Pete drives a Kia e-Niro 64kWh 2021.
This is Pete’s first electric car, he’s owned the e-Niro 1-2 years and drives 5,000-10,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 5,000-10,000 miles and he achieves 225 miles from a full charge.
Why did you choose the Kia e-Niro?
There were not many options available with decent range. I leased the car for two years as technology is changing fast. I also bought a Niro self-charging hybrid before this so was familiar with the range.
Positives
- Performance
- build quality
- practicality.
Negatives
- Reversing noise
- lane keep assist on by default
- no Kia Connect app on entry level model (2).
Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?
None
What are the standout technological features of the car?
The smart cruise control is great. My model (2) does not have the Kia app so there are various things I can’t do remotely, like heat up the car or check charging. I didn’t realise that before I got it. If I get another Kia then I will make sure it has the app.
Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car
Nothing unique to the Kia that I can think of. Apple CarPlay is great, as is the smart cruise control.
What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?
- The new Kia Niro EV for consistency and better design
- Polestar 2 for its great design
- I was very interested in the MG4 until I found out it can’t have a roof rack (I have a roof box, kayak and SUP)
- I would love an EV6 but I think it’s too big.
Home charging unit
myenergi zappi charger – this has been fine so far with the car schedule requesting overnight charging. No negatives really apart from the need for a separate hub.
Electricity supplier & tariff
I’m currently on the Bulb EV tariff, paying 9.71p/kWh overnight currently. Bulb has been taken over by Octopus which should be good news, I think.
What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?
GRIDSERVE, IONITY, InstaVolt & Osprey are all good. GeniePoint have been rubbish so I don’t use them any more.
Insurer
Direct Line – have been fine for me so far.
Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running a Kia e-Niro?
- Servicing – first service cost £110 vs £500 for my previous Niro HEV
- home charging cost me £22 in the last month which would have been maybe 4 x tanks of petrol otherwise…cost around £300?
