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Smart regeneration system

The Smart Regeneration System controls the regenerative braking automatically according to the road gradient and driving condition of the vehicle in front.

The system minimizes the unnecessary operation of the brake and acceleration pedal, improving the electric efficiency and assisting the driver.

Setting smart regeneration system

Operation

  • With the vehicle on, touch Setup → Vehicle → Eco Vehicle → Smart Recuperation on the infotainment system or pull and hold the right side paddle shifter for over 1 second to turn on and off the automatic change of the regenerative braking.

    The level of regenerative braking displayed on the cluster in stages is converted to the 'AUTO' indicator light.

  • When the vehicle is turned off and then turned on again, the regenerative braking mode returns to step ‘0’.

NOTICE

The infotainment system may change after software updates. For more information, refer to the manual provided in the infotainment system and the quick reference guide.

Smart regeneration system activation

With 'AUTO' for the regenerative braking level displayed on the cluster, the regenerative braking level is controlled automatically when vehicle speed is above 5 km/h (3.1 mph) and one of the condition below is met.

  • The road gradient changes

  • Distance from the vehicle ahead reduces or increases

  • Speed of the vehicle ahead reduces or increases

NOTICE

When vehicle speed is under 5 km/h (3.1 mph), the Smart Regeneration System is cancelled. The driver must adjust the vehicle speed by depressing the accelerator or brake pedal according to the road condition ahead and driving condition.

When the system is turned on from the Vehicle Settings menu, but the front radar does not recognise the vehicle in front, 'AUTO' is displayed in white.

If the front radar recognises the vehicle in front, 'AUTO' is displayed in green. The regenerative braking level is automatically controlled depending on the driving condition of the vehicle in front and the level is indicated with arrows.

And, the system is cancelled temporarily if the accelerator pedal is depressed.

WARNING

The Smart Regeneration System which automatically controls the regenerative braking level when coasting is only a supplemental system for the driver's convenience. Do not solely rely on this system to stop the vehicle. The system cannot completely stop the vehicle in all situations nor avoid all collisions. The brake control may be insufficient depending on the speed of the vehicle in front and when the vehicle in front suddenly stops, a vehicle cuts in suddenly or there is a steep slope. Always look ahead cautiously to prevent unexpected and sudden situations from occurring.

Smart regeneration system will be temporarily cancelled when:

  • Cancelled manually

    With the vehicle on, touch Setup →Vehicle → Eco Vehicle → Smart Recuperation on the infotainment system or pull and hold the right side paddle shifter for over 1 second.

    The Smart Regeneration System turns off and switches to the regenerative braking level indicator or turned off depending on currently set regenerative braking level.

  • Cancelled automatically

    • The vehicle is shifted to N (Neutral), R (Reverse) or P (Park) or shift lever in manual mode.

    • Switch the DRIVE mode to SPORT or TERRAIN mode. (if equipped)

    • Smart Cruise Control is in activation.

    • The ESC (Electronic Stability Control) or ABS is operating.

    • If the motor and battery are in high or low temperature, or there is a problem with the battery or transmission.

    • SOC (State of Charge) gauge indicates high level.

WARNING

When the Smart Regeneration System is cancelled automatically, adjust the vehicle speed directly by depressing the accelerator or brake pedal according to the road and driving conditions ahead.

NOTICE

The infotainment system may change after software updates. For more information, refer to the manual provided in the infotainment system and the quick reference guide.

Resuming smart regeneration system

To re-activate the Smart Regeneration System whilst driving,

with the vehicle on, touch Setup →Vehicle → Eco Vehicle → Smart Recuperation on the infotainment system or pull and hold the right side paddle shifter for over 1 second.

Then AUTO for the regenerative braking level will appear on the cluster.

NOTICE

The infotainment system may change after software updates. For more information, refer to the manual provided in the infotainment system and the quick reference guide.

Basic setting of smart regeneration system

With the Smart Regeneration System ON, Pull and hold the right side of the paddle shifter for more than 1 second to set the regenerative braking level.

The automatic regenerative braking step adjustment by the smart regenerative system operates in steps beyond the set basic step.

Vehicle-to-vehicle distance recognition sensor

In order for the Smart Regeneration System to operate properly, always make sure the radar sensor cover is clean and free of dirt, snow, and debris.

Dirt, snow, or foreign substances on the lens may adversely affect the sensing performance of the sensor. In this case, the system operation may stop temporarily and not operate normally.

Front radar
CAUTION

  • Do not apply license plate frame or foreign objects such as a bumper sticker or a bumper guard near the radar sensor. Doing so may adversely affect the sensing performance of the radar.

  • Always keep the radar sensor and lens cover clean and free of dirt and debris.

  • Use only a soft cloth to wash the vehicle. Do not spray pressurized water directly on the sensor or sensor cover.

  • Be careful not to apply unnecessary force on the radar sensor or sensor cover. If the sensor is forcibly moved out of proper alignment, the Smart Regeneration System may not operate correctly. In this case, a warning message may not be displayed. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

  • If the front bumper becomes damaged in the area around the radar sensor, the Smart Regeneration System may not operate properly. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

  • Use only Kia Genuine Parts or those of an equivalent standard to repair or replace a damaged sensor or sensor cover. Do not apply paint to the sensor cover.

System malfunction

The following message will appear when the Smart Regeneration System is not functioning normally.

A: Check smart recuperation system

The message will appear when the system is not functioning normally. The system will be cancelled and the word 'AUTO' on the cluster will disappear and instead display regenerative braking level. Check for foreign substances on the front radar. Remove any dirt, snow, or foreign material that could interfere with the radar sensors. If the system still does not operate normally, take your vehicle to an authorised Kia dealer and have the system checked.

Limitations of the system

The Smart Regeneration System may not operate properly in certain situations when the driving condition is beyond the performance of the front radar sensor.

Driver's attention is required in such cases when the system does not react properly or operate unintentionally.

Driving on a curved road

When driving on the curve, the system may not detect the vehicle in your lane and the regenerative braking level will reduce automatically, making you feel that the vehicle is accelerating.

Also, if the system suddenly recognises the vehicle in front, the regenerative braking level will increase automatically, making you feel that the vehicle is decelerating.

The driver must maintain a safe braking distance, and if necessary, depress the brake pedal to reduce your driving speed in order to maintain a safe distance.

The smart regeneration system may recognise a vehicle in an adjacent lane when driving on a curved road. In this case, the system increase the braking level and slow the vehicle.

Always pay attention to road and driving conditions whilst driving. If necessary, depress the brake pedal to reduce your driving speed in order to maintain a safe distance. Also, when necessary, you may depress the accelerator pedal to prevent the system from unnecessarily decelerating your vehicle.

Always check the traffic conditions around the vehicle.

Driving on a sloped road

When driving uphill or downhill, the system may not detect the vehicle in your lane and the regenerative braking level will reduce automatically, making you feel that the vehicle is accelerating.

Also, if the system suddenly recognises the vehicle in front, the regenerative braking level will increase automatically, making you feel that the vehicle is decelerating.

The driver must maintain a safe braking distance, and if necessary, depress the brake pedal to reduce your driving speed in order to maintain a safe distance.

Changing lanes

When a vehicle changes lanes in front of you, the smart regeneration system may not immediately detect the vehicle, especially if the vehicle changes lanes abruptly. In this case, you must maintain a safe braking distance, and if necessary, depress the brake pedal to reduce your driving speed in order to maintain a safe distance.

Recognising the vehicle

Some vehicles in your lane cannot be recognised by the sensor:

  • Narrow vehicles such as motorcycles or bicycles

  • Vehicles offset to one side

  • Slow-moving vehicles or sudden-decelerating vehicles

  • Stopped vehicles (When the vehicle ahead drives away, the system may not detect a stopped vehicle.)

  • Vehicles with small rear profile such as trailers with no loads

A vehicle ahead cannot be recognised correctly by the sensor if any of following occurs:

  • When the vehicle is pointing upwards due to overloading in the luggage compartment

  • Whilst the steering wheel is operating

  • When driving to one side of the lane

  • When driving on narrow lanes or on curves

Apply the brake or accelerator pedal if necessary.

WARNING

When using the Smart Regeneration System take the following precautions:

  • If an emergency stop is necessary, you must apply the brakes.

  • Keep a safe distance according to road conditions and vehicle speed. If the vehicle distance is too close during high-speed driving, a serious collision may result.

  • Always maintain sufficient braking distance and decelerate your vehicle by applying the brakes if necessary.

  • The Smart Regeneration System is designed to detect and monitor the vehicle ahead in the roadway through radar signals. It is not designed to detect oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, or smaller wheeled objects such as luggage bags, shopping carts, or strollers.

  • Vehicles moving in front of you with frequent lane changes may cause a delay in the system's reaction or may cause the system to react to a vehicle actually in an adjacent lane. Always drive cautiously to prevent unexpected and sudden situations from occurring.

  • The Smart Regeneration System may not recognise complex driving situations so always pay attention to driving conditions and control your vehicle speed.

NOTICE

The Smart Regeneration System may not operate temporarily due to:

  • Electrical interference

  • Modifying the suspension

  • Differences of tyre abrasion or tyre pressure

  • Installing different type of tyres