Are there any 2023 Kia Niro EV owners here?

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Stu

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#317623 30-Oct-2024 23:46

We're looking at moving to our first EV. Currently looking at an ex rental 2023 Kia Niro, and wondering if anyone here has any comments or feedback? The good, the bad, and the ugly. I'm kinda hoping rental companies weren't the only buyers of these in NZ!

Thanks in advance
Stu

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#3303495 31-Oct-2024 08:29

We did exactly this about two months ago.

So far so good, came from a leaf, so the extra range, performance and general quality is huge. Radar cruise and auto steer is great on motorways. Depending on type of driving, the 460km wltp range is a bit of a myth, we did a small road trip which equated to about 400km real range with ~75% highway (AC on). Don't fast charge much, so the slower speed there isn't an issue, especially given most of the places we go will be constrained by 50kw chargers anyway.

Not much to complain about except be extra careful inspecting the condition of the car due to rental use.

If you are looking at the Light trim, then just be wary most reviews / you tubers are covering a different spec from a tech pov (although light has wireless Android auto and the higher trims don't). The only thing that was slightly annoying with the trim was no dynamic mode on the dash (speed etc in numbers rather than dials, can be achieved somewhat using a doffent display but not as nice).

Probably already know, but no phone app support in nz, no driver profiles, smart keys etc

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#3303504 31-Oct-2024 08:48

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Your observations on range matches what I've read so far. We're looking at the top trim 'Water' model.

Does the lack of app support mean there's no way of monitoring charge status if you're away from the vehicle? Don't know if this is something other EV builds commonly have or if it's only Tesla etc.

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#3303513 31-Oct-2024 09:13

Nice, we were tempted by the water for v2l but couldn't justify with the price difference at the time.

For monitoring charging, if you are fast charging (DC) , then the app for the service (charge net etc) will allow you to remotely monitor as there is comms back to the unit. If slow charging (AC) then you need to physically check the car - if you have the keys on you and open the door, the dash lights up to show %, time remaining and charge rate. There is also a 3 bar LED on the charge port but dealing with 33% chunks is somewhat pointless.

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#3303514 31-Oct-2024 09:17

Ahh right, the charge station app will be the go when we're travelling. Charging at home obviously won't be an issue I guess. Thanks again!

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tanivula

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#3303579 31-Oct-2024 09:36

That's some really good info as this is exactly what we're planning on (ex Rental Niro). Though once I realised the lack of V2L on the Water which means looking at the $$$ Earth spec.

The black magic battery management Kia has on their NMC cells seems pretty good.

Real shame the Niro doesn't have a heat pump so I'm now contemplating a Dolphin.

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#3303639 31-Oct-2024 10:18

for what it's worth, i bought an ex rental, it was 18 mths old when i bought it

turns out it's only been used for 12 months

they clean the car before every lease so it would have been cleaned much more often than i clean my other cars.

there were quite a few wear and tear on the external bits as you'd expect from a rental but mechanically sound and super clean

i'm not sure if smoking is allowed for current rental cars, that would be my only concern

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#3303837 31-Oct-2024 17:57

tanivula:
That's some really good info as this is exactly what we're planning on (ex Rental Niro). Though once I realised the lack of V2L on the Water which means looking at the $$$ Earth spec.

The black magic battery management Kia has on their NMC cells seems pretty good.

Real shame the Niro doesn't have a heat pump so I'm now contemplating a Dolphin.

Actually the 2023 Niro "Water" does have V2L. It's the "Light" that doesn't have it. "Earth" isn't an option of the 2023 Niro EV here from what I've seen? It is on the EV6 and possibly other EV(n) models?

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tanivula

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#3304256 2-Nov-2024 09:37

Stu:

Actually the 2023 Niro "Water" does have V2L. It's the "Light" that doesn't have it. "Earth" isn't an option of the 2023 Niro EV here from what I've seen? It is on the EV6 and possibly other EV(n) models?

Thanks - yep I got a bit overzealous, got it wrong and didn't see it in time to get the edit button.

Water it is 👍🏽

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#3304264 2-Nov-2024 10:11

All good. There are more models in the HEV/PHEV ranges, and overseas models have different names. Trying to keep up gets confusing at times!

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#3307648 11-Nov-2024 08:17

Ahh well, time to learn to EV!

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tanivula

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#3309031 14-Nov-2024 16:28

I think the niro's look really nice in white.

How's it been?

She who must be obeyed, chose a blue one, I managed to fight to get the Water and we're picking "hers" up tomorrow! #joiningtheclub

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#3309045 14-Nov-2024 17:31

Great so far! It's had a fair more use than expected, but I've not done much driving. Thanks to me requiring unplanned and completely unexpected urgent eye surgery, the better half has been chauffeuring me around. Very comfortable ride and the Water is rather well decked out.

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#3310101 18-Nov-2024 12:53

@tanivula check your vehicles software version. Noticed ours hadn't been updated (possibly since new) so downloaded the official updater and performed the update with a 32GB USB stick.

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#3310109 18-Nov-2024 13:28

Main thing to know with the e-niro (1st gen), Kona (series 1 & 2) & Original Ioniq, is that there is an issue with the magnetic filtration of the gearbox oil such that an early change of the oil, and add ion of magnetic fill / drain plugs is advised.

Unclear if the 2nd gen e-niro (pictured above) is impacted.

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=162&topicid=291882