Kia Motors has launched KiaCharge, a pan-European integrated public charging service. With it, owners of the brand’s BEVs (battery electric vehicle) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) will have access to the largest charging network in Europe and enjoy a streamlined one-payment solution via a single card and an app. The service offers attractive tariffs for all customers, designed to fit their individual charging preferences.
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In partnership with Digital Charging Solutions (DCS), KiaCharge gives Kia drivers access to around 160,000 charge points across Europe, including AC and DC connectors.
By signing up to KiaCharge, users will have access to charge points from all main operators via a single platform, which makes charging simpler and easier to use. Thanks to eRoaming, customers can charge their vehicles across Europe without the need for additional contracts with other providers, as payments are made via a single monthly invoice.
Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, commented: “The availability and suitability of public charge points remains a perceived hurdle for many would-be EV buyers. By introducing a comprehensive and easy-to-use public charging service for our customers, accessible from a single account, Kia is making EV ownership a viable option for many more car buyers.”
With ongoing advances in battery technology, the distance a BEV can drive on a single charge is constantly improving. For example, the 64 kWh Kia e-Niro can drive up to 455 km on a single charge, combining crossover style and versatility with long range and zero emissions.
In coming years, more drivers will make the switch from internal combustion engine vehicles to EVs. The demand for public charging service stations is expected to increase by 35 percent in the next 10 years, according to a study by McKinsey in August 2018.
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KiaCharge – one account for all of Europe
With KiaCharge, Kia is offering its BEV and PHEV customers a comprehensive public charging service across Europe with eRoaming. eRoaming allows drivers of electric cars to use multiple charging stations without the need for additional contracts with other providers.
Particularly on longer or out-of-country journeys, this service will bring even more convenience and peace-of-mind to Kia BEV and PHEV drivers.
The new charging service offers a website that brings together all relevant information, including product details, tariffs, the charging network map and account management. In addition, the KiaCharge experience can be enhanced through iOS and Android apps, which enables intelligent route planning to helps users find charging stations easily at their final destination or along a route. Customers can easily find available charging points using the car’s infotainment system.
KiaCharge customers can access the DCS network via a single radio-frequency identification (RFID) card or an app. Users have real-time price information of the charging points in the app and have full price transparency of the charging service. Customers will receive one monthly invoice for their use of the network, rather than individual bills for each charge.
KiaCharge will offer users a range of different tariffs based on their driving needs. This will enable low-mileage users to pay for individual charges without a monthly subscription, or offer a blend of per-charge pricing and fixed-price subscriptions for those who charge their BEV or PHEV more regularly
All tariffs are designed to make charging convenient, efficient and simple, offering easy payment and a single, straightforward monthly bill.
European roll-out plans
KiaCharge will be introduced in seven European markets in September and October 2020: starting with Italy, Poland and Spain, followed by Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland. The service will be activated for UK customers in the fourth quarter of 2020. Kia plans to extend the scheme to customers in more countries in the near future.
