2021 KIA NIRO HYBRID EV Owners Manual

Kia, THE COMPANY
Thank you for becoming the owner of a new Kia vehicle.
As a global car manufacturer focused on building high-quality vehi-
cles with exceptional value, Kia Motors is dedicated to providing you
with a customer service experience that exceeds your expectations.
All information contained in this Owner’s Manual was accurate at the
time of publication. However, Kia reserves the right to make changes
at any time so that our policy of continual product improvement can
be carried out.
This manual applies to all trims of this vehicle and includes images,
descriptions, and explanations of optional as well as standard equip-
ment. As a result, some material in this manual may not be applicable
to your specific Kia vehicle. Some images are shown for illustration
only and may show features that differ from those on your vehicle.
Drive safely and enjoy your Kia!

i Thank you for choosing a Kia vehicle.
When you require service, remember that your Kia dealer
knows your vehicle best. Your dealer has factory-trained tech-
nicians, recommended special tools and genuine Kia replace-
ment parts. It is dedicated to your complete customer satisfac-
tion.
Because subsequent owners require this important information
as well, this publication should remain with the vehicle if it is
sold.
This manual will familiarize you with operational, mainte-
nance and safety information about your new vehicle. It is sup-
plemented by a Warranty and Consumer Information manual
that provides important information on all warranties regarding
your vehicle.
We urge you to read these publications carefully and follow the
recommendations to help assure enjoyable and safe operation
of your new vehicle.
Kia offers a great variety of options, components and features
for its various models. Therefore, some of the equipment
described in this manual, along with the various illustrations,
may not be applicable to your particular vehicle. The information and specifications provided in this manual
were accurate at the time of printing. Kia reserves the right to
discontinue or change specifications or design at any time
without notice and without incurring any obligation. If you
have questions, always check with your Kia dealer.
We assure you of our continuing interest in your motoring
pleasure and satisfaction in your Kia vehicle.
© 2020 Kia Canada Inc.
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any
information storage and retrieval system or translation in
whole or part is not permitted without written authorization
from Kia Canada Inc..
Printed in Korea
Foreword

ii
Foreword
We want to help you get the greatest
possible driving pleasure from your
vehicle. Your Owner’s Manual can
assist you in many ways. We strong-
ly recommend that you read the
entire manual. In order to minimize
the chance of death or injury, you
must read the WARNING and CAU-
TION sections in the manual.
Illustrations complement the words
in this manual to best explain how to
enjoy your vehicle. By reading your
manual, you will learn about fea-
tures, important safety information,
and driving tips under various road
conditions.
The general layout of the manual is
provided in the Table of Contents.
Use the index when looking for a
specific area or subject; it has an
alphabetical listing of all information
in your manual.
Sections: This manual has nine sec-
tions plus an index. Each section
begins with a brief list of contents so
you can tell at a glance if that section
has the information you want.You will find various WARNINGs,
CAUTIONs, and NOTICEs in this
manual. These WARNINGs were pre-
pared to enhance your personal safe-
ty. You should carefully read and follow
ALL procedures and recommenda-
tions provided in these WARNINGs,
CAUTIONs and NOTICEs.
✽ ✽

NOTICE
A NOTICE indicates interesting or
helpful information is being provided.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a situa-
tion in which harm, serious bod-
ily injury or death could result if
the warning is ignored.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a situation
in which damage to your vehicle
could result if the caution is
ignored.

table of contents
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
I
Introduction
Your vehicle at a glance
Safety features of your vehicle
Features of your vehicle
Driving your vehicle
What to do in an emergency
Maintenance
Specifications, Consumer information and
Reporting safety defects
Index

HEV (HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE) SYSTEM / H2
PHEV (PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE) SYSTEM / H3
CHARGING THE PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE / H4
DRIVING THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE / H28
ENERGY FLOW / H36
PLUG-IN HYBRID ENERGY FLOW / H38
STARTING THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE (SMART KEY) / H40
COMPONENTS OF THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE / H42
Hybrid System Overview

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 because, at times, the engine may come on even at idle to act as a gen-
erator. Charging also occurs when decelerating or by regenerative braking.
ODEP057140L
Startup/Low speed cruise
Acceleration High speed cruiseDecelerationStop
Electric motorElectric motor+EngineEngine+
Motor or MotorChargingEngine OFF

H3
PHEV (PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE) SYSTEM
The Kia Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) shares the characteristics of both a conventional hybrid electric vehi-
cle and an all-electric vehicle.
When used as a conventional hybrid electric vehicle, the HEV computer selectively operates between the engine and
the electric motor or even both at the same time.
When it is operating in the electric vehicle mode, the vehicle is driven only using the electric motor over a certain dis-
tance until the hybrid battery becomes low. The driving distance in EV mode depends on customer driving style and road
conditions. Aggressive driving maneuvers may at times temporarily enable the engine to operate for maximum power.
The hybrid battery can be fully charged by connecting a plug to an external electric power source.
The engine can be turned on based on a number of factors such as heater usage and a frequent operation of the
accelerator pedal by a driver in Charge Depleting mode.
ODEP057141L
Electric Vehicle ModeStart up/Low speedAcceleration High speed
DecelerationExternal charging
Electric motor
CD (Charge Depleting) ModeCS (Charge Sustaining) ModeCharging
MotorEngine+MotorEngine+Motor
or MotorChargingBattery charging
6