2021 KIA NIRO PHEV Owners Manual

H36
Kia hybrid system notifies the drivers
of energy flow in various operating
modes. Eleven Modes show drivers
the current operating condition.
Vehicle Stop
This mode means the vehicle is at a
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)
ENERGY FLOW
ODEP040202N
ODEP040203N
ODEP040204N
ODEP040205NODEP047201N

H37
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/Motor Drive
The engine charges up the high-volt-
age battery. The motor power is used
to drive the vehicle.
(Engine ➞Battery ➞Wheel)
Engine Generation/Regeneration
The engine and regenerative braking
system charge the hybrid battery
driving deceleration.
(Engine & Wheel ➞Battery)
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)
ODEP040207N
ODEP040209N
ODEP040207N
ODEP040210N
ODEP040206N
ODEP040208N

H38
AUX. BATTERY SAVER+ (For
Plug-in Hybrid, if equipped)
The Aux. Battery Saver+ is a function
that monitors the charging status of
the 12V auxiliary battery.
If the auxiliary battery level is low, the
main high voltage battery charges
the auxiliary battery.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
The Aux. Battery Saver+ function will
be ON when the vehicle is delivered. If
the function is not needed, you may
turn it off in the Users Settings mode
on the LCD display. For more infor-
mation, refer to the "System setting"
on the following page.
Mode

When the vehicle is OFF with all
doors, hood and liftgate closed, the
Aux. Battery Saver+ periodically acti-
vates according to the auxiliary bat-
tery status.

When the engine start/stop button is
in the ON position with the charging
connector plugged in, this function
activates according to the auxiliary
battery status to prevent over-dis-
charge of the auxiliary battery.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
The Aux. Battery Saver+ activates
for a maximum of 20 minutes. If the
Aux. Battery Saver+ function acti-
vates more than 10 times consecu-
tively, in the Automatic Mode, this
function will stop activating, judg-
ing that there is a problem with the
auxiliary battery. In this case, drive
the vehicle for some period of time.
The function will start activating if
the auxiliary battery returns to nor-
mal.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
If the Aux. Battery Saver+ function
was activated, the high voltage bat-
tery level may have decreased.
CAUTION
The Aux. Battery Saver+ func-
tion cannot prevent battery dis-
charge if the auxiliary battery is
damaged, worn out, used as a
power supply or if unauthorized
electronic devices are used.
PLUG-IN HYBRID ENERGY FLOW

H39
System setting
The driver can activate the Aux.
Battery Saver+ function by placing
the engine start/stop button to the
ON position and by selecting:
"User Settings ➞Other Features ➞
Aux. Battery Saver+"WARNING
The Aux. Battery Saver+ relies
on the high voltage battery to
charge the 12V battery. The
charging indicator lamp will blink
rapidly when this is occurring.
To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, do not touch any high
voltage components (orange-
colored) or other electrical
devices while charging is occur-
ring.

H40
Starting the Hybrid System
1.Carry the smart key into the vehicle.
2.Make sure the parking brake is
firmly applied.
3.Place the shift lever in the P(Park)
position.
In N (neutral) position, you cannot
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.

vehicle, if it is far away from you,
the engine may not start.
ton is in the ACC or ON position
and if any door is open, the sys-
tem checks for the smart key. If
the smart key is not in the vehicle,
the warning, "Key is not in vehi-
cle" will come on, and if all doors
are closed, the chime will also
sound for about 5 seconds. The
indicator will turn off while the
vehicle is moving. Keep the smart
key in the vehicle when using the
ACC position 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 chap-
ter 4.
STARTING THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE (SMART KEY)

H41
ECONOMICAL and SAFE
OPERATION of Hybrid system
Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a
moderate 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 6.
✽ ✽
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 a
prolonged period of time with-
out the engine starting. This
could result in damage to the
HEV battery and result in total
discharge.

H42
COMPONENTS OF THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE
1. Engine : 1.6L
2. Motor : 32kW (HEV)/ 44.5kW (PHEV)
3. Transmission : 6DCT
4. Hybrid starter generator (HSG)5. HPCU (Hybrid Power Control Unit)
6. High voltage battery system
7. Regenerative brake system
8. Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS)
ODEPQ010001N❈
The actual shape may differ from the illustration.

H43
The Hybrid battery uses high voltage
to operate the electric motor and
other components. High voltage is
dangerous if touched.
Your vehicle is equipped with orange
colored insulation which covers over
the high voltage components to pro-
tect people from electric shock. High
voltage warning labels are attached
to some system components as addi-
tional warnings. Have your vehicle
serviced by an authorized Kia dealer.
WARNING - High voltage
components
Never touch orange-colored or
high voltage labeled compo-
nents including wires, cables,
and connectors. If the insula-
tors or covers are damaged or
removed, severe injury or death
from electrocution may occur.
WARNING - Avoid
Touching Hybrid Power
Control Unit
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.
ODEPQ019002L
ODEQ016003
HPCU
HEV Battery