Hood Struts for the Kia Niro EV

[@daddy0905]

You may want to put grease in the clips before installing the struts as, it will run smoother for longer If you buy the Strong Arm brand they tell you that in there instructions

[@EV-olution]

Thank you, I actually have that in the description of the video. I forgot to do it while filming. I will pin your comment just incase someone misses the description 🙂

[@namcojr]

Thank you for this, a very useful video. I bought the same kit, but mine is different, the part that attaches to the hood no longer has that tiny clip that has to be removed and put back again in order to lock the struts, it is a similar plastic part to the end that sticks to the front pin, so much easier in my case. It works really really well and since our eNiros here in Portugal don't have the heat pump (hot climate) it was even easier to remove the original stand. Perfect, just made an awesome EV even better :)

[@EV-olution]

That is good to know, thank you for the information and I am glad my video could help. Did you see my pinned comment and video description note that says you should grease the ball sockets?

[@gibbthegod]

Added mine yesterday, very easy to install especially after watching your video, also installed a frunk, to store my charging cables! Really pleased with it! Thank you for the advice! 👍👍👍

[@EV-olution]

I am glad you like it and that I could help 🙂

[@Wookey.]

Very handy. Should have done this to my van 17 years ago. Probably not worth the bother now :-) I'll bear it in mind for the next one though.

[@EV-olution]

Keeping a car for 17 years is awesome! Amazing that is still runs! 🙂

[@Wookey.]

@@EV-olution It's been very reliable (well apart from the engine seizing shortly after I bought it when it was only 5 years/80,000 miles old so I had to put another in - a 1994 Xantia engine, upgrading to turbo in the process). Since that massive fail it's been very good which is why I still have it. The engine is now almost 200,000 miles and the van 160,000. I'll get a new one within the next couple of years either because someone finally makes a decent-range van or I build one myself.

[@CheesePuffJay]

Thanks for the GREAT instructions! You got a new subscriber from Montreal.

[@EV-olution]

Merci beaucoup, j'apprécie vraiment 😎

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Very good mod. I agree with you on the colour looking good. For myself, (being a little clumsy at times) I’d probably go for red. Just to help me avoid bumping into them. I’m sorry I didn’t answer your previous question to me. I searched for the reference but failed t find it. Could you ask it again, as I’ve now forgotten what it was and I’ll go hunt it out again.

[@EV-olution]

I have been offline for a while, if I find the question I will let you know.

I got now the same Hood Struts AND a frunk: frunk.at/ . This is now soo cool. (in our EV nerd universe)

[@EV-olution]

I agree, I love my hood struts. 😎

[@ucsmfu]

Another great video, very thorough :)

[@EV-olution]

Thank you I appreciate it.

[@ferruccioenglaro5530]

Nice video as always, but for the moment I don't find it essential as an accessory.

[@EV-olution]

Thank you, I appreciate it. The reason that is it worth it for me is because here, in the winter, when it is -20C and dark outside, the little hood prop is a pain to deal with when I want to put washer fluid in the car. If you don't have to go under the hood then I agree, there is no real reason to do it.

[@martydow5135]

Thanks, Andre; I have ordered the parts and will let you know how it goes...

[@EV-olution]

Glad I could help.

[@donjohnson24]

Thanks for the very helpful video - and the one on the frunk (froot in the UK ?). Removing and replacing the clip looks the safest way , but the instructions do say that fitting the ends does require 'some force'. Perhaps the clip is designed to deflect temporarily as the associated ball end is forced in.

[@EV-olution]

Actually the clip on the ball end is simply to hold it in place. If you ever need to remove them (like I did because I forgot to grease them first) you have to pry the clip up to allow the ball to come out.

[@aturservice2560]

yes just tried to order them from site u posted ..

[@txaliocat2239]

Hi Andre, great video, thanks for your time and dedication!

[@EV-olution]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@Alban_Gaultier]

Bonjour, Comme tu le dis ça aurait pas mal d'intérêt avec un frunk, et j'ai trouvé ç a: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pojXgpynfMp9iqc

[@EV-olution]

Effectivement et je crois que Frunk ont des vidéos sur leur site aussi. Merci pour le lien.

[@aturservice2560]

i gave it a try but ill stick to ebay .

[@ralfrohrer3979]

I live in Germany and ordered the struts fom Spain through Aliexpress. They arrived today after 3 days only.

[@EV-olution]

Holy cow! That is fast compared to mine. Is the product the same as in my video? I am curious to know if the production batch has changed anything.

[@ralfrohrer3979]

@@EV-olution They are of same type as in your video, as far as I can see. However from Spain they are available in red colour only. They look great as they are not plain red but have a carbon immitation. They came fully extracted avoiding any injuries when unpacking without the necessary attention (They are very strong).

[@EV-olution]

Thank you for the details.

[@stanfoyle8453]

Hi have you seen the e-Niro frunk. www.frunk.at. Looks very good

[@EV-olution]

Yes, but with the shipping and exchange rate it is very expensive for something that I don't really need. The charging stations in North America all have the cable attached to them. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@kwikdahl]

My old 2016 Soul EV had these. I have been looking for this for my e-niro. Thanks!

[@EV-olution]

I was jealous of my wife's 2019 Soul EV that has them... Niro problem now solved 🙂 Don't forget to great the ball sockets before installation.

[@ScottBergerMN]

I added these to mine. Good upgrade and should have been this way from the factory. Matters more once you've got a frunk in there though.

[@EV-olution]

I agree that for those who use the Frunk product this is a must. For my needs it is also a must because when it is -25C and I have to put washer fluid in the car I hate fiddling with the hood prop.

[@Haifischpfleger]

I missed these too and added these to mine Model 2020 (Germany) together withe a frunk. Thanks for your good video.

[@EV-olution]

@@Haifischpfleger they are very helpful when putting in washer fluid. Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@DavidEglese]

The PINS!! I spent 30mins trying to get them on. Watched this and felt so relieved it was an easy fix!!

[@EV-olution]

I am glad I could help. Your experience is exactly why I make my videos and why I make them as detailed as possible 🙂

[@joanneb2427]

Great video just to many commercials

[@EV-olution]

Thank you. Unfortunately KZbin controls the commercials.

[@carlomanda]

Good to know that battery heater is separate from heat pump. My 2020 Italian e-Niro come without heat pump (appear only country in Europe) and also no winter mode available. Very bad decision from Kia, now with 0-5°C I lost more than 100km and fast charge speed😓

[@EV-olution]

I am really glad I could help, that is why I do this 🙂

[@MMXPyro]

Job well done! 👍

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much 😎

[@stefanlorenzen4084]

Tank you for Thisted video its lot og help

[@EV-olution]

I am glad I was able to help, thanks for watching.

[@dogiex]

Great video! Ordered one. I hope you will some day install the electric trunk and show us how it's done and where to buy the correct one. :)

[@EV-olution]

I will think about it, I just don't have a need for it and the amount of work involved is quite high.

[@superbear617]

Just saw this one (and your quickie update video). I have a 2020 Niro EV, and, unlike yours, mine does not seem to have anything that would interfere if the struts were attached using the "aft" bolt position (the front bolt that is furthest from the front bumper). Do you think that would avoid contact with the hood that you later discovered? Also, in the quickie update, you said you would add a thin rubber strip to the hood, but would placing the rubber strip on the strut have the same effect? Thank you! I agree this is a nice upgrade for not much $$!!

[@EV-olution]

Since I no longer have my Niro EV (I moved up to an EV6), I can't go look at the stut bolt positions so I don't know if the other bolt location would interfere/touch, or not. I can tell you that I used a mallet and very slightly flattened the spots on the hood that were touching the struts, and I added some very thin rubber squares to those spots. I never had issues with them. I am glad my videos could be helpful and thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@aturservice2560]

you did not say about the shipping adding an extra 36 usd to the already order price of 36 for a total of 72

[@EV-olution]

I don't remember paying that much for shipping. Did you order from the link I shared? Are you in Canada?

[@richardhaywoodh]

How are you now FULLY closing the bonnet, do you have to press down on the bonnet? Before the struts were fitted the bonnet would fully close by dropping it from about 6" away from the catch

[@EV-olution]

I have always brought the bonnet down gently, then pressed to click it shut, like I do in my video. The difference with the struts is that there is a bit more resistance when pressing, but nothing terrible. I have also tried the "slam" test and I can "drop" the bonnet and it will close even with the struts installed, it just takes more effort, hence the reason I use the gentle press instead.

[@tomquimby8669]

very clear instructions

[@EV-olution]

Thank you, I am glad they are clear and I hope they help.

[@wobby1516]

I think, and correct me if I’m wrong the 64kw battery charges up the 12 volt battery so there has to be a inverter to do this. I was told that the 12 volt batteries primary purpose was to switch the isolator that turned on the 64kw battery and that is why the 12 volt battery was so important secondary was the 12 volt lights ect. Those struts are really good value, I bought a Frunk and a set of struts from the same company in Europe the struts were quite a lot more expensive and there was a delivery charge.

[@EV-olution]

I did not want to get into all of the specifics of the 12V battery, this is a very simplified explanation, but yes, there is a DC to DC inverter that maintains the 12V battery by using the power from the high voltage battery. There is also an option in the menus of the instrument cluster to disable the feature, which is completely stupid since that would let the 12V battery go flat.

[@wobby1516]

@@EV-olution Yes I agree with you, why on earth would one want to turn the 12v to 12 v inverter.

[@GLXKID]

Great video, do you know how long those hood struts are?

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much. I don't know the length, I would have to measure them. Is there a reason in particular you would like to know the length?

[@GLXKID]

@@EV-olution Just wondering to see if could just piece together my own set.

[@EV-olution]

@@GLXKID you can order the ones that are linked in the description of the video, they are the ones I installed in my Niro EV. I just measured them and installed, with the hood fully opened, they are 80cm long.

[@raymondbrower7894]

Interesting but a total waste of money in my opinion. I can deal with propping it up while I fill the washer fluid. You spent more time installing these than I have spent under the hood in 4 years of owning an EV.

[@EV-olution]

In the winter, when it is -20C and dark, messing around with the prop, and trying to find the small hole it goes in, makes this a very worthwhile investment for me. I open the hood several times per winter, just for the washer fluid.

[@applesushi]

Thank you for this video. I have considered installing these and I am very curious about your follow up.

[@EV-olution]

You are welcome, I am sure they will be great this winter. They "feel" excellent when opening and closing.

[@ruipinto2202]

Thanks for the video, I will do the upgrade since it's cheap and simple to do. Great job!!

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much.

[@eevahakala6045]

Has anyone tipped you about camwipe.com? It's literally a rear view camera wiper piece you can install in 10seconds.

[@EV-olution]

Yes, thanks for the link. I made a video in July last year that played a part in the success of the Camwipe. I actually made a few videos that mention it and even had a 10 Camwipe giveaway when I hit 5000 subscribers 🙂. Here is the first Camwipe video I had made: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6WVhX59Z69gd80 Thanks again!

[@dmc7324]

A few people have been caught out with a flat 12v battery. I just wonder why an EV cant have a small alternator to keep the 12v battery topped up?

[@EV-olution]

Most EVs have a DC to DC inverter that uses power from the high voltage battery to maintain the 12V battery. The Niro EV, Soul EV, Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric have 12V battery maintenance as a feature, so in essence an electric car has an "alternator", it is just a different device. The issue is that, just like a gas car has to be running for the alternator to charge the battery, an electric car has to be turned on for the 12V battery maintenance feature to work. As an added benefit of the EV, the 12V battery maintenance mode also works when the car is plugged in to charge, making it better than a gas car in this respect (one in a list of many advantages).

[@dmc7324]

@@EV-olution Thanks appreciate the reply. Keep up the good work!

[@thebuffalodude]

Great Video! Where did you get the K-Badge? Looking for a front, rear set for my Niro.

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much. I got them installed at the dealer. That was actually my second video ever, almost 3 years ago now. Here it is in case you are interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKLXent6app2pK8

[@daveiwhittle]

I wonder about the 12v battery. Instead of having it why not convert the high voltage battery down to 12V and use that. In fact Niro 2020 does exactly that in the utility mode, strangely though you can't drive in that mode so I was thinking that there must be some other reason but I am not clever enough to work out what it is :)

[@EV-olution]

FYI, the 2019 also has Utility Mode, I have used it quite a bit. I think not having a full DC to DC inverter set up comes down to cost savings. Kia used the same 12V system as the "regular" Niros instead of having to create a completely new system with electronics and software required. This is speculation, but makes some sense.

[@daveiwhittle]

@@EV-olution You could be right but a little short sighted, seems crazy to have a 12v battery when you have all that power, if it discharges you can't start the car, ha 'could I please borrow some jump leads to start my electric car ' :)

[@EV-olution]

@@daveiwhittle I have a mini booster pack that I bought at Costco (80$) in my car because I have a dual dash cam setup that runs in parking mode, 24/7, and I don't drive often due to COVID; after 5 or 6 days not driving, or starting the car, the 12V goes flat and I have to jump it 🙄 even though I have the battery maintenance mode turned on. Battery maintenance only kicks in when the car is started, or if I remotely activate climate control, or if the car is plugged in. So I am with you on this one more than you know. I think the new EV platform will have a system without 12V, the E-GMP that the new Ioniq 5 will use, as well as all future Hyundai/Kia EVs. At least I hope they delete the 12V battery.

[@daveiwhittle]

@@EV-olution Ah thanks for the heads up I am going to hard wire my new dashcam this weekend. Unfortunately with no mobile signal i can't turn the car on remotely so I will have to be careful. Yes let's hope the E-GMP gets rid of the 12V although having just bought a new Niro I will have to wait a while :) thanks again

[@mikehedrick6544]

David, I think because of the UVO services and the cellular electronics it would be preferable to have a 12 volt battery. Perhaps in the case of an accident the high voltage battery maybe disabled for safety reasons and the 12 battery allows the cellular UVO service to operate for emergency services and also allows lights and flashers. Although a converter would work, there must be some reason to not remove the 12 v battery.

[@JimmyLager]

Did you move the "front strut retaining pins" back to get the hood to open highter? If so, was it a visible higher opening on the hood?

[@EV-olution]

No, I did not. You can find out why in this video I made: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHyvl3yDnLGosNU

[@huss1205]

That's a nice job. Such simple things bring joy when someone do them on his car. I feel good when I switch tires every winter and summer, and do it myself, or when I change engine oil or even replacing a burned lamp or mounting an LED light bar, it just brings satisfaction and feel of achievement, although it was a simple thing...

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much and yes, I was/am really happy. It is a 1st world "problem" but fixing the annoyance was extremely satisfying 🙂

[@BarryObaminable]

'Save 45 dollars on oil change.' --Achievement unlocked

[@martydow5135]

Fixing the ball joints at cylinder ends to brackets before bolting into hood bracket makes for an easier install...

[@EV-olution]

Thanks.

[@totallyleftfield]

Hey Andre what's up buddy? I hope all is good with you and family, Cheers ;)

[@EV-olution]

Hi Andrew! I did not know who you were until I looked at your channel 😃. I hope you are doing well and staying safe. What area are you in now? If you are on Facebook be sure to link up with me, it would be easier to chat there.

[@shaunmcmahon9692]

Another well done video. Keep up the great work. I would like to see a 1/4 mile video 😉

[@EV-olution]

Thanks Shaun. When all of this red zone crap is done we have to get together at Diamond's for a 5lbs pizza 😉 I am not sure you would find the Niro EV 1/4 mile time very impressive, but light-to-light it is lots of fun 🙂

[@boylejohnstone1]

Can I ask for some information on this engine. Looking to see if the cooling fan runs continuously when the ignition is on or the motor is running? Also does the cooling system get warm like a conventional engine

[@EV-olution]

Since the Niro EV is fully electric, and the electric motor does not get as hot as a gas engine, the cooling system does not come on until the components heat up enough to require it. This includes the motor, inverter, reduction gear, battery. In the winter you may never hear the cooling system come on, but you will hear the heat pump. In the summer, even when it is hot and the cooling system kicks in with the fans, it is still relatively quiet, especially as compared to a gas car. I hope this helps and sorry for the late reply.

[@lorcankes3597]

Can you do a video about the frunk.... on a kia ev... can you get one and whats the best thanks

[@EV-olution]

I know about the frunk.at product, but since all charging stations here in North America have the cable attached, and the Niro has lots of storage, I don't really need the extra storage space. That, plus the fact that the exchange rate plus shipping cost make the frunk.at product expensive for a Canadian, mean that I never ordered one.

[@tomnamsa]

Hi Andre. So what was the surprise you mentioned in the past? I was saying Nissan Ariya, but with the recent reviewa of the Mach E, still want to know if you already told us what the surprise was.

[@tomnamsa]

Looking forward to your reviews and videos as they closer to home and so far we have been having the same challenges (new EV owner).

[@EV-olution]

Are you referring to the picture of a box that I posted? If so, it was for a video on my recently reactivated personal KZbin channel: kzbin.info

[@smartotrams]

I've got my Hood Struts (and the frunk) from frunk-at. From there I had received the following recommendation: "I would choose the front mounting point, otherwise the right gas spring would hit the diagnostic connector." Therefore I did not test the rear mounting points. The hood also opens far enough.

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much for the information. I have not tested it yet, but I will be sure to check for that, I had not really looked yet. Thanks again!

[@alanjenkinson7812]

all we need now is a motor for the tailgate :)

[@EV-olution]

A kit does exist to add the feature, but since I don't really need it I cannot justify spending the money plus the many hours to install it. If I was to receive a kit from the manufacturer I would make a video about it and as usual I would be honest about the quality/functionality.

[@stanfoyle8453]

Hi. Have you seen the e-Niro frunk? www.frunk.at. Looks very good

[@EV-olution]

Yes, I know the product and it is very interesting. The problem is that I don't really have a use since all charging stations in North America have the cable attached and I don't need extra storage. There is also the shipping cost and exchange rate to CDN $ that make it too expensive since I don't really need it. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@joserosado1842]

Great job. However, in my personal opinion I don't think this mod to be important. This because I don't think I will be opening the front wood that much over the e-niro life. I would however consider the mod that adds a small front frunk to the e-niro to store the cables.

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much. In my case it is a good improvement because I open the hood quite often in the winter to add washer fluid and when it is dark and -20C, I hate messing around with the prop stand trying to find the hole it goes into 😎. The Frunk is a nice product, but since the cables are on all charging stations here in North America I don't need the extra storage. Thanks again.

[@joserosado1842]

@@EV-olution Yup, in your case I guess you are right. Here where I live, the climate is more moderate and there's no such necessity to refill the washer fluid. When you say the cables are in the charging stations, your are talking only about the fast chargers, correct? At least here in Europe, only the fast chargers have the cables. The only slow chargers that have the cable are the Tesla destination chargers. So I always have the cable and the portable EVSE on my Leaf (yes I still don't own a e-Niro, but it's coming soon). Regards.

[@EV-olution]

Actually in North America all stations, both fast charge and slow, have the cable attached.

[@mrdsn189]

Amazing, you own the two cars I have been trying to decide between Andre. If you don’t mind I have 2 questions for you... 1) How does the back seat legroom compare between the Niro EV and the Soul EV? 2) Which do you feel has a larger trunk space? Thanks so much, it’s so hard to tell over the internet. 🙇🏽‍♂️🙏🏽

[@EV-olution]

Being a 2019 my wife's is the previous generation Soul EV and the new 2020 is bigger, but I can confirm that rear passenger leg room and trunk depth are greater in the Niro EV, but the 2020 Soul EV box shape gives more rear passenger head room and vertical trunk space. With that being said, I have no head room issues in the Niro EV so unless your passengers are all 6'4" you won't have a problem. I hope this helps.

[@mrdsn189]

@@EV-olution Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I drive for Lyft, all sizes of luggage and people get in all the time...

[@EV-olution]

@@mrdsn189 my pleasure, that is why I am here If you drive people around then I would suggest the Niro EV as the rear passenger leg room is better and the depth of the trunk is greater. If you can find someone near you who has the Niro EV then you should go see it. Same for the Soul EV. What area are you in?

[@mrdsn189]

@@EV-olution Colorado.

[@EV-olution]

@@mrdsn189 have you tried contacting www.electricauto.org ? They may be able to help you see the cars in person. We have a similar thing here in the province of Québec that helps people in this fashion.

[@louiszaczkiewicz1138]

Nice video. I gather that you have the Canada EV with the LED headlight assemblies. I am in USA and although it is a 2020 Niro EV EX Premium, it has old halogen projection headlights. Do you have any idea if the Canada headlight assembly could replace the USA headlight assembly?

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much. Yes, I have a the Canadian SX Touring with LED headlights. I think there is more going on that just the headlight assembly, ie electronics that control it all. There is a person in the US who installed LED bulbs with little CANBUS adapters and made a video about it. I remember watching it about 1 year ago. If you search KZbin for Niro EV LED headlights you will find it for sure.

[@jamesk4005]

On a side note, I have a 2019 niro base model - no navigation. KIA/Applejust changed things on apple car play and loaded a in car charge point app which has charge point, and EVgo stations but not Electrify America. in canada, It shows at least a couple of networks. Not that I am doing much driving, but it seems to be a good change Jim

[@EV-olution]

Thank you for the information, that is great news. Even though I have the navigation in my SX I still prefer Android Auto and a nice thing is that you can search for DCFC in Google Maps and it will show where the Circuit Électrique and Flo stations are. Nice to see that Apple is finally joining the party 🙂

[@ChrisRLowery]

I wonder if these would be an issue with a leased car...

[@EV-olution]

I would not think so, especially since you can easily remove them and restore it as it was, in about 10 minutes, but you should ask your dealer in case.

[@mykolamelnyk9937]

Hi there! Good job! I installed the same things on my Kia Niro 2017 HEV, as per your link for Hyundai Ioniq 2016-2019 (short version). I want to warn your potential followers and subscribers about the much more complicated process of installing these pieces. The result is also not as good as yours, they are too strong for a light hood, and therefore closing the hood requires some effort. I'm not saying that the hood itself is somewhat deformed. This fact makes me think about uninstalling these shock absorbers. Please give me a link to your version as much as possible. Thanks in advance!

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much. Regarding the struts you bought for your Niro, you bought the wrong ones. I have three links for hood struts in my video description and the first one, that says Niro, is for the ones I bought and installed in my video. The product page title is "for Kia Niro (DE) 2016-2020 2x Front Hood Bonnet Modify Gas Struts". The Ioniq ones are only for the Ioniq.

[@GEMBOYO]

you look like hugh jackman wolverine

[@EV-olution]

I take that as a big compliment 🙂. The funny thing is that it is usually my brother that gets that, but you are the second person to say it to me. Thanks ☺️

[@willswomble7274]

Is he in the mafia or a failing old rock band?

[@EV-olution]

Actually I am a half-elf wizard from Rivendell.

[@BarryObaminable]

Hood struts are desired on an ICE car due to all the times you need to open the hood. Once per year in an EV... prop bar is ok. ;)

[@EV-olution]

In the province of Québec winter is several months long and I open the hood quite often to put in washer fluid. This is the reason I did the upgrade, because the prop bar was a pain to use, especially in the dark. For those who don't go under the hood there is no real need for this.

[@BarryObaminable]

@@EV-olution it's not a bad feature. And likely makes it feel fore expensive. Kudos. I would love a rear hat that auto open. Even it it is a spring and a remote latch and heavier air shocks to lift the door. I can manhandle it closed

[@EV-olution]

@@BarryObaminable I agree about the rear hatch, it should have been an auto liftgate. There is an upgrade available for the Niro and a couple of people have done it, but it is a big job and costs about 500$. Too much money for the benefit for my personal use.

[@patduggan5825]

what is the model of strut for 2018 Kia Niro did you use ? thanks

[@EV-olution]

I have a 2019, but it should be the same as the 2018. The link for what I bought is in the description of the video.

[@patduggan5825]

thanks....I just saw your link after I had sent my question. Take care

[@jihyungchun]

Any chance you can provide me with the measurements of the strut both closed and extended? I've tried ordering from two different vendors and they send the wrong components

[@EV-olution]

Open will be easy to measure, but closed is impossible now that they are installed on the car. Did you use the link I provided in the description of the video?

[@FutureReverberations]

Nice job!

[@EV-olution]

Thank you.

[@martydow5135]

Andre, did you experience any change in the charge port door after installing the strut on that side? Mine seems to be binding a wee bit...

[@EV-olution]

No, I the strut makes no difference, but time and weather conditions do. There are 2 bumps on end of the arc arm that is the hinge of the charge port door. In my first year of ownership I noticed that the door was harder to open and close just around the time winter started. I put a bit of eco friendly lubricant on the bumps and the problem pretty much went away. I posted a picture of the hinge in one of the Facebook Niro EV groups, but I can't remember which one.

[@roberthagen1966]

Just installed a pair. Thanks for your help. 😀

[@EV-olution]

I am glad I could help. Did you use grease in the ball sockets?

[@roberthagen1966]

@@EV-olution lol. Absolutely! Thanks again.

[@001sindhu]

very informative! mahalo from Maui... did you take out the WESS sound gadget ? I HATE IT! please show us how to do that

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much! I did not disconnect the VESS even thought it is not mandated by law in Canada, but it is a speaker in the front of the car and could be unplugged. As for VESS in the US, it is mandated by law so I would suggest against disconnecting it.

[@001sindhu]

@@EV-olution My understanding is that it is mandated for the forward drive up to 25 miles per hour, but not for backward driving . Am I wrong? It is the reverse sound that drives me and even more my neighborhood CRAZY! Is there any way to neutralize the reverse sound only? Big Mahalo ( hawaiian for thank you) for your prompt answer , cool blog ! aloha Sindhu

[@EV-olution]

@@001sindhu unfortunately, from what I have gathered, both sounds come out of the same speaker so no, you can't disable one without the other 😥

[@001sindhu]

@@EV-olution Sad! I forgive Kia everything else , even the lead battery, it is a wonderful car but the reverse sound is a BIG downer to me . I tried already to reach Kia Headquarters but failed. Do you know someone at Kia ?

[@EV-olution]

@@001sindhu I don't have any direct contacts, just an indirect contact with Kia Canada. Sorry.

[@mikehedrick6544]

Andre, today on Brantford Kia live video you asked the question if the 2021 Kia Soul Ex Premium had hood struts. Peter did answer your question and showed us by opening the hood that it had hood struts. Thanks for your videos!!!

[@EV-olution]

Thanks Mike! I could not stick around to wait because of work. I really appreciate you letting me know.

[@pompeyexileuk205]

Just ordered the 4+ (top of the range here in the UK). Having seen your videos on the extras you have bought, especially the Camwipe which we will definately be getting, I'm surprised you haven't considered a frunk. I know they can't be bought off Kia, but there are a few videos out there where people have made their own. Have you seen them and what do you think?

[@EV-olution]

Thanks for watching my videos, I appreciate it. Regarding the Frunk.at product, it looks excellent, but since all 240V chargers here have the cable attached to them, and I don't really need extra storage, I have no real need for a frunk. It could be useful, but with the exchange rate and shipping cost to Canada it is not worth me buying one.

[@jdavison8551]

@@EV-olution have you considered installing a camera in the car? Your upgrades are very interesting & helpful, would be keen to see how you would choose to install a camera in your Niro .

[@EV-olution]

@@jdavison8551 I actually have a dual dashcam setup in my Niro EV. I have them listed on my website on the "Products I use" page. I never made a video about it because it was already a very time consuming installation and adding cameras and recording to the process would have made it unmanageable since I had never done it before. I can share some details and pictures on Facebook if you like. Look me up, I am on Facebook as André Laurence.

[@jdavison8551]

@@EV-olution sorry I missed that. Will look up on your website. Don’t blame you for not video ing the installation, and have to admire your patience & effort in doing all the others. Much appreciated.

[@EV-olution]

@@jdavison8551 thank you, and not a problem, it is my pleasure. Let me know if you want to see some picutres of where I installed things.

[@keithnewton8981]

He reason they do not fit them is a weight reduction exercises and cost.

[@EV-olution]

I guessed the same thing, but it is odd that the Soul EV has them, but not the Niro EV.

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

Hey Andre, awesome video as always. In the link for the struts, it says these are for the Niro (DE). Ive never seen the (DE) part in reference to a car model. What does it mean?

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much Robbie. I have no idea why the description says that, but it makes no difference to the fit. If I recall correctly, if you select Niro EV to check for compatibility it even says not compatible, but that is incorrect.

[@JoeL-zx2tl]

Great video. Thank you.

[@EV-olution]

Thanks I appreciate it.

[@simonlane192]

Thank you. I also bought Niro hood struts from your link, it is easy to install. They are perfect. At the same time, I found that they also have Peugeot 206 hood struts. These hood struts are simply amazing.

[@EV-olution]

I am glad I could help and thanks for watching 🙂

[@ErikGeurts]

I bought a pair of similar struts along with an after market frunk, from frunk.at/ and the specific page for the Niro is here: frunk.at/en/pageId9/ . So now when I pull up to a public charger, I simply pop the hood, and I've got my charging cables right there without having to go dig in the boot. I've also put a pair of gloves and my emergency kit in the frunk, as well as reflective vests.

[@EV-olution]

In North America the charging pistol and cable are part of the charging station so we don't have to take anything out of the car when it is time to charge. I always thought the Frunk was a great idea but I never saw the need for it since there is plenty of storage in the Niro, but now that I have read your comment I realize that you need to take out the charging cable from your car every time you want to charge! If I was in Europe I would definitely have a Frunk for the cable.

[@ErikGeurts]

@@EV-olution Correct, on fast and rapid chargers, there is a cable attached to it, but for a slow charger (level 1 or level 2) at a shop or office, or at a friend's house, you'll have to bring your own cable. And the odds are that you'll need that cable just when you've got your entire boot filled up with groceries, flat packs, or any other sort of cargo. Then the frunk is a life saver!

[@colinwalker9583]

Very enjoyable videos. Just a consideration ...in addition to the grease on the ball joints, I would also use some ACF50 or similar to any newly installed metal and reapply annually. I've been using it on my motorbikes for a fair few years and it really keeps the rust at bay.

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much. I was not aware of ACF50, I will look it up. I will be the guinea pig with my installation and not use it. I want to see how they will hold up on their own through winter. Thanks again.

[@gustavopedrosa81]

Do you consider the front boot?

[@EV-olution]

I know about the frunk.at product, but I don't really need one since the charging stations here in North America all have the cable attached to it and I don't really need the extra storage space.

[@LoveToGoEverywhere]

what are the length of the struts?

[@EV-olution]

I am not sure, I no longer have my Niro EV, but they are the ones I linked to in the description of the video. www.aliexpress.com/item/4000858841842.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.70124c4dnWMA8v

[@xavimartinezramos7991]

What about the trunk? Have you think to make it automatic with a button? Thanks for your videos

[@EV-olution]

I don't need a motorized trunk so I have not considered doing it. I did the hood strut modification because in the winter it gets very cold and having hood struts makes putting washer fluid much easier to do.

[@xavimartinezramos7991]

@@EV-olution few people need it, but is cool!

[@EV-olution]

I agree and the cool factor made me almost pull the trigger this summer, but I did not have time to do the work needed to install and make a video about it so I let the idea go. Maybe next year.

[@aturservice2560]

plus they wanted tax also.

[@EV-olution]

I m not sure why you are having issues. I just tested it and I get 21$ USD shipping from China and no taxes. It may have something to do with the fact that you are in the US.

[@John-209]

Looking under the hood of your car I realize it looks different than mine? I don’t have that thing on the left as you’re looking under the hood that must be the heat pump? I guess they don’t put those in California Niro ev

[@EV-olution]

I see from your comment that you skipped the first part of my video where I explain what the things under the hood are 😉 Yes, the thing on the left is the heat pump 🙂

[@John-209]

@@EV-olution dammit!!! You are good.So then I guess you already knew they don’t put those on in California. They just started putting them in the model three and people are losing their Frunk. We don’t really need those here so I guess I’m lucky to have all of my front trunk space

[@John-209]

@@EV-olution what really happened was I have watch this video along time ago and went back to it and it was sitting at about 1/3 of the way through and I just started from that spot

[@EV-olution]

Not a problem, I just thought it was funny 🙂

[@John-209]

@@EV-olution it was, there’s nothing like a soft easy ball bust real quick between KZbin friends👍👍👍. Thank you for all of the time and effort you put in to help the Niro owners better understand their car. There’s 1000 Tesla KZbinrs but only one or two that do the Niro and you’re by far the best

[@martialman.4563]

Does the Niro EV use the same floor mats as ICE niro? Picked up a 2020 last night.

[@EV-olution]

Congratulations, and no, the EV is different. Have a look at my Tuxmat videos, I think you will be interested.

[@martialman.4563]

@@EV-olution Thanks, you have the best KIA Niro channel. Need to figure out a 2" hitch for the car too.

[@EV-olution]

@@martialman.4563 thank you very much! Several people have had a professional installer use the ICE Niro hitch and it works. The only cutting needed is a small square hole in the plastic wind guard under the rear bumper. Just be aware that Kia does not allow towing with the Niro EV and towing could void warranty.

[@phillipbudd1534]

Great video thanks my E Niro is coming at the end of month so I’ve just ordered my hood struts with your video it should be very easy to fit thank you

[@EV-olution]

Congratulations on your new e-Niro. I have lots of other videos about the car and related accessories that may be of interest to you. I don't really have a schedule so be sure to subscribe to not miss when I post a new one 🙂 and thanks for watching.

[@jean-mariecalvat9402]

Hello there, I’m a steady follower since I had a HEV Niro for 3 years that I updated in a PHEV Niro in November. Not ready for the Ev, the network of charging stations is very poor in France. Following your advice I bought a Camwipe from Sweden that broke on the first installation and was replaced for free by the nice Swede who invented it. Now the point, following again your example I bought from AliExpress the hood struts. They were delivered from Spain in 3 days ! I installed directly the front “ball” on the second bolt that is closer to the dashboard. Then when all was finished I finally looked at the instruction and noticed that the front bolt is ⭕️ with a YES while the rear bolt is ⭕️ with a NO !!! Have you moved it and what do you think I should do ??? Merci de me répondre.

[@EV-olution]

Bonjour. Je n'ai pas encore testé le changement de position. Cela étant dit, j’ai un abonné qui m’a avisé que le côté droite (côté conducteur) aurait un problème d’espacement avec le connecteur qui est situé juste derrière l’emplacement du boulon du vérin. Je voulais l’essayer mais je n’ai pas eu le temps. Donc je vous suggère d’installer comme j’ai fait dans ma vidéo.

[@jean-mariecalvat9402]

Bonsoir André et merci de parler en Français. Comment enlever l’embout une fois monté ? Suffit-il de tirer dessus ou faut-il insérer un outil pour séparer les mâchoires du clip ?

[@EV-olution]

Il y a un petit espace pour permettre d'y insérer un tournevis à tête plat sous la clip en métal qui retient le bout inférieur du vérin. Il est préférable de retirer la clip au complet car ça facilite la tâche de la remettre à sa place après. À noter, pour remettre la clip, avant d’installer le vérin de nouveau, il y a des petites fentes sur le bout en plastique du vérin; ils permettent de glisser la clip par le bout. Donc pas besoin d’ouvrir la clip de beaucoup pour la retourner à sa place. Ça se fait bien avec des pinces à long nez en insérant peu à peu un côté de la clip, et ensuite l’autre, jusqu’à ce qu’elle retourne à sa place. Laissez-moi savoir si vous ne comprenez pas. Et pour le français, ça me fait plaisir, je suis francophone 🙂

[@spinmouth4114]

👍

[@EV-olution]

Thank you 🙂

[@ipopovv]

Just installed mine. Smooth and easy. The idea to buy that kit comes after watching your video. Thank you.❤

[@EV-olution]

I am glad my video was helpful. This was one upgrade I really appreciated once it was installed. Did you read the pinned comment about greasing the ball sockets on the struts? It is an important step I forgot to record and include in the video.

[@ipopovv]

@@EV-olution I did after instalation but was easy to un-click ball socket, put some grease and click them back. It is nice add-on indeed but I hope to enjoy it very rarely (during the wipers fluid change only) 😀

[@OliverSchlecht]

Tried to get them from a local dealer as I’d like to avoid single shipping from CN.

[@EV-olution]

I know what you mean about the shipping, it is not the most environmental thing when ordering 1 from China. I have an idea for an online store and having a few of each product I review stocked here in North America and would deliver by Canada Post, but this is just an idea because I already have a small company that keeps me busy, and I need time to make videos for my channel. I need to clone myself 😉

[@OliverSchlecht]

@@EV-olution I’m based in Germany. CA/US Shop wouldn’t fix my personal topic. I figured out that there is a shop in ES. Better than nothing. ;)

[@EV-olution]

@@OliverSchlecht excellent.

[@ralfrohrer3979]

Hello Oliver, having seen Andre's video, I checked for a sulpplier in Germany, as I do not like to order from China. So I found that They ca ship from Spain too. So I ordered there (only red colour available). They should arrive within a few days without any customs clearing etc.

[@EV-olution]

@@ralfrohrer3979 and ​ @Oliver Schlecht . I was recently reminded that Frunk.at also sells hood struts for the Niro and Kona so that would be a great alternative.

[@darioworrell3968]

lets talk about the fact that you look like an agent from the matrix.

[@EV-olution]

😎😂🤣😂🤣😎

[@darioworrell3968]

@@EV-olution I'm from Barbados. We have the Nissan leaf, the mg z's ev and more recently the Kono electric. I hope someday to own an mg z's ev. I test drove one and it's really awesome with lots of room as I'm a very tall fellow.

[@EV-olution]

I hear that the MG EV is a nice vehicle. We don't get it in Canada.

[@darioworrell3968]

@@EV-olution It really is. Granted some of the features it comes with we won't really use in the Caribbean. Like we won't ever use heated seats and we only really use the ac in our car when it's raining. And Barbados is literally 166 square miles so an electric vehicle would save my family alot of money, especially since gas is over $3 Barbados dollars a litre

[@Rroll100]

Andre, you mentioned Winter Mode and activating it. How do I do that on my Ioniq 2020-38? Can not find anything in the manual.

[@EV-olution]

Winter Mode, if equipped, will be a setting in the central touchscreen, under EV Settings. I would have to go look in my car to know exactly where. I will have to get back to you.

[@EV-olution]

Hi again. It is under EV, EV Settings, and should be the first thing that you see.

[@Dowan_Gim]

Thank you.

[@EV-olution]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@bertlevis]

Many thanks for the descriptive video🇬🇧👍

[@EV-olution]

You are very welcome 🙂. More to come soon.

[@Reddylion]

Nice video

[@EV-olution]

Thanks.

[@dimzen]

Will you be getting a frunk too? I'v ordered frunk and struts for my new e-niro 2021 :D

[@EV-olution]

Unfortunately the cost of the Frunk, with exchange rate and shipping, make it unreasonably priced for a Canadian.

[@dimzen]

@@EV-olution Ahh.. no US or Canadian version of the one from frunk.at? :/

[@EV-olution]

@@dimzen sadly no. If they want to send me one to review I will make a video about it ;-)

[@EV-olution]

@@garyballiet8340 but that would mean that I have to dust off my 3D printer and calibrate it ;-)

[@silicaskynet3401]

Can these work on Ioniq?

[@EV-olution]

I have a link for the Ioniq versions in the description of the video 🙂

[@silicaskynet3401]

Got them today. Haven't installed yet but one funny thing I noticed is that for the bottom bracket (not the hood bracket) the included M8 (?) screw doesn't even fit and slot through the bottom bracket. What the heck? Looks like I need to buy a M7 screw/bolt or maybe I can use this silver ball screw/bolt which I don't think the Ioniq uses for this application. Hmmmm!!!!

[@EV-olution]

Sorry I missed this comment; when I have already replied to a comment it stops popping up in my comment section. I have not seen the actual Ioniq mounting points, but it should be almost identical to the Niro EV. Are you in the Montréal area? I can have a look and help you out. An alternative if you live far, is for you to post a picture of the parts in question, as well as the mounting location on your car so I can help.

[@silicaskynet3401]

@@EV-olution No problem. I got it to work with some modification and proper screws!

[@gibbthegod]

Having seen this, I will be upgrading mine once I get it! Also considering a frunk box to store the charging cables 👍

[@EV-olution]

If you are getting the Frunk then you will love having the struts. Just an FYI, Frunk.at also sells hood struts and has them locally if you are in Europe. You may want to consider buying the struts from Frunk.at, with your Frunk, and save on overall shipping.

[@gibbthegod]

@@EV-olution thank you for the heads up, will look into this!

[@SD-rz8gw]

I got the frunk "vario" from Frunk.at and I'm very pleased with it.

[@maesc2001]

Good job; unrelated question: is it possible on the eNiro to deactivate the rain sensor on the front windshield, so as to be able to run the interval wiping in manual mode with regard to the speed settings. Thanks to anyone for a helpful answer.

[@EV-olution]

Thank you, I appreciate it. My 2019 does not have a rain sensor for the front wipers and I was not aware that the 2020 e-Niro had one.

[@EV-olution]

I just learnt something new. Auto front wipers is an option that is not on all versions sold. My 2019 top trim has everything, but that! Here is what the 2020 e-Niro manual says: The rain sensor (A) located on the upper end of the windshield glass senses the amount of rainfall and controls the wiping cycle for the proper interval. The more it rains, the faster the wiper operates. When the rain stops, the wiper stops. To vary the speed setting, turn the speed control knob (1). If the wiper switch is set in AUTO mode when the POWER button is in the ON position, the wiper will operate once to perform a self-check of the system. Set the wiper to OFF (O) position when the wiper is not in use

[@maesc2001]

@@EV-olution well, mine (2020) has it, so I’m trying to find a way to deactivate it. Thanks anyway!

[@EV-olution]

@@maesc2001 yes, and that is why my last post has the instructions from the manual for the 2020 to let you know how to turn it off. If you set the wipers to the off position, according to the manual instructions above, the wipers will not turn on. If you set it to speeds 1, or 2 they will only go at the desired speed. See section 5 page 98 and 99 of the 2020 PDF version of the 2020 e-Niro English manual. That is where I copied and pasted the information from in my last post to you above.

[@maesc2001]

@@EV-olution Thank you!

[@pauldodd5115]

As always Andre, another great review.

[@EV-olution]

Thanks Paul.

[@aturservice2560]

am in usa

[@ateeqn1985]

Great informative video!

[@EV-olution]

Thank you very much 🙂

[@automotivewoman4365]

Lack of sleep face... Lol. Me every day. #youtuberlife 👍

[@EV-olution]

The week I made this video was a rough one. I made so many mistakes when making this video, including forgetting to change the filter on the lens of my Canon, which made 95% of the outside footage so dark that the preview in my video editor is black. I was able to salvage it, but the video quality of this one is pretty bad. Oh well, live and learn... don't make a video when you are burnt 🙂

[@automotivewoman4365]

@@EV-olution I still can't even get my lens to work! Still.... great job with editing and the content.

[@EV-olution]

@@automotivewoman4365 thank you very much. If you need help with your lens let me know when you are in the Montréal area, I can help you out. I am no expert by any means, but I am getting better 🙂

[@FightBofA]

Not an ounce off personality, and what's the point? Your not likely to lift the hood moor than once a year!

[@EV-olution]

Sorry you don't like me, my style can't please everyone. As for why... in the winter at -20C when I need to fill the washer fluid (several times per winter) this is a very useful upgrade. Also, for those in Europe where the L2 charging stations do not have the cable attached, people store the cable in a frunk that can be added to the Niro. Very useful for many people, but if you don't have a use for it that is fine because you get to save 40$ and 15 minutes. Thanks for watching.

[@eagleeyez1]

the mods have begun.... OPEN THE PANDORAS BOX.

[@EV-olution]

😂😃🙂

[@steveholland6204]

Could you send me a parts number and supplier for this item? Please

[@EV-olution]

As indicated in the video, everything you need is in the description of the video, including a direct link to what I bought.

[@RigiLiquid945]

Hi from Ontario! It's interesting that my 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid SX Touring does not have a 12V battery, but it does have a spare tire under the trunk space. I was considering getting the Niro EX PHEV and wonder if I should have but I still love my car.

[@EV-olution]

Thank you for the comment. I did not know that the Niro HEV did not use a traditional 12V lead acid battery. After a bit of research I found that you have a small litium ion battery under your seat. Here is the text from the article linked below. "instead of using a regular 12-volt battery for starting the car and powering the accessories, Kia decided to install a small lithium-ion battery underneath the rear seat, alongside the hybrid system’s 1.56-kWh battery pack. If the small battery runs out of juice, the owner can simply press on a dash-mounted button labeled BATT RESET, and the bigger battery will transfer a portion of its energy to the smaller one." www.guideautoweb.com/en/articles/41669/2017-kia-niro-the-troublemaker/