What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2019 Kia Niro Electric?
Thirty-two amps is the exact number your car needs for home charging. That current draws 7.2 kW through an AC connection and refills the 71.7 kWh battery from empty in 10.0 hours. You get 24 miles of range per hour of Level 2 charging. Your car uses a J1772 connector.
The numbers
| Maximum AC charging rate | 7.2 kW (32 A) |
|---|---|
| Charger size to buy | 32 A |
| Circuit breaker required | 40 A |
| Outlet / connection | NEMA 14-50 outlet on a 40 A breaker, or hardwired |
| Charge port | J1772 |
| Full charge on Level 2 | about 10.0 hours |
| Range added per hour (Level 2) | about 24 miles |
| Full charge on a 120 V outlet | about 50 hours |
| Range added per hour (120 V) | about 4.8 miles |
| EPA rated range | 239 miles |
| Energy for a full charge | about 71.7 kWh at the wall |
Why 32 amps and not more
Your onboard charger maxes out at 32 amps. Buying a 48-amp or 50-amp charger will not speed up your daily turnaround because the car cannot draw the extra current. Electricity flows down to the vehicle's maximum acceptance rate, meaning a bigger unit wastes money. Stick to the 32-amp recommendation for home equipment. You will recover the 239-mile range easily overnight.
What the install involves
A 40-amp breaker is required for this setup. You can use a NEMA 14-50 outlet or hardwire the unit directly to the electrical panel. Hire a licensed electrician for this work. They must pull permits and inspect your home's capacity before running new wire. Do not attempt DIY wiring unless you hold an electrical license.
Chargers that match this car
Rugged metal enclosure, built for outdoor use.
Portable cordset. Works on 120 V or a 240 V outlet.
Plugs into an existing 14-50 outlet, no hardwiring.
Worth having as well
Common questions
- Can I use a Level 1 household outlet?
- Yes, but it takes 50 hours to refill a completely depleted battery. You only gain 4.8 miles of range per hour on standard 120-volt current.
- What plug does the charger need?
- You need a NEMA 14-50 outlet on a 40-amp breaker, or you can hardwire the unit directly. Every non-Tesla EV sold in North America through 2024 uses the J1772 connector for AC Level 2 charging.
- Does the EPA charge time differ?
- The EPA rating lists 9.5 hours to fill the battery. That test results in 25 miles of range per hour.
- What is my car's total range?
- The EPA range rating is 239 miles on a full charge. Efficiency sits at 30.0 kWh per 100 miles, with an mpge rating of 112.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2019 Kia Niro Electric. Electrical requirements follow NEC 625.41, which sizes a circuit at 125% of a continuous load. Always have a licensed electrician verify your panel.