Charging management in a single app
Alongside the expansion of the grid, Kia is introducing a new app that bundles four existing applications. It integrates Kia Connect, Kia Charge, the digital warranty booklet and the user manual. According to the company, the app enables finding charging points, monitoring charging sessions, and remotely controlling vehicle functions. In addition, subscriptions can be managed in the Kia Connect Store, and routes with available charging options along the route can be planned.
A particular focus for the manufacturer is the EV route planner integrated into the vehicle’s navigation system. This system detects charging stations along the route and automatically adds them as waypoints when needed. Together with battery preconditioning, it ensures that the battery reaches the optimal temperature before fast charging. With the latest update, users can also set a desired state of charge for the destination.
Easier charging with Plug-and-Charge
Kia Charge will support the Plug-and-Charge process in the future. At compatible charging points, charging starts automatically as soon as the vehicle is connected. Authentication via card or app is then no longer required. This feature is intended to simplify everyday charging and speed up the use of public charging infrastructure.
Green power for all charging sessions
According to the company, charging via Kia Charge is carried out exclusively with electricity from renewable energy sources or with appropriate certification. At Ionity’s highway stations, the electricity used for ultra-fast charging comes exclusively from renewable energy. For all other charging sessions, the amount of electricity drawn is offset via so-called Guarantees of Origin, the GO certificates. This is intended to ensure that every charging session supports the expansion of renewable energy.
The electric model lineup is expanding
Kia Charge is available for all electrified models of the brand, including EV3, EV4, EV6 and EV9, to which PV5 and EV5 will follow later this year. With this, the manufacturer aims to expand its offering in the growing market for battery-electric vehicles.
„Achieving one million charging points is a significant milestone that underscores Kia’s commitment to providing our EV customers with a comprehensive ecosystem of public, private and depot charging solutions,“ said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “This achievement reinforces our contribution to promoting e-mobility and facilitating the transition to more sustainable transport solutions.”
What does that mean?
The expansion of Kia’s charging network offers a broader charging infrastructure and thus greater planning certainty. In particular, the combination of Ionity fast charging, Plug-and-Charge function, and a central app can reduce the organizational effort in day-to-day fleet operations.
However, what remains decisive is how reliably the various partner networks in the European network actually function and how transparent the tariffs are. Also, the integration of different brands and charging providers into a unified system remains a challenge. The current step, however, shows that manufacturers are increasingly relying on holistic charging solutions – an important factor for the everyday practicality of electric fleets. (av, Source: Kia)
Translated automatically from German.