Customers may come into your showroom looking for the 2022 Niro EV or you may recommend that an EV is the best fit for their current needs. How much do your customers know about EVs? Some may be up to speed, but electric vehicle technologies may be brand new for other customers. Let’s refresh and dive into some of the basics of EVs and then review their equally cutting-edge infotainment systems.
Understanding Electric Vehicles
It is important to understand how EVs work so you can discuss these topics with your customers and answer their questions.
What is an Electric Vehicle?
An Electric Vehicle (EV) is one that operates on an electric motor, instead of an internal combustion engine (ICE) which generates power by burning fuel.
What is the Difference?
| Electric Vehicle: | Gas (ICE) Vehicle: |
|---|---|
| Plug in at home to charge or at a public charging station | Fill up at a gas station |
| Miles Per Gallon equivalent (MPGe) | Miles Per Gallon (MPG) |
| Quiet operation | Noise of engine running |
| Somewhat shorter driving range* | Air pollution from exhaust |
| Zero emissions | Fuel with gasoline |
| Fuel with electricity |
Components:
DC High-Voltage Battery: The high-capacity, high-power “heart” of the system
AC Motor: Receives electricity from the battery and produces output (horsepower and torque)
Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU): The “brains” of the system which controls the motor and regen braking
Gear Drive Unit (GDU): Serves as transmission, sending power to the wheels from the motor
Unique EV Features:
Charging Ports: Industry-standard Level 2 charging* plug (SAE J1772) and Combination Charging System (CCS), which adds DC fast charging* input
Active Air Flap: Reduces drag and may help improve driving range*
Pedestrian Warning System* (PWS): This is an artificial noise added to electric vehicles because EVs are so quiet. It helps alert pedestrians that there is a vehicle near by
Drive and Regeneration Modes: Drive Modes enable various motor outputs and can determine regenerative braking levels. For example, the Normal drive mode offers moderate power output and uses regenerative braking level 1 and provides normal climate control. ECO+ drive mode prioritizes efficiency, so the motor output is somewhat reduced, and it uses regenerative braking level 2 to provide increased efficiency via kinetic energy recovery. It minimizes battery consumption and climate controls are turned off. Similarly, Sport mode provides maximum power output.
Regenerative Braking:
Normal EV Driving/Operation: The high voltage battery sends current to the motor, which drives the wheels to move the car.
Coasting or braking: Wheels turn the motor, and the polarity of the motor is reversed so that it becomes a generator, sending power back to charge the battery
Settings for Regenerative Braking:
There are four level presets based on drive mode (Level 0 to Level 3). Level 0 provides the least amount of captured energy while Level 3 provides the most.
Driver can use steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters* to control the regen level, which potentially increases driving range*
Brake and Hold System*: Increases to above level 3 and brings the vehicle to a full stop using the control paddle
Smart Regeneration System*:
Automatically adjusts regenerative braking level based on the distance between a vehicle detected in front of EV
Creates smoother coast-down driving when vehicle is in front
Indicator Light:
White means it is active
Blue means:
Road slope changed
Distance to vehicle ahead changed
Vehicle ahead accelerated or decelerated
Note: The function is deactivated and reactivated using right-side steering-wheel-mounted control paddle*.
On-screen Smart ECO Pedal Guide:
This guide helps make the driver aware of the power usage with accelerator input, which can enhance both convenience and efficiency.
Three Zones:
Variable power zone
Variable ECO zone
Regeneration or charge zone
In addition to the EV basics, it’s important that customers understand how to make the most of their wealth of infotainment options. Spend a few minutes during the delivery process to show them the essential operations, such as setting presets, switching media modes, setting a destination, and more. Base your demonstrations on what you know about your customer and what you think they would enjoy using on a regular basis.
Action Steps:
Walk customers through the interface, including the buttons for:
Radio (AM/FM modes)
Media modes
Setup
Programmable key
Seeking keys
Standard audio systems may have buttons for Home and Phone
Systems with navigation* capabilities may have buttons for the Map screen and Navigation* menu screen
Demonstrate how to set presets and program SiriusXM®* Smart Favorites (if equipped).
Briefly show customers how to access the Sound Settings adjustments.
Direct customers to the Features & Functions Guide and How-To videos on YouTube™* for details on using different options.
For systems with navigation* capabilities, at minimum show the customer how to find a public charging station, depending on the amount of time and interest your customer has expressed, demonstrate some simple steps for:
Programming a destination (including using voice commands)
Finding a Point of Interest* (POI) along the way
Locating a nearby coffee shop
Learn More
Go to the Kia Product Presentation Center to learn all about the 2022 Niro EV.
You can also visit the new Kia EV Learning Center on the Kia Product Presentation Center for a wealth of information on EVs, helpful links, FAQs, and more.
For detailed information about Electric Vehicles, complete the Kia University course Charge Up Your Knowledge of Kia EVs Course & Test (SLS-01-109-1).
*Safety Information and Legal Disclaimers:
Driving while distracted can result in a loss of vehicle control that may lead to an accident, severe bodily harm, and death. The driver’s primary responsibility is in the safe and legal operation of a vehicle, and any handheld devices, other equipment, or vehicle systems, including steering wheel-mounted controls, which take the driver’s eyes, attention and focus away from the safe operation of a vehicle or which are not permissible by law should never be used during operation of the vehicle.
Brake and Hold System: The Brake and Hold system is not a substitute for safe driving. Do not solely rely on the system to stop the vehicle or avoid collisions. Always drive safely and use caution.
DC Fast Charging: Charging times will vary with options, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature, and your vehicle’s condition. Frequent use of DC fast charging can negatively impact battery performance and durability, and Kia recommends minimizing use of DC fast charging. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use.
Driving Range: Based on 2019 EPA estimates when vehicle is fully charged. Actual MPGe will vary based on driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature, and road/traffic conditions. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on MPGe and range, please see www.fueleconomy.gov.
Level 2 charging: 220/240V outlet from public charging or from the installation of a Level 2 charger or an Electric Vehicle Service Equipment box (EVSE). Home installation should be performed by a professional. Permits and permissions may be required for home installation. Charging times will vary with options, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature, and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use.
Navigation: Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation. Navigation is for information purposes only, and Kia does not make any warranties about the accuracy of the information.
Pedestrian Warning System (PWS): This feature is an audible noise the vehicle emits to alert people around it. Electric Vehicles (EV) have no running noise like a gaspowered vehicle so pedestrians cannot hear such vehicles coming toward them. No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive responsibly.
Point of Interest (POI): My POIs requires cellular coverage, navigation, and a compatible smartphone with the Kia Access app. Cellular service rates apply.
SiriusXM®: SiriusXM audio and data services each require a subscription sold separately, or as a package, by Sirius XM Radio Inc., after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase. If you decide to continue service after your trial, the subscription plan you choose will automatically renew thereafter and you will be charged according to your chosen payment method at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. Please see the SiriusXM Customer Agreement at www.siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling SiriusXM at 1-866-635-2349. All fees and programming are subject to change. Traffic information not available in all markets. SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.
Smart Regeneration System: The Smart Regeneration system is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not detect all objects in front of the vehicle. Do not solely rely on this system to stop the vehicle or avoid collisions. Always drive safely and use caution.
Steering-wheel-mounted controls: Driving while distracted is dangerous and should be avoided. Remain attentive to driving and be cautious when using steering-wheelmounted controls while driving.
YouTube™: YouTube™ is a trademark of Google LLC.