Hi everyone. I’m helping my mum, who’s getting on in years, buy a new car. We’re looking at EVs, and the Niro EV seems like a good choice. Her current car is a 2012 Hyundai Sonata, and we want something safer and more modern. She doesn’t drive much, under 5,000 miles a year.
Right now, there’s a $6,500 discount on the 2024 models, which is tempting. But are there any major changes in the 2025 models that would make them a better option? Should we push for a good deal on the 2025 instead?
Also, on paper, the Wind trim seems like it would suit her needs. But the local dealers mostly have the Wave. Is there a real reason people go for the Wave, or do the dealers just prefer selling the more expensive option?
Any tips or experiences would be really helpful. I don’t know much about EVs apart from what I’ve read online and on this forum.
I like my 2023 Niro Wind, but is this really the best option for your mum? How comfortable is she with new technology? Switching from a petrol car to an EV does bring some changes, even if it’s easier than before. For example, there are differences in how you charge it and manage things like heating in winter.
The Wave trim adds features like a sunroof, heads-up display, heat pump, vehicle-to-load (V2L), and rear seat warmers. Do you think she’d use any of those?
EVs are cheap to run overall, but road taxes might vary depending on where she lives. Also, Kia doesn’t include a Level 1 charger unless you negotiate for it. Something to keep in mind.
@Mia
Honestly, EVs can be perfect for older folks who don’t drive much or far. Around here, loads of seniors drive base-model Nissan Leafs.
Think about it—they mostly just drive to the shops, dinner, or to visit friends. Charging at home is simple too. Just plug it into a regular outlet, and it’ll be ready the next day.
@Mia
I figured going from a 2012 car to a 2024 EV wouldn’t be a big adjustment. She just needs to plug it in instead of refueling and won’t need oil changes. I assumed EVs would be more reliable too.
Am I oversimplifying this? What other differences should I think about?
@Rudy
You should test drive one if you haven’t already. Take time to mess with the controls, like switching between the radio and the heater. EVs can have a learning curve, and things like taxes for EVs might be worth checking out too.
Driving and charging are straightforward. The challenge is whether she’ll find the infotainment system and new layout confusing. I know for my 89-year-old mum, any change is tough.
Rudy said: @Mia
If the Wind doesn’t have a heat pump, how does it keep the cabin warm? Is it just some kind of resistor? Also, what does V2L do?
Thanks for the info so far!
I think it uses heating strips and maybe pulls heat from the battery area. We don’t have extreme winters here, so it works fine for us.
V2L means ‘vehicle-to-load.’ There’s a plug in the back that lets you power devices during an outage or while camping. I don’t use it, but it seems handy for certain situations.
The Wind trim doesn’t have a heat pump unless you add it as an option. That’s not a big deal unless you’re in a very cold place. We’re in the Northeast and get by fine without it. Electricity here is 18 cents per kWh, and the car runs great overall.
I have a 2024 Wave and love it. It’s great for cold climates—we get winters that drop to minus 40 where I live. The heads-up display is very helpful for safety. The only downside for me is how slow it charges on fast chargers.
If you can charge at home with a Level 1 charger, it’s convenient. A Level 2 charger is even better and can easily top it up to 100% overnight. Unless you’re driving more than 300 km daily, you don’t need to worry about charging speed.
I don’t think there’s much difference between the 2024 and 2025 models. It’s more about whether you want the extra cold-weather features, like the heat pump. It makes a noticeable difference in winter. Oh, and the sunroof, if that’s your thing.
I’m 68 and got my first EV (a Wave) in June. I absolutely love it! I’ve always liked tech, though—I used to work as a programmer. We got a great deal on this car because someone returned it after less than 200 miles. The guy said it was too much tech for his wife.
If your mum is open to learning new things or has someone nearby to help her, it could be a great fit. But if she doesn’t like technology, this might not be the right car for her. Best of luck deciding!
@Shai
One thing to mention: I really like the heads-up display, but the speed limit numbers are pretty small for me to read easily. Just a small downside.