engine KIA NIRO PHEV 2021 User Guide

H36
Kia hybrid system notifies the drivers
of energy flow in various operating
modes. Eleven Modes show drivers
the current operating condition.
Vehicle Stop
This mode means the vehicle is at a
stop. (There is no energy flow.)
EV Propulsion
Electric power is used to move the
vehicle.
(Battery ➞Wheel)
Power Assist
Electric and Engine power are used
to move the vehicle.
(Battery & Engine ➞Wheel)
Engine Only Propulsion
Engine power is used to move the
vehicle.
(Engine ➞Wheel)
Engine Generation
Vehicle is stopped with the Engine
charging the hybrid battery.
(Engine ➞Battery)
ENERGY FLOW
ODEP040202N
ODEP040203N
ODEP040204N
ODEP040205NODEP047201N

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Regeneration
Hybrid battery is being charged by
regenerative braking.
(Wheel ➞Battery)
Engine Brake
The vehicle is being slowed by
engine compression.
(Wheel ➞Engine)
Power Reserve
Engine is both driving the vehicle
and charging the hybrid battery.
(Engine ➞ Wheel & Battery)
Engine Generation/Motor Drive
The engine charges up the high-volt-
age battery. The motor power is used
to drive the vehicle.
(Engine ➞Battery ➞Wheel)
Engine Generation/Regeneration
The engine and regenerative braking
system charge the hybrid battery
driving deceleration.
(Engine & Wheel ➞Battery)
Engine Brake/Regeneration
The engine compression can be
used to slow the vehicle. The regen-
erative braking system can be used
to charge the hybrid system.
(Wheel ➞Engine & Battery)
ODEP040207N
ODEP040209N
ODEP040207N
ODEP040210N
ODEP040206N
ODEP040208N

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AUX. BATTERY SAVER+ (For
Plug-in Hybrid, if equipped)
The Aux. Battery Saver+ is a function
that monitors the charging status of
the 12V auxiliary battery.
If the auxiliary battery level is low, the
main high voltage battery charges
the auxiliary battery.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
The Aux. Battery Saver+ function will
be ON when the vehicle is delivered. If
the function is not needed, you may
turn it off in the Users Settings mode
on the LCD display. For more infor-
mation, refer to the "System setting"
on the following page.
Mode

When the vehicle is OFF with all
doors, hood and liftgate closed, the
Aux. Battery Saver+ periodically acti-
vates according to the auxiliary bat-
tery status.

When the engine start/stop button is
in the ON position with the charging
connector plugged in, this function
activates according to the auxiliary
battery status to prevent over-dis-
charge of the auxiliary battery.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
The Aux. Battery Saver+ activates
for a maximum of 20 minutes. If the
Aux. Battery Saver+ function acti-
vates more than 10 times consecu-
tively, in the Automatic Mode, this
function will stop activating, judg-
ing that there is a problem with the
auxiliary battery. In this case, drive
the vehicle for some period of time.
The function will start activating if
the auxiliary battery returns to nor-
mal.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
If the Aux. Battery Saver+ function
was activated, the high voltage bat-
tery level may have decreased.
CAUTION
The Aux. Battery Saver+ func-
tion cannot prevent battery dis-
charge if the auxiliary battery is
damaged, worn out, used as a
power supply or if unauthorized
electronic devices are used.
PLUG-IN HYBRID ENERGY FLOW

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System setting
The driver can activate the Aux.
Battery Saver+ function by placing
the engine start/stop button to the
ON position and by selecting:
"User Settings ➞Other Features ➞
Aux. Battery Saver+"WARNING
The Aux. Battery Saver+ relies
on the high voltage battery to
charge the 12V battery. The
charging indicator lamp will blink
rapidly when this is occurring.
To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, do not touch any high
voltage components (orange-
colored) or other electrical
devices while charging is occur-
ring.

H40
Starting the Hybrid System
1.Carry the smart key into the vehicle.
2.Make sure the parking brake is
firmly applied.
3.Place the shift lever in the P(Park)
position.
In N (neutral) position, you cannot
start the vehicle.
4.Depress the brake pedal.
5.Press the engine start/stop button.
6.The engine should be started with-
out pressing the accelerator. In
extremely cold weather or after the
vehicle has not been operated for
several days, let the engine warm up
without depressing the accelerator.

vehicle, if it is far away from you,
the engine may not start.
ton is in the ACC or ON position
and if any door is open, the sys-
tem checks for the smart key. If
the smart key is not in the vehicle,
the warning, "Key is not in vehi-
cle" will come on, and if all doors
are closed, the chime will also
sound for about 5 seconds. The
indicator will turn off while the
vehicle is moving. Keep the smart
key in the vehicle when using the
ACC position or if the vehicle
engine is on.If the starting procedure is fol-
lowed, the " " symbol on the
instrument cluster will turn on. For
more details, Please check chap-
ter 4.
STARTING THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE (SMART KEY)

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ECONOMICAL and SAFE
OPERATION of Hybrid system
Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a
moderate rate and maintain a
steady cruising speed. Don't make
"jack-rabbit" starts. Don't race
between stoplights.
Avoid heavy traffic whenever pos-
sible. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from other vehicles so you
can avoid unnecessary braking.
This also reduces brake wear.
The regenerative brake generates
energy when the vehicle deceler-
ates.
When the hybrid battery power is
low, the hybrid system automatical-
ly recharges the hybrid battery.
When the engine runs in "N" posi-
tion, the hybrid system cannot gen-
erate electricity. The hybrid battery
cannot recharge in "N" position.
Please refer to chapter 6.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
When the hybrid system is in ready
mode, the engine will automatically
start and stop as needed.
The " " symbol will illuminate in
the cluster when the system is oper-
ational.
CAUTION - Extended
cranking
Do not crank the engine for a
prolonged period of time with-
out the engine starting. This
could result in damage to the
HEV battery and result in total
discharge.

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COMPONENTS OF THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE
1. Engine : 1.6L
2. Motor : 32kW (HEV)/ 44.5kW (PHEV)
3. Transmission : 6DCT
4. Hybrid starter generator (HSG)5. HPCU (Hybrid Power Control Unit)
6. High voltage battery system
7. Regenerative brake system
8. Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS)
ODEPQ010001N❈
The actual shape may differ from the illustration.

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The Hybrid battery uses high voltage
to operate the electric motor and
other components. High voltage is
dangerous if touched.
Your vehicle is equipped with orange
colored insulation which covers over
the high voltage components to pro-
tect people from electric shock. High
voltage warning labels are attached
to some system components as addi-
tional warnings. Have your vehicle
serviced by an authorized Kia dealer.
WARNING - High voltage
components
Never touch orange-colored or
high voltage labeled compo-
nents including wires, cables,
and connectors. If the insula-
tors or covers are damaged or
removed, severe injury or death
from electrocution may occur.
WARNING - Avoid
Touching Hybrid Power
Control Unit
When replacing the fuses in the
engine compartment, never
touch the HPCU. The HPCU car-
ries high voltage. Touching the
HPCU could result in electrocu-
tion, serious injury, or death.
ODEPQ019002L
ODEQ016003
HPCU
HEV Battery

H45
✽ ✽
NOTICE - Prolonged parking
Prolonged parking might cause bat-
tery discharge and operation failure
due to natural discharge. Driving
the vehicle approximately once
every 2 months, more than 9 miles
(15 km) is recommended. The bat-
tery will be charged automatically
when driving the vehicle.
WARNING - Exposure to
High Voltage
High voltage in the hybrid bat-
tery system is very dangerous
and can cause severe burns
and electric shock. This may
result in serious injury or death.
For your safety, never touch,
replace, dismantle or remove
any portion of the hybrid bat-
tery system including compo-
nents, cables and connectors.
WARNING - Use of Water
or Liquids
If water or liquids come into
contact with the hybrid system
components, and you are also
in contact with the water, severe
injury or death due to electrocu-
tion may occur.
WARNING - Hot
Components
When the hybrid battery system
operates, the HEV battery system
can be hot. Heat burns may result
from touching even insulated
components of the HEV system.
CAUTION - Cleaning
Engine
When you clean the engine com-
partment, do not wash using
water. Water may cause electric
arcing to occur and damage elec-
tronic parts and components.

H46
Safety plugSome Special Features of the
Hybrid Vehicle.
Hybrid vehicles sound different than
gasoline engine vehicles. When the
hybrid system operates, you may
hear a sound from the hybrid battery
system behind the rear seat. If you
apply the accelerator pedal rapidly,
you may hear a sound. When you
apply the brake pedal, you may hear
a sound from the regenerative brake
system. When the hybrid system is
turned off or on, you may hear a
sound in the engine compartment. If
you depress the brake pedal repeat-
edly when the hybrid system is
turned on, you may hear a sound in
the engine compartment. None of
these sounds indicate a problem.
They are characteristics of hybrid
vehicles.
When the hybrid system is turned on,
the engine may run. This does not
indicate a malfunction. If the " "
symbol is on, the hybrid system is
operating. Even if the gasoline engine
is off, you can operate the vehicle.
WARNING - Safety Plug
Never touch the safety plug.
The safety plug is attached to
the high voltage hybrid battery
system. Touching the safety
plug may result in death.
Service personnel should fol-
low the appropriate procedures
in the service manual.
ODEQ016006
■Hybrid
ODEPQ017038
■Plug-in Hybrid
COMPONENTS OF THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE (CONT.)