Charging the Kia Niro

Everything drivers need to know about the Kia Niro

Introduced for 2019 in both plug-in hybrid and fully electric models, the Kia Niro was certainly not the most highly anticipated electric vehicle (EV) release (particularly when compared to anything from Tesla) however its substantial range and elegant practicality have earned widespread approval from drivers and critics alike. The Niro is built on the same platform that powers the fan-favorite Hyundai Kona.

 

In comparison to the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Niro receives a more up-right SUV look and has a longer wheelbase at about 3 inches, giving Kia owners a bit more legroom. In addition to the fully electric EV model, the Niro has an additional plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model powered by the same 1.6 liter inline-four as they hybrid but with a substantially larger battery. The interior is made of primarily recycled materials and biofibers to increase the compact crossover’s green credentials, making it a worthy competitor against its long-running competitors the Nissan LEAF and Chevy Bolt.

 


 
 

Charging the Kia Niro

For 2019-2023, the 1st generation Niro EV features a 64 kWh battery that can charge at a rate of 7.4 kW on a Level 2 charger and up to 77 kW using a  DC fast charger. The Niro’s PHEV twin utilizes a much smaller 8.9 kWh battery alongside the tried-and-true 1.6 liter Kappa inline-four, providing 3.3 kW Level 2 charging speed. While the all electric Niro EV can go for a substantial 239 EPA rated miles on a charge, the Niro plug-in hybrid could drive for 26 miles before the gas engine kicks in. For the 2nd generation’s release in 2023, the Niro gained major improvements in charging and range, with the EV model gaining 11 kW Level 2 charging, 85 kW DC fast charging and a slightly larger 64.8 kWh battery extending its range to 258 miles. The PHEV hasn’t been left behind, gaining a larger 11.1 kWh battery and 7.2 kW Level 2 charging for 33 miles of all electric range before it becomes a standard hybrid.

 

The Niro EV and Plug-in Hybrid are great options for drivers wanting a cleaner driving experience at a lower price point. To take advantage of the benefits of electric vehicles, including cheap charging at home, drivers can utilize smart chargers like the JuiceBox 48 which max out the charging rate on both Kia Niro models respectively. Allowing for a full charging in just a few hours.

 

Looking for a Kia Niro charger?

 


 
 

Kia Niro charging times & range

Model year
Charge rate
Battery size
Charge time on Level 1
Charge time with JuiceBox® 48
All electric range
2019-2023 Kia Niro EV
7.4 kW
64 kWh
45 hours
9 hours
239 miles
2019-2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
3.3 kW
8.9 kWh
7 hours
3 hours
26 miles
2023-Present Kia Niro EV
11 kW
64.8 kWh
45 hours
6 hours
253 miles
2023-Present Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
7.2 kW
11.1 kWh
7.75 hours
2.5 hours
33 miles

DC fast charging: CCS combo

While the Niro Plug-in Hybrid’s smaller battery doesn’t warrant a need for fast charging, the Niro EV has its CCS Combo connector at the nose of the vehicle, right under the hood. The 1st generation Kia Niro EV has DC fast charging capabilities of up to 77 kW, which allows the Niro to recharge up to 80% in about 60 minutes. For the 2nd generation, the Niro’s DC fast charging rate increased to 84 kW taking under 45 minutes to charge up to 80%. Utilizing a DC fast charger like the Enel X Way JuicePump 150 kW will provide Niro EV drivers with the fastest charging out on the road.

 

Kia along with other brands under the Hyundai Motor Group umbrella, has committed to adopting the SAE J3400 (formerly known as NACS) charging standard starting in 2025, meaning new Kia Niro EVs from 2025 onward will utilize the connector as standard.

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Kia Niro home charging stations

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