Making Soul more aerodynamic

[johntox]

My only beef is that the car is not very aerodynamic so I can't get as much range as I like.
I read that the drag is .35 which is high for electric.
Does anyone have any recommendation where I can get modifications done or buy modifications to reduce drag.
Maybe a front faring and rear wheel skirt. Extension in back would probably help too.

 

[wrickcook]

Yup, it's drag coefficient is .35.
The ICE Soul is like a .38, so they made some improvements for the EV, but it is still the worst drag coefficient of all current EVs.

Doubt there is much you could do. Everything I am doing is hurting my range (roof rack, different rims, wind deflectors).

 

[Ptrs]

Personally I prefer the Soul over the other EV because of it's shape. The only area I could think about is the tail of the car, just look at some passing big rigs on the freeway, "Boat-Tail" trailers or "vortex-generators". How well these would work I have no idea. I have even seen a small wing for the antenna to reduce drag.

I'd be interested to see any wind tunnel tests, although personally I am more like johntox, everything I am doing is going the opposite direction, light bar, auxiliary LED lights to add to the same list as johntox.

 

[carid]

Roof rack will definitely make the drag even worse, not sure about the deflectors though, they may actually improve the flow.
What about a classic aerodynamic component - a spoiler? There are few options available for Soul, like these for example. They look aerodynamic, but from various tests that I've seen in automotive magazines, some spoilers may decrease the downforce and make the drag even worse. That's why I would trust some information based on the actual wind tunnel tests.

 

[ALF]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=511946341221&set=gm.985598144854132&type=3&theater

 

[edzee3]

Interesting and important topic for us traveling the LA freeways at 63 mph max to preserve range.
Some good info on roof extensions at http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&title=Reducing-the-drag-on-squareback-cars&A=112656.
No big gains.

 

[GregBear]

Keep it very clean, find a polish that similar or the same as they use on jets.. It won't give you a lot more range, but little things can help..

 

[edzee3]

Thinking about the subject; how about the existing drag of the old-fashioned side mirrors. Estimates I have seen have these at about 5% of total drag. Maybe there are small cameras available to substitute for side-mirror functions ?

 

[reggie52]

If you have a roof rack, there are wind fairings that can be added on the front to reduce noise and drag.

 

[edzee3]

Curious if anyone has tried a "Lip Spoiler Wing" on the top edge of the hatchback door AND noted any drag reduction at freeway speeds ?
Several kits available on ebay; https://www.sportwing.com/SOUL14-FM-Kia-Soul-Factory-Style-Flush-Mount-Spoiler

 

[Javi]

Do you think it's better to change the rear height to improve aerodynamics?
A spoiler will only make downforce stronger

What measure do you have?

I think it's too low in the back

 

[SoulEV2016]

Kia Soul EV have a rear diffuser in place of exhaust.
No need to use a spoiler on the top of the roof.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn2DAAvqIM4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v-bRb93Ops

 

[edzee3]

ebay has a "Rear Wing Spoiler" listed that may have benefits for reduced drag:
<https://www.ebay.com/itm/PAINTED-TO-MATCH-REAR-WING-SPOILER-FOR-A-KIA-SOUL-FLUSH-MOUNT-FACTORY-2014-2018/232198528389?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649>

Has anyone tried this ?

Any real drag-reduction benefits ?

Quality and fit ?

Thanks,
Ed
Long Beach, CA

 

[greenteam84]

ebay has a "Rear Wing Spoiler" listed that may have benefits for reduced drag:
<https://www.ebay.com/itm/PAINTED-TO-MATCH-REAR-WING-SPOILER-FOR-A-KIA-SOUL-FLUSH-MOUNT-FACTORY-2014-2018/232198528389?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649>

Has anyone tried this ?

Any real drag-reduction benefits ?

Quality and fit ?

Thanks,
Ed
Long Beach, CA

I wonder if it's durable.