing a recharge. If, however, you were planning to buy a 2020 Kia Soul EV, you're going to have to wait a bit longer, because the launch has been delayed in the US.

While the electric compact crossover was originally slated to go on sale in the US this year, WardsAuto reports it won't arrive until 2020. "Soul EV will probably be (coming to the US) next year," Michael Cole, chief operating officer-Kia Motors America, told the publication. While he didn't give a reason for the delay, Cole said Kia has been struggling to meet demand for its Niro electrified-vehicle lineup.

"The global demand for electrification, particularly in Europe with their (carbon-dioxide) taxation, (is high). Everyone in Europe has to by 2020 get to this 95 grams (of CO2 per 100 km target). The demand in other regions of the world for Niro product is extremely high," he said. As a result, Kia is currently prioritizing European production and deliveries over the US due to the stricter regulations. While the company acknowledges there is still a high demand for EVs in the US, Cole admitted there is a " a bit of a balancing act for us globally about supply and demand."

In the meantime, the new Niro EV is arriving at US dealers this month. Starting at $39,495, the 2019 Kia Niro EV has 239 miles of range, while a 64 kWh lithium battery powers a 356-volt electric motor that sends 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels.