Kia launches new KiaCharge service in the UK

KUALA LUMPUR: Kia has introduced a new dedicated charging service for its electric vehicle and PHEV owners. The service is compatible with 13,900 charging stations in the UK and 178,000 others in 28 countries across Europe.

Several charger brands are compatible with KiaCharge including ESB, Char-gy, BP Pulse, Source London, New Motion, Pod Point, and Chargepoint. Ionity fast-charge ‘bolt-on’ will join the list once Kia’s bespoke EV with 800 charging capacity arrives (hopefully later this year). Furthermore, throughout 2021 Kia has plans to expand the coverage of KiaCharge. The driver will be able to sign up to different accounts via a single platform.

KiaCharger is developed in partnership with Digital Charging Solutions (DCS) and it enables zero-emission continental travel. e-Roaming enables the driver to access over 178,000 additional charging points across Europe without the need for additional contacts. Furthermore, a charging speed of above 50kW is provided to more than 1,300 rapid connections. They'd located in major travel arteries and urban areas, enabling Kia e-Niro and Soul EV to make most of the car's rapid rapid-charging efficiency.

Kia PHEV and BEV drivers can connect to KiaCharge through a radio-frequency identification card or smartphone application. Payments are made via a single itemized monthly invoice, with no need for numerous individual transactions.

Through the dedicated KiaCharge smartphone app (compatible with Android and iOS devices) drivers can access real-time information for changing points, like the type of plug available, pricing, etc.

Kia Motors UK President and CEO, Paul Philpott said, “The availability and suitability of public charge points remains a perceived hurdle for many would-be electric car buyers. KiaCharge seeks to remedy this by providing a comprehensive, easy-to-use public charging service for our customers, accessible from a single account. This is a major step for Kia as we look for new ways to make EV ownership a more viable and stress-free option for many more drivers.”

As for tariffs, the service offers a choice of two flexible options that are tailored to owens preference - Easy and Plus. They are curated to make the charging process simple, convenient, and efficient. Also, easy payment and a single monthly bill will be available.

KiaCharge is offered to the existing and future Kia BEV and PHEV models, including the 64kW e-Niro and the latest Sorento PHEV.

Also Read: Kia's new EV arriving in March 2021