What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2022 Kia Niro Electric?
Many owners waste money on a 48-amp EV charger that this car ignores completely. Your 2022 Kia Niro Electric caps its AC intake at 32 amps. Buying anything larger pays for capacity you will never touch. Match the car's 32-amp limit with a 40-amp circuit.
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
The 71.7 kWh battery drinks AC power at a maximum rate of 7.2 kW. Feeding it a 48-amp or 50-amp supply changes nothing because the onboard inverter rejects the extra current. You get 24 miles of range per hour of charging at the maximum Level 2 rate. The EPA test logs a slightly faster 25 miles per hour because test cycles vary, but the hardware limitation remains fixed at 32 amps. Stick to the recommended 32-amp EVSE and skip the pricey upgrades.
What the install involves
A 32-amp draw requires a 40-amp breaker to handle continuous electrical loads safely. You can plug into a NEMA 14-50 outlet on a 40 A breaker or hardwire the unit directly to the panel. Hire a licensed electrician if your home lacks the proper wire gauge or open breaker slots. Code requirements dictate a dedicated circuit for any Level 2 home charging station.
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
- How long does a full charge take?
- Going from empty to full takes 10.0 hours at the maximum Level 2 rate. The EPA rating lists 9.5 hours under standard test conditions.
- Can I use a standard wall outlet?
- Level 1 charging on a standard household outlet takes 50 hours for a full tank. It delivers 4.8 miles of range per hour.
- What plug type does the car use?
- The car uses a J1772 connector for all AC Level 2 charging. Every non-Tesla EV sold in North America through 2024 uses this standard.
- Do I need a 40-amp breaker for a 32-amp charger?
- Continuous load rules require a breaker rated 125 percent above the draw. A 32-amp continuous load demands a 40-amp breaker.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2022 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.