Kia Niro EV Home Charging Guide
The Niro EV from Kia is all new for 2023. The e-Niro name is gone in favor of the new “Niro EV” and Niro PHEV. The new vehicle sports bolder new looks and drivetrain improvements.
Kia archived an EPA-rated range of 253 miles with the new Niro EV. This is an impressive level of efficiency coming from a 64.8 kWh battery.
For charging, the Niro EV uses a standard combo J1772 / CCS connector, and the onboard charging equipment is capable of receiving as much as 11 kW from a Level 2 power source. With a 48 amp home charging setup, you can typically expect to fully recharge the Niro EV in about 6-7 hours. Below we have listed our top recommended products for charging the Kia Niro EV at home
Kia Niro EV Charging Fast Facts
| EV Charging Connector | J1772 / CCS |
| Battery Capacity | 64.8 kWh |
| Level 2 Charging Power | 11 kW |
| Level 2 Max Amps | 48 A |
| Level 2 [20-80%] Charge Time | 4 Hours |
| Level 3 Peak Power | 84 kW |
Level 3 DC Charging Curve
Emporia Smart Level 2 EV Charger (48 Amp)
Emporia’s popular Level 2 charging station is a great fit for the new Kia Niro EV. It can charge the Niro EV at the full 11 kW, and it comes at an affordable price.
Unlike many competing brands in this price range, Emporia is USA-based out of Colorado and offers a full suite of energy products for your home. All of Emporia’s home products belong to the same ecosystem and can be controlled with the same app. But the EV charging station is a competitive product in its own right. While it is less expensive than most 48 amp chargers, it does not cut corners in usability.
We liked the high power output (48 amps hardwired, 40 amps over NEMA 14-50), and the highly durable single-piece metal charge cord holder. The charging cord too, was good quality but slightly shorter than competitors.
Specs
- Amperage: Up to 48 amps
- EV Connector: J1772
- Home Connection: NEMA 14-50 or hardwire
- Cord Length: 24 feet
- Weatherproofing:
NEMA 4 - Networking: Yes
- App Control: Yes
Pros
- Lower cost than competitors
- Emporia app connectivity and scheduling
- High-quality metal charge plug holder
Cons
- The charge cord is shorter than the competition
- The charger enclosure box is made from plastic
Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charger (40 Amp)
The Level 2 home charger from Grizzl-E is a no-nonsense option for Niro EV owners looking for durability and value. It doesn’t have the prettiest enclosure, instead, you are paying for a durable metal case, dependable electronics, and a charging cord that won’t suffer in extremely cold weather.
Grizzl-E is based in Canada, so their products are designed to perform in extreme weather conditions. The operating temperature range is between -22F to 122F for outdoor usage, and the rubber cable stays pliable in cold weather.
This charger is available with either NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 06-50 wall connectors (check the SKU when ordering), and an electrician can hardwire all variants.
Specs
- Amperage: Up to 40 amps
- EV Connector: J1772
- Home Connection: NEMA 14-50, or hardwire
- Cord Length: 24 feet
- Weatherproofing:
NEMA 4 - Networking: No
- App Control: No
Pros
- Durable construction
- Heavy-duty charging cable, suitable for extreme climates
- Value
Cons
- No smart features or app control
- Plastic external cord holster
Wallbox Pulsar Plus (40 Amp)
Wallbox has been making home EV chargers for a number of years, and the latest iteration of the Pulsar Plus comes in a compact enclosure (7.8″ x 7.9″ x 3.9″) and includes many smart features. It’s available both as a NEMA 14-50 plug-in version and a 48-amp hardwired version. The body of the enclosure makes it easy to coil the 25-foot-long cord around when not in use. The J1772 connector is robust with metal components and should provide many years of service.
Multiple Wallbox chargers can be configured to operate in the same household without overloading a specified circuit amp limit, making it an ideal choice for households with multiple EVs.
Specs
- Amperage: 40 and 48 amp versions
- EV Connector: J1772
- Home Connection: NEMA 14-50 or hardwire
- Cord Length: 25 feet
- Weatherproofing: NEMA 4
- Networking: Wi-Fi + BT
- App Control: Yes
Pros
- Compact, attractive design
- Reputable brand
- Durable J1772 connector
Cons
- The external cord holster design could be better
AMPROAD iFlow P9 (40 Amp)
AMPROAD offers a 40-amp capable EV charger you can take on the road. It comes with a carrying case and a home wall mount and connects to a NEMA 14-50 outlet by default. However, an additional Level 1 (120-volt) adapter is available for charging over a standard wall outlet, too. We liked the 25-foot cord and clear LCD status screen with a ton of useful metrics.
Downsides? Not many. However, the smart features require the user to connect to the Wi-Fi network created by the charger instead of going through dedicated apps.
Specs
- Amperage: Up to 40 amps
- EV Connector: J1772
- Home Connection: NEMA 14-50
- Cord Length: 25 feet
- Weatherproofing:
IP67 - Networking: Wi-Fi
- App Control: No, web interface only
Pros
- Portable, has a high quality and thick cable
- Clear LCD screen
- Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons
- NEMA 14-50 placement at the top of the box may limit mounting options
- Smart connectivity functions may have a learning curve
ShockFlo S1 Home EV Charger (40 amp)
A relative newcomer to home charging, ShockFlo has a good product on its hands for Niro EV owners. Do you have a more compact parking space in your garage? This could be a good pick. The cord is shorter at only 17 feet, and it can tuck away nicely and out of the way, thanks to the side-mounted J1772 holder. This means you are less likely to strike the cord with your mirrors while driving out of the parking space.
The unit was easy to install and comes with 40 and 48-amp versions. With a shorter cord though, you must plan your installation location carefully because the Niro EV’s charging port is located on the front of the vehicle.
Specs
- Amperage: Up to 48 amps
- EV Connector: J1772
- Home Connection: NEMA 14-50, hardwire
- Cord Length: 17 feet
- Weatherproofing:
IP65 - Networking: Wi-Fi + BT
- App Control: Yes
Pros
- Choice of 48 amps hardwired or 40 amps on NEMA 14-50
- RFID reader with two cards included
- Side holster
Cons
- The charging cord is shorter than most competitors
- The companion app is functional but rather basic
Frequently Asked Questions about charging the Niro EV
About $9, depending on your electricity rates. For example, with a rate of 13 cents per kW and assuming 95% charging efficiency, it would cost $8.89 to fully recharge the 64.8 kWh battery of the Niro EV at home. With the EPA-rated range of 258, the cost per mile works out to just 3.5 cents.
Kia includes a Level 1 (120v) charging cable with the Niro EV. However, it would take 2.5 days at Level 1 speeds to fully charge the 64.8 kWh battery. Most drivers will benefit from a Level 2 home charging station that will charge the car overnight.
Standard J1772/CCS combo connector in North America, like the majority of other new EVs.
The EPA rated the range of the Kia Niro EV to be 253 miles, using the 64.8 kWh battery.
Up to 48 amps on Level 2 charging at home.
It is not standard equipment but comes as an option as part of packages such as Wind Preserve Package and Wave Preserve Package. A heat pump is recommended in colder climates, as it is a more efficient heating method and will consume less driving range.
How does EVchargerReviews.net come up with product recommendations? We buy the products we recommend for testing and try them for at least two weeks before including them in our product recommendations.
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