RichM drives a KIA e-Niro 64kWh 2021.
This is RichM’s first electric car, he’s owned the KIA e-Niro from new and drives under 5,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 10,000-20,000 miles and he achieves 250 miles from a full charge.
Why did you choose the KIA e-Niro?
Met with advertised range estimate, lease deal and reliability.
Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this electric car
- Long range
- good features
- comfortable driving position.
Negatives – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this electric car
- Charge port position awkward for Tesla chargers
- wheel spin when pulling away on country roads
- the headlights appear quite dim and could be brighter.
Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?
Only a minor fault, the charge port door kept sticking which was rectified by WD40 at home, then a dealer fixed it as part of its annual service.
What are the standout technological features of the car?
Adaptive cruise mode makes motorway driving a lot easier, although you do need to be mindful that it can brake sharply if a car in front slows down to leave the motorway and has started to move over.
Surprise us! Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car
When you use the sat nav to locate a charging point and drive to it, the battery is pre-conditioned to ensure it is at optimal temperature for faster charging.
What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?
- KIA Niro EV – due to good experience
- Škoda ENYAQ – would be nice to try.
Home charging unit – outline both positive & negative elements
Andersen A2 – like the built-in cable which is hidden from view when not in use. Easy to use and program, as well as looking good on an outside wall.
Electricity supplier & tariff – outline both positive & negative elements
Octopus (Intelligent Octopus) gives low cost charging (7.5p per kWh for 6 hours a night). Ideal for charging the car and the house battery. Unfortunately, it is still not integrated with the KIA software.
What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?
Main issue is the need for various apps/RFID cards etc and never knowing if a charger will be working.
- bp chargers – have known one be out of service for over 6 months!
- GRIDSERVE – excellent on the motorways but not enough working chargers e.g. used the ones at Wetherby to find out of 12 fast chargers, 8 were occupied, 4 out of service and no queuing system. Went to use one of the slower chargers, which now support 2 cars, but only one cable would work! Ended up on the very slow speed charger to get me home.
Insurer – outline both positive & negative elements
Hastings Direct – been very good as I didn’t have any no claims bonus when I started. The renewal price in 2022 was still below that on price comparison websites.
Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running a KIA e-Niro
Unknown as no comparative figures.
See other KIA e-Niro Owner Reviews here
