Dave T drives a KIA Niro EV 64kWh 2022.

This is Dave’s first electric car, he’s owned the KIA Niro EV from new and drives 5,000-10,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 5,000-10,000 miles and he achieves 270 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the KIA Niro EV?

I’d been keeping an eye on the EV market and was impressed with the previous model (e-Niro) so I thought the new version was the one to go for. The motivation to go for an EV was boosted by our decision to get solar panels (‘free’ power, in summer anyway!). The new model came out and was favourably reviewed (if a bit pricier than the previous model) and looked smarter, so I placed an order and 6 months later it arrived. I wasn’t sure an SUV was the right way to go (extra weight with associated pollution) but I liked the idea of a higher driving position.

Positives 

• Performance and handling good – once you’re used to the extra weight of the vehicle
• very comfortable ride & interior – quality feel to seats, steering wheel etc.
• smart-looking vehicle.

Negatives 

• Touchscreens for everything! Undoubtedly the worst ancillary control system (ventilation, audio etc) I’ve ever come across. The previous model was much better as it had more buttons/physical controls. It’s definitely dangerous as you spend more time with your eyes off the road trying to hit something with your outstretched finger with no tactile confirmation you’ve found the right control.
• USB port worse than useless – see ‘Faults’ response below
• documentation – a 380-page manual with no index. I have spent hours trying to find various aspects of the controls and after a year I’m still not sure how the heating is supposed to work!
• I have to switch off lane-keeping assistance every time I set off
• not a fan of ‘piano black’ trim in car – very delicate and scratch-prone
• very sharp cut-off on LED headlights, potentially dangerous.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

Incessant USB drop-outs. I use USB sticks for my music including recordings not available elsewhere. The single USB port is totally random in behaviour as it will typically drop-out twice in a mile or just not respond at all (same on Android Auto). As it’s an intermittent fault, the dealer claims they can’t find it.

What are the standout technological features of the car?

The basic engineering tech works well with great driving/handling/responsiveness. If you like all the bells & whistles then it’s got those too but I keep them switched off. Why anyone would want to drive a car backwards & forwards using the fob is beyond me?! Parallel park assist would be much more useful.

Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car 

Was pleasantly surprised how well the iPedal mode worked. It makes driving round town a doddle and gives good regen braking for steeper hills.

What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?

• Nissan LEAF e+ – a bit narrower than the Niro EV for our country lanes and lots of lovely buttons!
• Hyundai Kona (current model) – I know it’s being replaced but same reasons as the LEAF plus a better range. Rather worried though that it’s USB might be dodgy.

Do you charge your electric car from home?

Yes

Do you have a home charging unit installed?

No

Electricity supplier & tariff

Well, I would be on Octopus Intelligent with 7.5p/kWh overnight but after 6 months they still haven’t sorted out the smart meters. The meters work but won’t communicate data reliably so I’m still on ‘Flexible’ @ 28p/kWh (and Fixed out @ 15p/kWh). Octopus are quite good at response and via the  phone is much better than e-mail. Also a bit disappointed that KIA was ‘approved’ for the Intelligent tariff but was removed after the last software update, presumably because it meant Octopus’s system could no longer control charging.

Do you use public charging networks?

No

Insurer 

One Call Insurance – have been good although will look around for renewal.

Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running a KIA Niro EV

Saving money on road tax and fuel as most of my charging is at home. It would have been even better without Putin-induced surge in electricity prices.

See other KIA Niro EV Owner Reviews here