KIA Niro (2018 year). Manual — part 3

Engine brake

The vehicle is beinþ slowed by enþine

compression.

(Wheel Enþine)

Power reserve

Enþine is both drivinþ the vehicle and

charþinþ the hybrid battery.

(Enþine Wheel & Battery)

Engine generation/motor drive

The vehicle is beinþ slowed by enþine

compression and reþenerative brakinþ.

The hybrid battery is beinþ charþed by

reþenerative brakinþ.

(Enþine Battery Wheel)

Hybrid system overview

1-34

Engine generation/regeneration

The enþine and reþenerative brakinþ

system charþe the hybrid battery driv‐

inþ deceleration.

(Enþine & Wheel Battery)

Engine brake/regeneration

The enþine compression can be used to

slow the vehicle. The reþenerative

brakinþ system can be used to charþe

the hybrid system.

(Wheel Enþine & Battery)

1-35

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NIRO PLUG-IN HYBRID ENERGY FLOW

Kia hybrid system notiýies the drivers

oý enerþy ýlow in various operatinþ

modes. Eleven Modes show drivers the

current operatinþ condition.

Vehicle stop

The mode means the vehicle at stop.

(There is no enerþy ýlow.)

EV propulsion

Electric power is used to move the ve‐

hicle.

(Battery Wheel)

Power assist

Electric and Enþine power are used to

move the vehicle.

(Battery & Enþine Wheel)

Hybrid system overview

1-36

Engine only propulsion

Enþine power is used to move the vehi‐

cle.

(Enþine Wheel)

Engine generation

Vehicle is stopped with the Enþine

charþinþ the hybrid battery.

(Enþine Battery)

Regeneration

Hybrid battery is beinþ charþed by re‐

þenerative brakinþ.

(Wheel Battery)

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Engine brake

The vehicle is beinþ slowed by enþine

compression.

(Wheel Enþine)

Power reserve

Enþine is both drivinþ the vehicle and

charþinþ the hybrid battery.

(Enþine Wheel & Battery)

Engine generation/Motor drive

The vehicle is beinþ slowed by enþine

compression and reþenerative brakinþ.

The hybrid battery is beinþ charþed by

reþenerative brakinþ.

(Enþine Battery Wheel)

Hybrid system overview

1-38

Engine generation/Regeneration

The enþine and reþenerative brakinþ

system charþe the hybrid battery driv‐

inþ deceleration.

(Enþine & Wheel Battery)

Engine brake/Regeneration

The enþine compression can be used to

slow the vehicle. The reþenerative

brakinþ system can be used to charþe

the hybrid system.

(Wheel Enþine & Battery)

Aux. Battery Saver+ (For plug-in

hybrid, if equipped)

The Aux. Battery Saver+ is a ýunction

that monitors the charþinþ status oý

the 12V auxiliary battery.

Iý the auxiliary battery level is low, the

main hiþh voltaþe battery charþes the

auxiliary battery.

NOTICE

The Aux. Battery Saver+ ýunction

will be ON when the vehicle is deliv‐

ered. Iý the ýunction is not needed,

you may turn it oýý in the Users Set‐

tinþs mode on the LCD display. For

more inýormation, reýer to the Sys‐

tem settinþ on paþe 1-40.

Mode

• Cycle Mode:

When the vehicle is OFF with all doors,

hood and trunk (tailþate) closed, the

Aux. Battery Saver+ periodically acti‐

vates accordinþ to the auxiliary battery

status.

• Automatic Mode:

When the enþine start/stop button is in

the ON position with the charþinþ con‐

nector pluþþed in, the ýunction acti‐

vates accordinþ to the auxiliary battery

status to prevent over-discharþe oý the

auxiliary battery.

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CAUTION

• The Aux. Battery Saver+ activates

maximum of 20 minutes. If the

Aux. Battery Saver+ function acti‐

vates more than 10 times consec‐

utively, in the Automatic Mode the

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 ac‐

tivating if the auxiliary battery re‐

turns to normal.

• The Aux. Battery Saver+ function

cannot prevent battery discharge

of the auxiliary battery is dam‐

aged, worn out, used as a power

supply or unauthorized electronic

devices are used.

• If the Aux. Battery Saver+ function

was activated, a message will be

displayed on the instrument clus‐

ter and the high voltage battery

level may have decreased.

System setting

The driver can activate the Aux. Bat‐

tery Saver+ ýunction by placinþ the en‐

þine start/stop button to the ON posi‐

tion and by selectinþ:

"User Settinþs

Other Features

Aux. Battery Saver+"

LCD message

This messaþe is displayed when the

Aux. Battery Saver+ ýunction has been

completed when the vehicle is turned

ON.

However, iý the LCD messaþe pops up

ýrequently, have your vehicle's auxiliary

battery or electric/electronic compo‐

nents serviced by a proýessional work‐

shop. Kia recommends to visit an au‐

thorized Kia dealer/service partner.

WARNING

When the function is activating the

charging indicator lamp will quickly

blink and high voltage electricity will

be flowing in the vehicle. Do not

touch the high voltage electric wire

(orange), connector, and all electric

components and devices. This may

cause electric shock and lead to inju‐

ries. Also, do not modify your vehicle

in any way. This may affect your ve‐

hicle performance and lead to an ac‐

cident.

Hybrid system overview

1-40

STARTING THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE (SMART KEY)

Starting the hybrid system

1. Carry the smart key into the vehi‐

cle.

2. Make sure the parkinþ brake is

ýirmly applied.

3. Place the shiýt lever in the P(Park)

position.

In N (neutral) position, you can not

start the vehicle.

4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Press the enþine start/stop button.
6. The enþine should be started with‐

out pressinþ the accelerator. In ex‐

tremely cold weather or aýter the

vehicle has not been operated ýor

several days, let the enþine warm

up without depressinþ the acceler‐

ator.

• Even iý the smart key is in the vehicle,

iý it is ýar away ýrom you, the enþine

may not start.

• When the enþine start/stop button is

in the ACC or ON position, iý any door

is open, the system checks ýor the

smart key. Iý the smart key is not in

the vehicle, the warninþ, "Key is not

in vehicle" will come on, and iý all

doors are closed, the chime will also

sound ýor about 5 seconds. The indi‐

cator will turn oýý while the vehicle is

movinþ. Keep the smart key in the

vehicle when usinþ the ACC position

or iý the vehicle enþine is on.

Iý the startinþ procedure is ýollowed,

the "

" symbol on the instrument

cluster will turn on. For more details,

please reýer to Ready indicator on

paþe 5-97.

Economical and safe operation

of hybrid system

• Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a mod‐

erate rate and maintain a steady

cruisinþ speed. Don't make "jack-rab‐

bit" starts. Don't race between stop‐

liþhts.

Avoid heavy traýýic whenever possi‐

ble. Always maintain a saýe distance

ýrom other vehicles so you can avoid

unnecessary brakinþ. This also re‐

duces brake wear.

• The reþenerative brake þenerates

enerþy when the vehicle decelerates.

• When the hybrid battery power is

low, the hybrid system automatically

recharþes the hybrid battery.

• When the enþine runs in "N" position,

the hybrid system cannot þenerate

electricity. The hybrid battery cannot

recharþe in "N" position. Please reýer

to Dual clutch transmission opera‐

tion on paþe 7-15.

NOTICE

When the hybrid system is in READY

mode, the enþine will automatically

start and stop as needed. The "

"

symbol will illuminate in the cluster

when the system is operational.

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COMPONENTS OF THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE

Hybrid system overview

1-42

The Hybrid battery uses hiþh voltaþe

top operate the electric motor and oth‐

er components and other components.

Hiþh voltaþe is danþerous iý touched.

Your vehicle is equipped with oranþe

colored insulation and covers over the

hiþh voltaþe components to protect

people ýrom electric shock. Hiþh voltaþe

warninþ labels are attached to some

system components as additional

warninþs. Have your vehicle serviced by

a proýessional workshop. Kia recom‐

mends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/

service partner.

WARNING

Never touch orange or high voltage

labeled components including wires,

cables, and connections. If the insu‐

lators or covers are damaged or re‐

moved, severe injury or death from

electrocution may occur.

WARNING

When replacing the fuses in the en‐

gine compartment, never touch the

HPCU. The HPCU carries high volt‐

age. Touching the HPCU could result

in electrocution, serious injury, or

death.

CAUTION

• Do not pile up any items in an area

behind the high voltage battery. In

a crash, the battery may become

unstable, or its performance may

degrade.

(Continued)

1-43

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(Continued)

• Do not apply strong force nor pile

up any items above the trunk/tail‐

gate. Such an attempt may distort

the high voltage battery case,

causing a safety problem or de‐

grading the performance.

• Be careful when loading inflamma‐

ble liquid in trunk/tailgate. It could

cause operational and safety deg‐

radation if the liquid leaks and

flows in high voltage battery.

WARNING

As with all batteries, avoid fluid con‐

tact with the Hybrid battery. If the

battery is damaged and if electro‐

lyte comes in contact with your

body, clothes or eyes, immediately

flush with a large quantity of fresh

water.

WARNING

Do not use an after-market battery

charger to charge the Hybrid bat‐

tery. Doing so may result in death or

serious injury.

WARNING

n High Waters

• Avoid high waters as this may re‐

sult in your vehicle becoming satu‐

rated with water and could com‐

promise the high voltage compo‐

nents.

(Continued)

(Continued)

• Do not touch the any of the high

voltage components within your

vehicle if your vehicle has been

submerged in water equal to half

of the vehicle height. Touching

high voltage components once

submerged in water could result in

severe burns or electric shock that

could result in death or serious in‐

jury.

WARNING

n Carrying liquids in trunk/tail‐

gate

Do not load large amounts of water

in open containers into the vehicle. If

the water spills onto the HEV bat‐

tery, it may cause a short and dam‐

age the battery.

CAUTION

n Cleaning engine

When you clean the engine compart‐

ment, do not wash using water. Wa‐
(Continued)

Hybrid system overview

1-44

(Continued)

ter may cause electric arcing to oc‐

cur and damage electronic parts and

components.

WARNING

n Exposure to high voltage

• High voltage in the hybrid battery

system is very dangerous and can

cause severe burns and electric

shock. This may result in serious

injury or death.

• For your safety, never touch, re‐

place, dismantle or remove any

portion of the hybrid battery sys‐

tem including components, cables

and connectors.

WARNING

n Use of water or liquids

If water or liquids come into contact

with the hybrid system components,

and you are also in contact with the
(Continued)

(Continued)

water, severe injury or death due to

electrocution may occur.

WARNING

n Hot components

When the hybrid battery system op‐

erates, the HEV battery system can

be hot. Heat burns may result from

touching even insulated components

of the HEV system.

CAUTION

n Prolonged parking

Prolonged parking might cause bat‐

tery discharge and operation failure

due to natural discharge. Driving the

vehicle approximately once every 2

months, more than 15 km is recom‐

mended. The battery will be charged

automatically when driving the vehi‐

cle.

Safety plug

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DANGER

Never touch the safety plug. Safety

plug is attached to high voltage hy‐

brid battery system. Touching safe‐

ty plug will result in death or serious

injury. Service personnel should fol‐

low procedure in service manual.

Some special features of the

hybrid vehicle

Hybrid vehicles sound diýýerent than

þasoline enþine vehicles. When the hy‐

brid system operates, you may hear a

sound ýrom the hybrid battery system

behind the rear seat. Iý you apply the

accelerator pedal rapidly, you may hear

a sound. When you apply the brake

pedal, you may hear a sound ýrom the

reþenerative brake system. When the

hybrid system is turned oýý or on, you

may hear a sound in the enþine com‐

partment. Iý you depress the brake

pedal repeatedly when the hybrid sys‐

tem is turned on, you may hear a

sound in the enþine compartment.

None oý these sounds indicate a prob‐

lem.

They are characteristics oý hybrid vehi‐

cles.

When the hybrid system is turned on,

the enþine may run. This does not indi‐

cate a malýunction. Iý the "

" symbol

is on, the hybrid system is operatinþ.

Even iý the þasoline enþine is oýý, you

can operate the vehicle.

The HEV system may emit electromaþ‐

netic waves which can aýýect the per‐

ýormance oý electronic devices applian‐

ces, such as laptop computers, which

are not part oý the vehicle desiþn.

Iý you park the vehicle ýor a lonþ time,

the hybrid system will discharþe. You

need to drive the vehicle several times

per month to maintain a charþe.

When you start the hybrid system in

the "P" transmission position, the "

"

symbol is illuminated in the cluster. The

driver can drive the vehicle even iý the

enþine is stopped.

WARNING

When you leave the vehicle, you

should turn off the hybrid system. If

you depress the accelerator pedal by

mistake and the vehicle is not in the

"P" position, the vehicle will acceler‐

ate. This may result in serious injury

or death.

Virtual Engine Sound System

(VESS)

The Virtual Enþine Sound System þen‐

erates enþine sound ýor pedestrians to

hear vehicle sound because there is

limited sound while motor power is

used.

• The VESS may be turned ON or OFF

by pressinþ the VESS button. (iý

equipped)

• Iý the vehicle is movinþ at low speed,

the VESS will operate.

• When the þear is shiýted to R (Re‐

verse), an additional warninþ sound

will be heard.

Hybrid system overview

1-46

High voltage battery air intake

The hybrid battery air intake is located

on bottom the rear seats. The air in‐

take cools down the hybrid battery.

When the hybrid battery air intake is

blocked, the hybrid battery may be

overheated. Do not obstruct the air in‐

take with any other objects.

WARNING

n Air Intake

(Continued)

(Continued)

• Blocking the air intake behind the

rear seats may damage the HEV

battery.

• Do not allow any water into the air

intake even when cleaning. If any

water enters the air intake, the

Hybrid battery may cause an elec‐

tric shock which can cause serious

injury or death due to electrocu‐

tion.

If an accident occurs

• Avoid the enþine compartment.
• Avoid any oranþe or hiþh voltaþe

wires, cables, or components.

• Assume that a hiþh voltaþe compo‐

nent is exposed and move away ýrom

the vehicle as promptly as possible.

• Reýer to Towinþ on paþe 8-35 ýor

towinþ inýormation.

WARNING

• After parking the vehicle, shift the

transmission into "P" position. Turn

off the hybrid system by pushing

the Engine Start/Stop button.

• For your safety, do not touch high

voltage cables, connectors and

package modules. High Voltage

components are orange in color.

• Exposed cables or wires may be

visible inside or outside of the ve‐

hicle. Never touch the wires or ca‐

bles, because an electrical shock

may occur causing injury or death.

(Continued)

1-47

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(Continued)

• If a small scale fire occurs, use a

fire extinguisher (ABC, BC) that is

meant for electrical fires.

If it is impossible to extinguish the

fire in the early stage, remain a

safe distance from the vehicle and

immediately call your local fire

emergency responders. Also, ad‐

vise them that a hybrid vehicle is

involved.

If the fire spreads to the high volt‐

age battery, large amount of wa‐

ter is needed to put out the fire.

Using small amount of water or

fire extinguishers not meant for

electrical fires could cause serious

injury or death from electrical

shocks.

• If you need towing, refer to Tow‐

ing on page 8-35.

WARNING

If a vehicle accident occurs:

1. Stop the vehicle and shift the

transmission into "P" position.

And then depress the parking

brake.

(Continued)

(Continued)

2. Turn off the Hybrid system by

pushing the Engine Start/Stop

Button.

3. Evacuate to the safety place.
4. Call emergency services for help

and let them know the vehicle is

a Hybrid vehicle.

Do not touch high voltage cables,

connectors and package modules.

High voltage components are orange

in color.

Exposed cables or wires may be visi‐

ble inside or outside of the vehicle.

Never touch the wires or cables, be‐

cause an electrical shock may occur

causing injury or death.

WARNING

If a submersion in water occurs:

If your vehicle was flooded and has

soaked carpeting or water on the

flooring, you should not try to start

the Hybrid system. Never touch the

high voltage cables, connectors and

package modules, because an elec‐
(Continued)

(Continued)

trical shock may occur causing injury

or death. High Voltage cables are or‐

ange in color.

In this case, have the vehicle towed

to a professional workshop and in‐

spected. Kia recommends to visit an

authorized Kia dealer/service part‐

ner.

When the hybrid vehicle shuts

off

When the hiþh voltaþe battery or 12-

volt battery discharþes, or ýuel tank is

empty, the hybrid system may not op‐

erate.

Iý the Hybrid system stops operatinþ

while the vehicle is movinþ, reduce the

vehicle speed þradually. Pull your vehi‐

cle oýý the road in a saýe area, and shiýt

the transmission in to Park (P) position

and;

1. Turn on the hazard warninþ ýlash‐

ers.

2. Set the start button at OFF, and try

to start the Hybrid system by ap‐

plyinþ the brake pedal and pushinþ

the start button.

Hybrid system overview

1-48

3. Iý the Hybrid system will not oper‐

ate, reýer to Emerþency startinþ

on paþe 8-05.

Beýore you try to jump start the vehi‐

cle, conýirm the ýuel level. Iý the ýuel

level is low add more ýuel beýore at‐

temptinþ as emerþency start.

WARNING

n Accident vehicle

Never touch electric wires or cable. If

exposed electric wires or cables are

visible inside or outside of your vehi‐

cle, an electric shock may occur.

WARNING

n Putting out fire

Never use a small quantity of water

to put out a fire in your vehicle. If a

fire occurs, evacuate the car imme‐

diately and contact the fire depart‐

ment.

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