A New Year’s day travel itinerary took the Kia Niro to temperatures as low as 12°F. The results were far worse than expected and results in this tale of two Niros.
This is our second winter with the Niro electric vehicle (EV) and last year’s experience was generally quite positive, with range never dropping below 235 miles. However, this winter has brought generally colder weather with many more overnights in the twenties. But actual travel in temperatures below this were rare to non-existent.
Moreover, we touted the car’s warm weather range, topping out at 325 miles. The contrast could not be more acute and we are left to wonder if the vehicle will recover the extraordinary number seen just six months ago.
First charge
We did a 100% charge to start the trip, with an expected range of 255 miles after a ~35°F charge. This was honestly a confidence builder.
However, it took an additional two charges to reach our destination some 300 miles away. The first leg featured a lot of uphill, which chewed up additional miles and by the time we hit our first charge point, temperatures were in the teens. Range dipped to ~200 miles and never recovered.
Final charge
The range figure seen in the second image is at 83% charge, or 200 miles extrapolated to 100%. We charged to that number to cover the rest of our distance with a 40 mile cushion. On arrival, there was but 25 miles remaining.
It was a rough showing on the range side. On the plus side, the car otherwise never missed a beat.
Its useful to note that at the outside temperatures encountered we used at least a small amount of heat the entire time, which tends to reduce range about 10%.
Temperatures here in the east are set to recover into the 40s and the intent is to give the Niro a charge boost and cross our fingers…
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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
Charging hot and cold — a tale of two Niros
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A New Year’s day travel itinerary took the Kia Niro to temperatures as low as 12°F. The results were far worse than expected and results in this tale of two Niros.
This is our second winter with the Niro electric vehicle (EV) and last year’s experience was generally quite positive, with range never dropping below 235 miles. However, this winter has brought generally colder weather with many more overnights in the twenties. But actual travel in temperatures below this were rare to non-existent.
Moreover, we touted the car’s warm weather range, topping out at 325 miles. The contrast could not be more acute and we are left to wonder if the vehicle will recover the extraordinary number seen just six months ago.
First charge
However, it took an additional two charges to reach our destination some 300 miles away. The first leg featured a lot of uphill, which chewed up additional miles and by the time we hit our first charge point, temperatures were in the teens. Range dipped to ~200 miles and never recovered.
Final charge
It was a rough showing on the range side. On the plus side, the car otherwise never missed a beat.
Its useful to note that at the outside temperatures encountered we used at least a small amount of heat the entire time, which tends to reduce range about 10%.
Temperatures here in the east are set to recover into the 40s and the intent is to give the Niro a charge boost and cross our fingers…
——————————————————————-
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
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The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY