You roll into a charging station, exhausted from your road trip, only to discover your plug won’t fit. Your heart sinks. Studies show 68% of new EV owners experience charging anxiety in their first month.
I get it. The maze of charging standards feels designed to confuse. But once you know your Soul EV’s specific charger type, that knot in your stomach unwinds and every trip becomes an adventure instead of a gamble.
Keynote: Kia Soul EV Charger Type
The Kia Soul EV uses J1772 (Type 1) for North American AC charging and either CHAdeMO (2014-2019) or CCS (2020+) for DC fast charging. European models switched to Type 2 AC connectors in 2020. Home Level 2 charging takes 9-10 hours.
Your Quick Answer: Which Charger Does Your Soul EV Use?
The Model Year Split You Need to Know First
Your Soul EV’s birth year changes everything. Here’s the breakdown:
| Model Years | Region | AC Charging | DC Fast Charging |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-2019 | North America | Type 1 (J1772) | CHAdeMO |
| 2014-2019 | Europe | Type 1 (J1772) | CHAdeMO |
| 2020-2024 | North America | Type 1 (J1772) | CCS Type 1 |
| 2020-2024 | Europe | Type 2 (Mennekes) | CCS Type 2 |
Check the charge port door on your Soul EV. The label tells you instantly which connectors you have. Your owner’s manual confirms it in the charging section.
Why This Difference Changes Your Whole Charging Life
The charging landscape shifted dramatically between 2019 and 2020. CHAdeMO stations are disappearing from North American highways. Many locations that once had two CHAdeMO connectors now have just one. Sometimes none.
CCS became the winner. Every major charging network invested billions in CCS infrastructure. Your 2020 or newer Soul EV taps into this growing network seamlessly.
The wrong charging stop costs you 30 minutes of searching. Adapter solutions exist but they’re expensive and temperamental. Knowing your ports saves time, money, and sanity.
Connector Types Decoded: What Each Plug Actually Does
Type 1 (J1772): Your North American Home Hero
The Type 1 connector looks like a gas pump handle with five pins arranged in a circle. This workhorse handles all your Level 1 and Level 2 charging needs in North America.
Every public Level 2 station from California to Quebec speaks J1772. Your Soul EV’s 6.6 kW (first gen) or 7.2 kW (second gen) onboard charger determines how fast you fill up. Not the station’s power rating.
You’ll use this port 90% of the time. It’s your daily driver for overnight charging at home and topping up at work or the grocery store.
Type 2 (Mennekes): Europe’s Everyday Standard
European Soul EVs from 2020 onwards use this seven-pin circular connector. It looks beefier than Type 1 because it supports three-phase power.
You’ll often need your own Type 2 cable for public stations in Europe. Most aren’t tethered like North American stations. Keep one in your trunk always.
The 7.2 kW standard charger fills your battery overnight. Some European models offer an optional 11 kW three-phase charger that cuts charging time by a third.
CHAdeMO: The Fading Fast Option for Older NA Souls
This chunky connector sits separate from your J1772 port on 2014-2019 models. It delivers 50 kW of DC power straight to your battery.
Finding CHAdeMO stations in 2025 feels like hunting for payphones. Apps like PlugShare become essential. Filter specifically for CHAdeMO before every trip.
When you find one that works, you’ll charge from 20% to 80% in about 33 minutes. The theoretical 100 kW capability Kia advertised? Almost no stations support it.
CCS Combo 2: Your European Fast-Charging Future
Look closely at a CCS port. It’s your regular charging connector with two hefty DC pins added below. Brilliant design that uses one port for everything.
European e-Souls with the 64 kWh battery can pull up to 77 kW in real-world conditions. The car’s 400-volt architecture limits it, not the charger.
Every highway service station across Europe features CCS chargers. The cables stay attached to the station. Just plug in, tap your card, and watch the kilometers pile on.
Home Charging Made Simple: Your Nightly Routine, Perfected
Level 1 vs. Level 2: The Tortoise and the Hare
| Charging Type | Voltage | Power | Time to Full (64 kWh) | Daily Range Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 120V | 1.5 kW | 59 hours | 3-4 miles/hour |
| Level 2 | 240V | 7.2 kW | 9-10 hours | 25-30 miles/hour |
Level 1 charging through a standard outlet works for emergencies only. Adding 59 hours to charge your 64 kWh battery makes it useless for daily driving.
Level 2 transforms your Soul EV into a practical daily driver. You’ll wake up to a full battery every morning. Most owners install one within their first month.
The math is simple. Level 2 costs about the same as a new kitchen appliance but saves you thousands in gas annually.
Picking Your Perfect Home Charger
Safety comes first. Look for UL-listed units from established brands like ChargePoint, JuiceBox, or Grizzl-E. Fancy apps are nice but reliability beats features.
Your Soul EV’s onboard charger maxes out at 7.2 kW. Buying a 48-amp station won’t charge you faster. A 32-amp unit delivers everything you need.
Smart chargers with scheduling let you charge during off-peak hours. Some utilities offer rebates up to $500. One phone call could pay for half your charger.
Understanding Your Outlet Options Without an Electrical Degree
| Circuit Breaker | Outlet Type | Max Power | Charge Time (0-100%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 amp | NEMA 14-30 | 5.8 kW | 11-12 hours |
| 40 amp | NEMA 14-50 | 7.7 kW | 9-10 hours |
| 50 amp | NEMA 14-50 | 9.6 kW | 9-10 hours (Soul limited to 7.2 kW) |
The NEMA 14-50 outlet reigns supreme for EV charging. It’s what RV parks use nationwide. Your electrician knows this outlet well.
Installation typically runs $500-1500 depending on your panel location. Get three quotes. Show them exactly where you park.
Portable Level 2 chargers offer flexibility if you rent or move frequently. They plug into existing 240V outlets. Same charging speed, more options.
Fast Charging on the Road: Speed When You Need It Most
Which Fast Charger Actually Fits Your Port?
First-generation Soul EV owners must hunt for CHAdeMO stations. Set your apps to filter for CHAdeMO only. Call ahead when possible. Many stations show available online but are broken.
Second-generation owners enjoy abundant CCS options. Every major highway corridor features CCS chargers. Electrify America alone operates over 800 locations nationwide.
Save your favorite stations before leaving home. Cell coverage drops in charging deserts. Screenshots save the day when your data dies.
How “Fast” Is Fast Charging, Really?
Your Soul EV’s actual charging speed depends on multiple factors:
| Battery Size | Charger Type | Peak Power | 10-80% Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 kWh | CHAdeMO 50kW | 50 kW | 33 minutes |
| 64 kWh | CCS 100kW | 77 kW | 44-47 minutes |
| 64 kWh | CCS 350kW | 77 kW | 44-47 minutes |
Notice something? Your Soul EV can’t use those fancy 350 kW stations’ full power. The car’s 400-volt system caps out around 77 kW. Save money by choosing 100-150 kW stations.
Temperature matters tremendously. Cold batteries charge slower. Hot batteries throttle to protect themselves. Spring and fall deliver the fastest charging.
The 80% Rule That Saves Your Sanity and Battery
Charging slows dramatically after 80%. What takes 44 minutes to reach 80% needs another 30 minutes for that last 20%. Physics, not politics.
Plan your road trips around 80% charges. You’ll spend less time waiting and your battery stays healthier. Win-win.
Reserve 100% charging for the night before long trips. Set your timer, wake up full, hit the road with maximum range.
Real Costs: What You’ll Actually Spend to Keep Moving
Home Charging vs. Public Charging Math
| Location | Cost per kWh | Full Charge (64 kWh) | Cost per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home (off-peak) | $0.08-0.12 | $5-8 | $0.02-0.03 |
| Home (standard) | $0.13-0.18 | $8-12 | $0.03-0.05 |
| Public Level 2 | $0.20-0.30 | $13-19 | $0.05-0.08 |
| DC Fast Charging | $0.35-0.50 | $22-32 | $0.09-0.13 |
Home charging crushes gas prices even at peak rates. Public Level 2 costs double but still beats $4 gasoline. Fast charging approaches gas prices but you’ll rarely need it.
The average Soul EV owner spends $30-50 monthly on home electricity. Compare that to $150-200 for gas. The savings add up fast.
The Off-Peak Electricity Secret Nobody Tells You
Time-of-use rates can cut your charging costs in half. Charge between midnight and 6 AM for the lowest rates. Your Soul EV’s timer handles this automatically.
Some utilities offer special EV rates as low as $0.04 per kWh overnight. Call yours tomorrow. The savings pay for your home charger within a year.
Set your charging to start at midnight. Wake up full. Save money. Your utility company actually wants you charging overnight when demand drops.
Common Charging Headaches (And How I Solve Them Fast)
When Your Soul Stubbornly Won’t Charge
Check your scheduled charging first. I’ve seen countless owners forget they set a midnight start time. The car’s doing exactly what you told it.
The 12-volt battery causes phantom charging failures. Just like gas cars, EVs need that little battery for electronics. A dying 12V battery creates mysterious errors.
Wiggle the connector gently. Check for leaves or debris in the port. Unplug, wait 30 seconds, try again. Basic troubleshooting solves 80% of issues.
That “Charger Error” Message That Stops Your Heart
First-generation Soul EVs (2014-2016) suffer from onboard charger failures. It’s documented widely in owner forums. The module overheats and dies.
Your warranty might cover this $4,000 repair even on used vehicles. Kia extended coverage for this specific issue. Call your dealer with these magic words: “onboard charger module replacement under warranty extension.”
Second-generation models rarely experience this issue. Kia learned and improved the design. But keep your receipts anyway.
Cold Weather Blues and How to Beat Them
Your range drops 20-30% when temperatures hit freezing. The battery uses energy to keep itself warm. Chemistry slows down in cold weather.
Pre-heat your cabin while plugged in. The grid warms your car, not your battery. You leave with a warm cabin and full range.
Keep your Soul plugged in overnight during winter. The battery management system maintains optimal temperature. Your morning commute starts with a happy battery.
Cables, Adapters, and Gear Worth Packing
The Emergency Cable That Belongs in Your Trunk Always
Keep your original Level 1 charger in the trunk. Always. Dead battery at grandma’s house? Plug into her garage outlet overnight.
Buy a quality 12-gauge extension cord rated for continuous 15-amp draw. Cheap cords overheat. Good cords save the day when outlets hide behind garbage cans.
Add a plug tester to verify outlets work before plugging in. Nothing worse than waiting eight hours for zero charge.
Adapters: What Works and What’s Risky
| Adapter Type | Use Case | Cost | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| J1772 to Tesla | Borrow friend’s charger | $50-80 | Excellent |
| Type 2 to Type 1 | European travel | $100-150 | Good |
| CHAdeMO to CCS | Future-proof old Soul | $500+ | Variable |
CCS to CHAdeMO adapters exist but compatibility varies wildly. Some work great. Others refuse to handshake. Research specific models extensively before buying.
NACS adapters arrive Spring 2025 for CCS-equipped Souls. This opens Tesla’s Supercharger network. Game-changer for road trips.
Never use damaged or homemade adapters. High-voltage electricity doesn’t forgive mistakes. Your life isn’t worth saving $50.
Apps That Make EV Life Feel Like Cheating
PlugShare shows real-time availability and recent reviews. Trust recent check-ins over station status. Users report broken chargers faster than networks.
Your Kia Connect app monitors charging remotely. Start, stop, and schedule charging from your couch. See your current charge level anytime.
ABRP (A Better Route Planner) calculates charging stops for road trips. Input your Soul EV model. It knows your charging curve and plans accordingly.
Battery Health: Small Habits, Big Payoff Over Years
The 20-80% Sweet Spot Everyone Mentions for Good Reason
Lithium batteries hate extremes. Constantly charging to 100% stresses the chemistry. Repeatedly draining to 0% does too.
Keep your daily charging between 20% and 80%. Your battery capacity degrades slower. After eight years, you’ll have 85% capacity instead of 75%.
Break this rule for road trips without guilt. Flexibility matters. Just make 20-80% your default setting for daily driving.
Should You Fast-Charge Every Single Day?
DC fast charging generates heat. Heat ages batteries. Use Level 2 for daily charging. Save fast charging for actual need.
Studies show batteries fast-charged daily degrade 10% faster than home-charged batteries. Over ten years, that’s significant capacity loss.
Your battery degrades regardless. Don’t obsess. Just be thoughtful. Use fast charging when it serves you, not because it’s convenient.
Your Confidence Checklist: You’ve Got This Now
Before Every Road Trip
| North America Checklist | Europe Checklist |
|---|---|
| PlugShare set to your connector type | Type 2 cable in trunk |
| Emergency Level 1 charger packed | Charging card/app accounts active |
| Extension cord and outlet tester | CCS station locations saved offline |
| Recent station reviews checked | Backup route planned |
| Phone fully charged | Emergency contact numbers saved |
Screenshot everything. Save offline maps. Dead zones exist where you need charging most. Preparation prevents panic.
Pack snacks and entertainment. Charging stops become pleasant breaks instead of frustrating delays. Mindset matters.
Your New Daily Charging Rhythm
Plug in every night regardless of battery level. Routine beats decision fatigue. You’ll never wonder if you have enough charge.
Set your charge limit to 80% for daily use. Override to 100% before trips. Your Soul handles this automatically once configured.
Check your charge port monthly. Look for damage, corrosion, or debris. Catch problems early. Prevent expensive repairs later.
Conclusion: From Confusion to Confidence in One Scroll
That initial charging anxiety you felt? It’s gone now. You know your ports, your options, and your backup plans.
Your Kia Soul EV becomes an extension of your lifestyle once you master its charging personality. Road trips feel like adventures again, not engineering puzzles.
Kia Soul EV Plug Type (FAQs)
Can I charge my Kia Soul EV with a regular household outlet?
Yes, you can charge your Soul EV using a standard 120V outlet with the included Level 1 charger. However, it’s painfully slow. A full charge takes 20-59 hours depending on your battery size. This works for emergencies or adding a few miles overnight, but you’ll want Level 2 charging for daily use. Most owners use Level 1 charging only as a backup option.
What is the fastest way to charge a Kia Soul EV?
The fastest charging comes from DC fast chargers using either CHAdeMO (2014-2019 models) or CCS (2020+ models). Your Soul EV can charge from 10% to 80% in about 44-47 minutes at a 100 kW CCS station. The car’s maximum acceptance rate is around 77 kW for the 64 kWh battery model. Using a 350 kW ultra-fast charger won’t charge your Soul any faster since the car’s 400-volt architecture limits the power it can accept.
Does the Kia Soul EV use Type 1 or Type 2 connector?
This depends on your model year and region. North American Soul EVs (all years) use Type 1 (J1772) for AC charging. European models from 2014-2019 also use Type 1, but 2020+ European e-Souls switched to Type 2 (Mennekes). Check your charge port door label to confirm. The connector type determines which public charging stations you can use without adapters.
Will the Kia Soul EV work with Tesla Superchargers?
Second-generation Soul EVs (2020+) with CCS ports will gain Tesla Supercharger access in Spring 2025 through Kia’s NACS adapter program. First-generation models with CHAdeMO ports cannot use Tesla Superchargers. The adapter will open up thousands of additional fast-charging locations across North America, significantly improving road trip convenience for CCS-equipped Soul EV owners.