Fuel vs. Electricity: Five‑Year Cost Projection for the Kia Niro Family
Canadian shoppers often ask: “How much will I really spend on energy if I choose a Niro Hybrid, Plug‑in Hybrid, or full EV?” Using the latest Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) ratings and average local energy prices, we ran the numbers for a typical 15,000‑km‑per‑year driver in Ottawa.
Consumption at a Glance
| Model | NRCan Rating* | Energy Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niro Hybrid | 4.4 L/100 km combined | Gasoline | natural-resources.canada.ca |
| Niro PHEV | 55 km electric range, 4.8 L/100 km (gas mode) | Electricity + Gas | natural-resources.canada.ca |
| Niro EV | 17 kWh/100 km combined | Electricity | ev-database.org |
*NRCan combined ratings reflect 55 % city / 45 % highway driving.
Cost‑Model Assumptions
- Annual distance: 15,000 km
- Gas price: $1.70 /L (Ottawa average, May 2025)
- Electricity price: 14 ¢/kWh (70 % home off‑peak at 11 ¢, 30 % public Level‑2 at 23 ¢)
- PHEV usage split: 75 % of kilometres on electric power, 25 % on gasoline
Annual & Five‑Year Energy Costs
The bar graph above shows five‑year totals; the interactive table details annual figures.
| Model | Annual Energy Cost | Five‑Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Niro Hybrid | $ 772 | $ 3,858 |
| Niro PHEV | $ 462 | $ 2,312 |
| Niro EV | $ 357 | $ 1,785 |
What the Numbers Mean for You
Hybrid: A great all‑rounder if you can’t plug in. Its 4.4 L/100 km rating keeps fuel bills reasonable, but gasoline costs still dominate over five years.
Plug‑in Hybrid: The surprise hero. With 55 km of electric range, most Ottawa commutes run on electrons, cutting fuel use by roughly half versus the Hybrid, and engine wear drops because the gas motor runs only a quarter of the time.
Full EV: Clear winner on daily cost. Charging a Niro EV at home costs about $2.40 to drive 100 km, and there’s no engine oil, spark plugs or timing belts to service. Even factoring 20 % winter range loss, the EV remains the cheapest to run.
Longevity & Battery Health
- Hybrid engines avoid aggressive cold starts, but still need oil every 8,000–10,000 km.
- PHEV batteries cycle shallowly on daily commutes (20 – 80 % state‑of‑charge), ideal for long cell life.
- EV batteries see even gentler daily swings. Using a 64.8‑kWh pack to cover 25 km taps <5 % capacity, well within Kia’s 8‑year/160,000‑km warranty window. Regenerative braking in both PHEV and EV trims can double pad life, too.
Key Takeaways
- Running costs: EV < PHEV < Hybrid over five years.
- Maintenance: EVs win by eliminating engine wear; PHEVs come second.
- Fuel security: PHEV offers worry‑free gasoline back‑up for road trips.
- Incentives: Federal iZEV rebates ($5,000) apply to Niro EV and Niro PHEV, trimming purchase price further.
Ready to Compare the Niro Lineup in Person?
Orléans Kia stocks Niro Hybrid, Niro PHEV and Niro EV, plus charging expertise to match your lifestyle and budget.
Fill out the form below to book your test drive and see which Niro powers your commute for less.