Kia Shortage PHEV 2023 Driving the Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle 

The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV is the greenest car on the market and a great example of how cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly driving can work together. As a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), it represents a new age where performance and environmental responsibility come together. It lets drivers go on trips that switch between electric and gasoline power sources without any problems. With its advanced engine, the Sportage PHEV offers drivers an eco-friendly way to drive that not only cuts down on pollution but also lets them travel for a long distance on electric power alone. This cutting-edge car shows how committed Kia is to being environmentally friendly. It’s not only a good way to get around, but it’s also a picture of the future, where driving and sustainability will work together in an exciting and responsible way.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Driving the hybrid/plug-in hybrid vehicle

Starting the vehicle

Vehicles with smart key system

1. Carry the smart key or leave it inside the vehicle.
2. Make sure the parking brake is firmly applied.
3. Place the shift dial in P (Park). With the shift dial in N (Neutral), you cannot start the vehicle.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. If the hybrid system starts, the READY indicator will come on. Whether the engine is cold or warm, it should be started without depressing the accelerator.

After following the start procedures, the READY indicator on the instrument cluster will turn on. 
Economical and safe operation of a Hybrid system

•  Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a moderate rate and maintain a steady cruising speed. Do not make “jackrabbit” starts. Do not race between stoplights.
  Avoid heavy traffic whenever possible. Always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles so you can avoid unnecessary braking. This also reduces brake wear out.
• The regenerative brake generates energy when the vehicle decelerates.
•  When the hybrid battery power is low, the hybrid system automatically recharges the hybrid battery.
• When the engine is running with the shift dial in N (Neutral), the hybrid system cannot generate electricity. The hybrid battery cannot recharge with the shift dial in N (Neutral).

NOTICE
In the hybrid system, the engine automatically runs and stops. When the hybrid system operates, the READY indicator is illuminated.
In the following situation, the engine may operate automatically.

• When the engine is ready to run.
• When the hybrid battery is being charged.
• Depending on the temperature condition of the hybrid battering of the hybrid battery.

Changing plug-in hybrid mode (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)

EV/HEV button

Whenever you press the [EV/HEV] but-ton, Plug-in hybrid system drive mode will be changed in sequential as:
Automatic (AUTO) mode – Hybrid (CS) mode – Electric (CD) mode.
Each time the mode is changed a corresponding LED is displayed on the instrument cluster as follows.

Automatic (AUTO) mode

Type A

 

Hybrid (CS) mode

Type A

 

Electric (CD) mode

 

Plug-in hybrid mode indicator

•  CD (Charge Depleting, Electric) mode: The high-voltage (hybrid) battery is
  used to drive the vehicle.
•  AUTO mode: CD mode and CS mode are selected automatically depending on road conditions.
•  CS (Charge Sustaining, Hybrid) mode: The high-voltage (hybrid) battery and gasoline engine is used to drive the vehicle.

Special features

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 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 indicate a problem. These are normal characteristics of hybrid vehicles.
It is a normal condition if you hear a motor sound in the engine compartment in any of the following situations:

•  The brake pedal is released after turning off the hybrid system.
• The brake pedal is applied when the hybrid system is turned off.
• When the driver door is opened.
  When the hybrid system is turned ON, the gasoline engine may run or may not. In this situation, you may feel a vibration. This does not indicate a malfunction. When the READY indicator illuminates, the hybrid system is ready to begin driving. Even if the engine is off, you can operate the vehicle as long as the READY indicator is illuminated.

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 have an effect on electronic devices. When your vehicle is not used for a long period of 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 (Parking), the READY indicator illuminates on the instrument cluster. The driver can drive the vehicle, even when the gasoline engine is off.

WARNING
When you leave the vehicle, you should turn OFF the hybrid system or locate the shift dial in P (Park). When 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 motor power is used.

•  If the vehicle is moving at low speed, the VESS will operate.
• When the gear is shifted to R (Reverse), an additional warning sound will be heard.
• What does regenerative braking do?
• It uses an electric motor when decelerating and when braking and transforms kinetic energy to electrical energy in order to charge the high-voltage battery.

Battery

•  The vehicle is composed of a high-voltage battery that drives the motor and air conditioner, and an integrated 12V lead battery with the HEV battery that drives the lamps, wipers, and audio system.
•  The integrated 12V battery is automatically charged when the vehicle is in the ready (READY) mode.

Hybrid system gauge Power gauge

Type A

The hybrid system gauge indicates whether the current driving condition is fuel efficient or not.

• CHARGE:
  Shows that the energy made by the vehicle is being converted to electrical energy. (Regenerated energy)
• ECO:
  Shows that the vehicle is being driven in an Eco-friendly manner.
• POWER:.
  Shows that the vehicle is exceeding the Eco-friendly range.
  

Hybrid battery SOC (State of Charge) gauge

Type A

This gauge indicates the remaining hybrid battery power. If the SOC is near the “L (Low)” level, the vehicle automati-cally operates the engine to charge the battery.
However, if the Service Indicator ( ) and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) ( ) turn on when the SOC gauge is near the “L (Low)” level, have your vehi-cle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Warning and indicator lights

Ready indicator READY
This indicator illuminates:
When the vehicle is ready to be driven.

• ON: Normal driving is possible.
• OFF: Normal driving is not possible, or a problem has occurred.
• Blinking: Emergency driving.
  When the ready indicator goes OFF or blinks, there is a problem with the system. If this occurs, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
  Service warning light
  This warning light illuminates:
• When you set the ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
  • The service warning light illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then turns off when all checks have been performed.
• When there is a problem with the hybrid vehicle control system or hardware.

When the warning light illuminates while driving, or does not go OFF after starting the vehicle, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
EV mode indicator
This indicator illuminates:
When the vehicle is driven by the electric motor.

• “EV” indicator ON: The vehicle is driven using the electric motor or the gasoline engine is stopped.
•  “EV” indicator OFF: The vehicle is driven using the gasoline engine.

Regenerative brake warning light (red colour) (yellow color)
This warning light illuminates:
When the regenerative brake does not operate and the brake does not perform well. This causes the brake warning light (red) and regenerative brake warning light (yellow) to illuminate simultaneously.

If this occurs, drive safely and have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. The operation of the brake pedal may be more difficult than normal and the braking distance may increase.
Charging cable connection indicator  (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)

This indicator illuminates in red when the charging cable is connected.

LCD display messages

Ready to drive

A: Ready to drive
This message is displayed when the vehicle is ready to be driven.
Check regenerative brakes

A: Check regenerative brakes
This message is displayed when the brake performance is low or the regenerative brake does not work properly due to a failure in the brake system.
If this occurs, it may take longer for the brake pedal to operate and the braking distance may become longer.

Stop the vehicle and check the regenerative brakes

A: Stop the vehicle and check the regenerative brakes
This message is displayed when a failure occurs in the brake system.
If this occurs, park the vehicle in a safe location tow your vehicle to the nearest authorized Kia dealer and have the vehicle inspected.
Check Hybrid system

A: Check the Hybrid system
This message is displayed when there is a problem with the hybrid control system. Refrain from driving when the warning message is displayed.
If this occurs, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Check the Hybrid system. Stop safely

A: Check the Hybrid system. Stop safely
This message is displayed when there is a problem with the hybrid control system. The READY indicator will blink and a warning chime will sound until the problem is solved. Refrain from driving when the warning message is displayed.
If this occurs, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Check the Hybrid system. Do not start the engine

A: Check Hybrid system. Stop safely
This message is displayed when the hybrid battery power (SOC) level is low. A warning chime will sound until the problem is solved. Refrain from driving when the warning message is displayed.
If this occurs, park the vehicle in a safe location and tow your vehicle to the nearest authorized Kia dealer and have the vehicle inspected.

Stop the vehicle and check the power supply

A: Stop the vehicle and check the power supply
This message is displayed when a failure occurs in the power supply system.
If this occurs, park the vehicle in a safe location and tow your vehicle to the nearest authorized Kia dealer and have the vehicle inspected.
Check the Virtual Engine Sound System

A: Check the Virtual Engine Sound System
This message is displayed when there is a problem with the Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS).
If this occurs, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer

Refill inverter coolant

A: Refill inverter coolant
This message is displayed when the inverter coolant is nearly empty. You should refill the inverter coolant.
Park with engine On to charge battery

 

A: Park with engine On to charge the battery
This message is displayed when the hybrid battery power (SOC) level is low.
If this occurs, park the vehicle in a safe location and wait until the hybrid battery is charged.
Start the engine to avoid battery discharge

charged if the ENGINE START/STOP button is in ON position (without the READY indicator ON).
Set the vehicle to the ready (READY) mode to prevent the 12V battery from being discharged.
Coasting guide

A: Coast
A chime will sound and the coasting guide indicator will be displayed to inform the driver when to take the foot off the accelerator by anticipating a decelerating event* based on the analysis of driving routes and road conditions stored in the navigation system. It encourages the driver to remove the foot from the pedal and allow coasting down the road with EV motor only. This helps prevent unnecessary fuel consumption and increases fuel efficiency.

An example of a deceleration event is going down an extended hill, slowing down approaching a toll booth, and approaching reduced speed zones.

• User settings
  Press the ENGINE START/STOP button and put the shift dial in P (Park). In the User Settings Mode, select Driver Assistance, Coasting Guide, and then On to turn on the system. Cancel the selection of coasting guide to turn off the system. For an explanation of the system, press and hold the [OK] button
• Operation conditions
  To activate the system, take the following procedures. Enter your destination information on the navigation and select the driving route. Select the ECO mode in the Integrated Driving Control System. Then, satisfy the following:
  • The driving speed should be between 19 mph (30 km/h) and 99 mph (160 km/h).

The operating speed may vary due to difference between the instrument cluster and navigation affected by tire inflation level.

CD (Charge Depleting, Electric) mode (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)

 

A: Electric mode
The high-voltage (hybrid) battery is used to drive the vehicle.
AUTO (Automatic) mode (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)

or Hybrid (CS) mode by the system according to the driving condition.
CS (Charge Sustaining, Hybrid) mode (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)

A: Hybrid mode
The high-voltage (hybrid) battery and gasoline engine is used to drive the vehicle.
Remaining charge time (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)

A: Remaining Time
The message is displayed to notify the remaining time to fully charge the battery.
Charging stopped. Check the AC charger (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
This message is displayed when the charging failed by external charger error.
The purpose of this message is to let you know the error has occurred in the charger itself, not in the vehicle.

Charging stopped. Check the cable connection (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
This message is displayed when charging is stopped because the charging connector is not correctly connected to the charging inlet. If this occur, separate the charging connector and re-connect it and check whether there is any problem (external damage, foreign substances, etc.) with the charging connector and charging inlet. If the same problem occurs when charging the vehicle with a replaced charging cable or genuine Kia portable charger, have the vehicle inspected by a professional workshop. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Low/High System Temp. Maintaining Hybrid mode (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
This message is displayed when the temperature of the high-voltage (hybrid) battery is too low or too high.
This warning message is to protect the battery and the hybrid system.
Low/High System Temp. Switching to Hybrid mode (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
This message is displayed when the temperature of the high-voltage (hybrid) battery is too low or high. This warning message is to protect the battery and the hybrid system.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Switching to Hybrid mode to allow heating (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)

• When the outdoor temperature is lower than 5 °F (-15 °C) and the coolant temperature is lower than 158 °F (70 °C), you turn the climate control On for heating, the above message will be displayed in the cluster. Then, the vehicle will automatically switch to HEV mode and EV mode will not be activated (although EV/HEV button is pressed)
• When the outdoor temperature is higher than 14 °F (-10 °C), or the coolant temperature is higher than 176 °F (80 °C) or you turn the climate control Off, the vehicle will automatically return to EV mode.

Wait until fuel door unlocks (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
The message is displayed when you attempt to unlock the fuel filler door with the fuel tank pressurized. Wait until the fuel tank is depressurized.

NOTICE

• It may take up to 20 seconds to unlock fuel filler door.
•  If the fuel filler door does not open because ice has formed around it, tap lightly or push on the door to break the ice and release the door.
• Do not pry on the door. If necessary, spray around the door with an approved deicer fluid (do not use radiator anti-freeze) or move the vehicle to a warm place and allow the ice to melt.

Fuel door unlocked (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
This message is displayed when the fuel filler door is unlocked.
Also means “Ready to refuel”.
Please press the rear centre edge of fuel filler door to open.
Check fuel door (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
This message is displayed when the fuel filler door is open while driving or an abnormality has occurred.
Charging door open (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
This message indicates that the charging door is open while in driving ready state to encourage you to inspect and close the door.
(Driving with the charging door open may result in moisture inflow or damage. This message is used to prevent such occurrences.)
Unplug the vehicle to start (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
The message is displayed when you start the engine without unplugging the charging cable. Unplug the charging cable, and then start the vehicle.

Maintaining Hybrid mode to continue heating (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
A message is displayed when heating is in operation and the HEV mode is maintained to meet the heating operating conditions when attempting to switch to EV mode by pressing the EV/HEV button.
EV/HEV modes (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
A corresponding message is displayed when a mode is selected by pressing the EV/HEV button.
PHEV infotainment system (Plug-in hybrid vehicle)
Press [PHEV] on the [Home screen].

1 PHEV
The Plug-in Hybrid menu consists of five sections: [EV range], [Energy information], [Charge management], [ECO driving], [Energy flow].

1. EV range
2. Energy Information
3. Charge management
4. ECO driving
5. Energy flow

1 EV range
For more information, please refer to the infotainment manual that was separately supplied with your vehicle.

Energy flow

The hybrid system informs the drivers its energy flow in various operating modes. While driving, the current energy flow is specified in 11 modes.
Vehicle stop

A: Idle Mode
The vehicle is stopped.(No energy flow)

EV propulsion

A: Electric Mode
Only the motor power is used to drive the vehicle.
(Battery → Wheel)
Power assist

A: Hybrid Mode
Both the motor and the engine power are used to drive the vehicle.
(Battery & Engine → Wheel)
Engine only propulsion

A: Engine Mode
Only the engine power is used to drive the vehicle.
(Engine → Wheel)

Engine generation

A: Charging
When the vehicle is stopped, the high-voltage battery is charged up by the engine.
(Engine → Battery)
Regeneration

A: Charging
The high-voltage battery is charged up by the regenerative brake system.
(Wheel → Battery)
Engine brake

A: Engine Braking
The engine braking is used to decelerate the vehicle.
(Wheel → Engine)
Power reserve

A: Charging
The engine is simultaneously used to drive the vehicle and to charge up the high-voltage battery.
(Engine → Wheel & Battery)
Engine generation/motor drive

A: Charging
The engine charges up the high-voltage battery. The motor power is used to drive the vehicle.
(Engine → Battery → Wheel)
Engine generation/regeneration

A: Charging
The engine and regenerative brake system charges up the high-voltage battery.
(Engine & Wheel → Battery)

Engine brake/regeneration

A: Charging
The engine braking is simultaneously used to decelerate the vehicle and to charge up the high-voltage battery.
(Wheel → Engine & Battery)
Start the engine to avoid battery dis-charge

A: Start engine to avoid battery discharge
If the engine is not turned on with the ENGINE START/STOP button in ACC or ON for a while, the battery can be discharged. Please turn on the engine to prevent 12V battery from discharging.

Aux. Battery Saver+ (Plug-in hybrid vehicle) (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. 

Mode

• Cycle Mode: When the vehicle is OFF with all doors, hood and liftgate closed, the Aux. Battery Saver+ peri-odically activates according to the auxiliary battery status.
•  Automatic Mode: When the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position with the charging connector plugged in, the function activates according to the auxiliary battery status to prevent over-discharge of the auxiliary battery.

CAUTION

• The Aux. Battery Saver+ activates for a maximum of 20 minutes. If the Aux. Battery Saver+ function activates more than 10 times consecutively, in the Automatic Mode the function will stop activating, judging 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 normal.
• a maximum of 20 minutes. If the Aux. Battery Saver+ function activates more than 10 times consecutively, in the Automatic Mode the function will stop activating, judging 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 normal.
• The Aux. Battery Saver+ function cannot prevent battery discharge if the auxiliary battery is damaged, worn out, used as a power supply or unauthorized electronic devices are used.

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:
“Settings → Convenience → Aux. Battery Saver+”

WARNING
When the function is activated the charging indicator lamp will quickly blink and high-voltage electricity will be flowing in the vehicle. Do not touch the high-voltage electric wire (orange), connector, and all-electric components and devices. This may cause electric shock and lead to injuries. Also, do not modify your vehicle in any way. This may affect your vehicle performance and lead to an accident.

FAQ