Summary
– Kia Charge service reached 100,000 subscriptions in just 2.5 years
– Provides access to over 700,000 charging points in Europe
– Offers “Easy” and “Plus” tariff options for customers
– Supports bidirectional charging with Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home capabilities
– Promotes the use of renewable energy and compensates energy consumption with Guarantees of Origin
Article
Kia Charge, launched in September 2021, has reached a significant milestone of over 100,000 subscriptions in just 2.5 years. This service provides access to more than 700,000 charging points across 28 European countries for Kia electric vehicle owners. The service aims to simplify and enhance the electric vehicle charging experience for customers, offering full price transparency and a growing network of charging stations. The success of Kia Charge reflects the increasing demand for accessible and convenient electric mobility solutions in Europe.
With 60% of Kia electric vehicle buyers using the Kia Charge service, it has become an essential part of the company’s strategy towards becoming a leading electric mobility brand in Europe. The service offers customers flexibility in choosing the right tariff for them, whether they prefer a pay-as-you-go option or a subscription with discounted prices for intensive usage. The seamless e-mobility experience is supported by a dedicated app and website, providing customers with easy access to charging infrastructure within the Kia network as well as public charging stations operated by different providers.
The Kia EV Route Planner, integrated with the vehicle’s navigation system, enhances the overall charging experience by automatically detecting and adding charging stations along the route. This connected solution also allows drivers to add points of interest along the way, further improving convenience during charging stops. Looking ahead, Kia is working on developing additional solutions such as bidirectional charging, including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capabilities, to provide customers with more options for managing their EV charging at home or workplace.
Kia Charge is committed to promoting sustainable practices in electro mobility, including using renewable energy and compensating for the amount of energy consumed during charging events by feeding an equivalent amount of green electricity into the grid through Guarantees of Origin. The service aims to make charging part of the value chain more environmentally friendly and efficient, contributing to the overall sustainability of electric mobility. Additionally, Kia is exploring ways to enrich the Kia Charge experience through projects like the pilot project in the Netherlands, which includes solar panels, energy by Vattenfall, and smart charging to improve the daily charging experience.
As Kia continues to expand its network of charging stations and improve its charging services, customers can expect a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience with Kia Charge. The company’s partnership with IONITY aims to support the expansion of high-power charging stations along European highways by 2030, further enhancing the accessibility and convenience of electric vehicle charging. With a focus on customer satisfaction and sustainability, Kia Charge is a key component of Kia’s commitment to providing innovative and eco-friendly solutions for electric mobility in Europe.
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