The automotive world is slowly transitioning from fossil fuels to electric propulsion technology. This electric revolution has encouraged most major car manufacturers to produce their own electric cars, with some being more successful than others. The Kia Niro’s ergonomic size, excellent ride quality, and strong electric range are just some of the reasons why it’s one of the most successful all-electric SUVs currently on the market.
While charging your electric Kia Niro is easy, it does take some getting used to when coming from a gas-powered vehicle. This guide will help you do it effectively, so you and your family can enjoy what the Niro has to offer.
Introducing the Kia Niro
a car driving on a road by Hyundai Motor Group is licensed with Unsplash License
The Kia Niro is a small all-electric SUV. It’s part of the second Niro generation, which was first introduced in 2023, and is an excellent choice for a wide variety of reasons, including its feature-rich standard configuration, comfortable cabin, and cutting-edge tech. All trim levels are powered by a 201-horsepower electric motor that sends power to the front wheels. The 64.8 kWh battery provides up to 253 miles of range.
A Comprehensive Guide to Charging the Kia Niro EV
When it comes to charging your electric vehicle (EV), the most effective approach is usually to find places that fit into your daily activities. This means you’ll probably be charging it at home, work, and various charging stations in your area.
Charging Your Kia Niro at Home
Charging your Niro at home is convenient, especially if you live in a house. Even if you live in an apartment building, it’s not uncommon to find on-street residential charging areas near your home. If you’re charging it in your garage, you need to use your own charger. Your two main options are:
- Level 1 charger: This comes standard with your Kia Niro and you simply plug into a regular 120-volt household charger. It’s convenient but relatively slow, as it only adds around three miles of range per hour, so it’s most suitable for charging overnight.
- Level 2 charger: This requires a dedicated outlet and a wall-mounted EV charger, so you’ll need to contact a licensed electrician to help you. This will boost your charging speed to about 30 miles per hour, so you’ll need less than 10 hours to charge your Kia Niro fully.
Charging Your Kia Niro at Work
Another convenient way to charge your Kia Niro is by plugging it into a charger at work. Many offices and other types of workplaces feature electric charging stations, so you can simply plug it in when you get there and unplug it when it’s time to go home. If your workplace lacks a dedicated charging station, you can use your Level 1 charger and plug it into a regular outlet. Just make sure the charging area is dry, the charger is in good condition, and you don’t need any extension cords.
Charging at Public Charging Stations
You can also charge your Kia Niro at public charging stations near your home or on road trips. There are many apps that can help you find available public stations, and you can also use your Kia Niro’s navigation system to do so. You can also check their availability to make sure you won’t have to wait once you get there. Many malls, parking lots, and similar public places have Level 2 chargers, so you can make it a habit to plug your Niro in while shopping or doing other things around town.
Public charging stations may also have DC fast chargers, which are much quicker than regular type 1 and 2 chargers. They’re great if you’re low on time or at a pit stop on your road trip, but it will likely cost you more to charge your EV. The Kia Niro has a peak fast-charging rate of 85 kW, so you can get it from 10% battery to 80% in only 43 minutes with an appropriate fast charger.
Maximizing Your Kia Niro’s Performance and Battery Health Through Effective Charging Practices
Keeping your Kia Niro’s battery in excellent shape for many years is easy if you follow some basic practices. Here are some essential ones:
- Keep your battery between 20% and 80% charged: Just like any other battery, the one in the Kia Niro may produce unwanted chemical reactions that will shorten its lifespan if it’s often too close to full or empty. It’s fine to let it drop below 20% or charge it close to full capacity occasionally but try to keep it between 20% and 80% to ensure a long-lasting battery.
- Avoid using fast charging in extreme temperatures: While fast charging can be quick and convenient, it can take its toll on your battery’s lifespan. If you can, you should avoid using a fast charger when it’s extremely hot or cold, as this will put extra strain on the chemicals inside your battery.
- Precondition your battery before charging: The Kia Niro can heat or cool the battery to reach its optimal temperature before charging it. This will make charging quicker and reduce the strain extreme temperatures, especially cold weather, put on your battery.
- Learn to use regenerative braking: Like many other EVs, the Kia Niro can place some energy back into your battery while you drive through regenerative braking. Incorporating this into your driving style will increase your range and help your battery last longer.
Check Out the Kia Niro at Huffines Kia McKinney
If you want to learn more about the Kia Niro and its optimal charging practices, come visit us at Huffines Kia McKinney. You can take it for a test-drive and our sales staff will tell you everything you want to know about its electric technology and how to keep it in great shape for many years to come. Contact us today to schedule your visit.