Special features

Hybrid vehicles sound different from gasoline engine vehicles. When the hybrid system operates, you may hear a sound from the hybrid battery system under the passenger side seat floor. If you apply the accelerator pedal rapidly, you may hear an unconventional 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 repeatedly when the hybrid system is turned on, you may hear a sound in the engine compartment. None of these sounds indicates a malfunction. These are normal characteristics of hybrid vehicles.

If any of the following occurs, it's a normal condition if you hear a motor sound in the engine compartment:

After turning off the hybrid system, the brake pedal is released.
When the hybrid system is turned off, the brake pedal is applied.
When the driver’s door is opened.

When the hybrid system is turned ON, the gasoline engine or may not may run. You may feel a vibration. This does not indicate a malfunction. When the (READY) indicator appears, the hybrid system is ready. Even if the engine is off, you can operate the vehicle if the (READY) indicator appears.

NOTICE

The hybrid system contains many electronic components. High voltage components, such as cables and other parts, may emit electromagnetic waves. Even when the electromagnetic cover blocks electromagnetic emissions, electromagnetic waves may affect electronic devices. When your vehicle is not used for a long time, the hybrid system will discharge. You need to drive the vehicle several times a month. We recommend driving at least for 1 hour or 10 miles (16 km). When the hybrid battery is discharged or when it is impossible to jump start the vehicle, contact your authorized Kia dealer.

When you start the hybrid system with the shift dial in P (Park), the (READY) indicator appears on the instrument cluster. You can drive the vehicle even when the gasoline engine is off.

WARNING

When you exit the vehicle, you should turn OFF the hybrid system and place the shift dial in P (Park). If you depress the accelerator pedal by mistake, or when the shift dial is not in P (Park), the vehicle will abruptly move, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.

Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS)

Virtual Engine Sound System generates engine sound for pedestrians to hear vehicle sound because there is limited sound while the Electric Vehicle (EV) is operating.

If the vehicle is moving at low speed, the VESS will operate.
If you change the shift position from P(Parking) to any other one, the VESS will operate.

Regenerative braking

Uses an electric motor when decelerating and when braking and transforms kinetic energy to electrical energy to charge the high voltage battery.

Battery

The vehicle is composed of a high voltage battery that drives the motor and air conditioner, and a 12V lead battery with the HEV battery that operates the lights, wipers and audio system.
The 12V battery automatically charge when the vehicle is in the ready (READY) mode.