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H2
HEV (HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE) SYSTEM
The Kia Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) uses both the gasoline engine and the electric motor for power. The electric
motor is run by a 240V high-voltage HEV battery.
Depending on the driving conditions, the HEV computer selectively operates between the engine and the electric
motor or even both at the same time.
Fuel efficiency increases when the engine is at idle, or when the vehicle is driven by the electric motor with the HEV
battery.
The HEV battery charge must be maintained for the times when the engine acts as a generator, such as when
stopped at idle. Charging also occurs when decelerating or by regenerative braking.
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Start up / Low speed cruiseAccelerationHigh speed cruise
Deceleration Stop
Electric motorElectric motor + Engine
6
EngineChargingEngine OFF
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H3
Kia hybrid system notifies the drivers
of energy flow in various operating
modes. The operating condition of
the vehicle can be shown in the fol-
lowing eleven modes.
Vehicle Stop
The mode means the vehicle at stop.
(There is no energy flow.)
EV Propulsion
Electric power is used to move the
vehicle. (Battery ➞Wheel)
Power Assist
Electric and Engine power are used
to move the vehicle.
(Battery & Engine ➞ Wheel)
Engine Only Propulsion
Engine power is used to move the
vehicle. (Engine ➞Wheel)
Engine Generation
Vehicle is stopped with the Engine
charging the hybrid battery.
(Engine ➞Battery)
NIRO HYBRID ENERGY FLOW
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H4
Regeneration
Hybrid battery is being charged by
regenerative braking.
(Wheel ➞Battery)
Engine Brake
The vehicle is being slowed by
engine compression.
(Wheel ➞Engine)
Power Reserve
Engine is both driving the vehicle
and charging the hybrid battery.
(Engine ➞ Wheel & Battery)
Engine Generation/Regeneration
The engine and regenerative braking
system charge the hybrid battery
driving deceleration.
(Engine & Wheel ➞ Battery)
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H5
Engine Generation/Motor Drive
The vehicle is being slowed by engine
compression and regenerative brak-
ing. The hybrid battery is being
charged by regenerative braking.
(Engine ➞Battery ➞Wheel)
Engine Brake/Regeneration
The engine compression can be
used to slow the vehicle. The regen-
erative braking system can be used
to charge the hybrid system.
(Wheel ➞Engine & Battery)
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Page 12 of 552

H6
Starting the Hybrid System
1.Carry the smart key into the vehicle.
2.Make sure the parking brake isfirmly applied.
3.Place the shift lever in the P(Park) position.
In N (neutral) position, you can not
start the vehicle.
4.Depress the brake pedal.
5.Press the engine start/stop button.
6.The engine should be started with- out pressing the accelerator. In
extremely cold weather or after the
vehicle has not been operated for
several days, let the engine warm up
without depressing the accelerator.
• Even if the smart key is in thevehicle, if it is far away from you,
the engine may not start.
ton is in the ACC or ON position,
if any door is open, the system
checks for the smart key. If the
smart key is not in the vehicle, the
warning, "Key is not in vehicle"
will come on, and if all doors are
closed, the chime will also sound
for about 5 seconds. The indica-
tor will turn off while the vehicle is
moving. Keep the smart key in the
vehicle when using the ACC posi-
tion or if the vehicle engine is on. If the starting procedure is fol-
lowed, the " " symbol on the
instrument cluster will turn on.
For more details, Please check
chapter 6.
STARTING THE HYBRID VEHICLE (SMART KEY)
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H7
ECONOMICAL and SAFE
OPERATION of Hybrid system
Drive smoothly. Accelerate at amoderate rate and maintain a
steady cruising speed. Don't make
"jack-rabbit" starts. Don't race
between stoplights.
Avoid heavy traffic whenever pos- sible. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from other vehicles so you
can avoid unnecessary braking.
This also reduces brake wear.
The regenerative brake generates energy when the vehicle deceler-
ates.
When the hybrid battery power is low, the hybrid system automatical-
ly recharges the hybrid battery.
When the engine runs in "N" posi- tion, the hybrid system cannot gen-
erate electricity. The hybrid battery
cannot recharge in "N" position.
Please refer to chapter 7.
✽ ✽ NOTICE
When the hybrid system is in ready
mode, the engine will automatically
start and stop as needed.
The " " symbol will illuminate in
the cluster when the system is oper-
ational.
CAUTION - Extended
cranking
Do not crank the engine for aprolonged period of time with-out the engine starting. Thiscould result in damage to theHEV battery and becomingtotally discharged.
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H8
THE COMPONENTS OF HYBRID VEHICLE
1. Engine : 1.6L
2. Motor : 32kW
3. Transmission : 6DCT
4. Hybrid starter generator (HSG)5. HPCU (Hybrid Power Control Unit)
6. High voltage battery system
7. Generative brake system
8. Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS)
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The actual shape may differ from the illustration.
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H9
The Hybrid battery uses high voltage
top operate the electric motor and
other components and other compo-
nents. High voltage is dangerous if
touched.
Your vehicle is equipped with orange
colored insulation and covers over
the high voltage components to pro-
tect people from electric shock. High
voltage warning labels are attached
to some system components as
additional warnings. Your vehicle is
recommended to be serviced by an
authorized Kia dealer.
WARNING - High voltage
components
Never touch orange or high
voltage labeled components
including wires, cables, and
connections. If the insulators or
covers are damaged or
removed, severe injury or death
from electrocution may occur.
WARNING- Touching HPCU
When replacing the fuses in the
engine compartment, never
touch the HPCU. The HPCU car-
ries high voltage. Touching the
HPCU could result in electrocu-
tion, serious injury, or death.
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HPCU
HEV Battery