KiaCharge provides access to the UK public charging network, with around 17,000 connectors accessible from a single account. The new bolt-on enables Kia EV owners to access IONITY’s high-speed 350kW charging points across the UK and Europe.
Paul Philpott, CEO of Kia UK Limited, said: “Kia’s partnership with IONITY is an essential part of our plans to make electric vehicles a more viable option. A reliable infrastructure that supports our vehicles’ high voltage capabilities is vital in encouraging more people to make the switch to electric mobility. Furthermore, this bolt-on supports efforts by Kia and our UK dealers to educate customers and help them feel more at ease with EV ownership and charging.
“With KiaCharge, the combination of Kia’s long-range EV6 and access to the comprehensive IONITY network reimagines the EV user experience. It provides a seamless journey through easy access to a vast charging network, a simple payment process, lower electricity prices and, most importantly, ultra-fast high-tech charging.”
Discounted ultra-fast charging will be offered to KiaCharge users from just £0.25 per kWh. This is available to KiaCharge users on either of the ‘Easy’ and ‘Plus’ tariffs. The bolt-on costs £11.25 per month.
Thanks to Kia’s partnership with IONITY, this allows KiaCharge users to enjoy heavily discounted rapid charging on the IONITY network. The bolt-on reduces the standard charging rate from £0.70 per kWh by 64 percent, to £0.25 per kWh. It also eliminates the £0.49 session fee.
For example, recharging a 64kWh e-Niro from 10-to-80 percent via an IONITY connector costs just £11.20, compared to £31.85 without the bolt-on, a saving of more than £20. The £11.25-per-month bolt-on therefore pays for itself in a single charge.
Furthermore, the Kia EV6 due to launch later this year will be the first Kia to offer 800V ultra-fast charging. This technology enables the car’s battery to recharge from 10-to-80 percent in just 18 minutes and costing just £13.55 when plugged into IONITY’s ultra-fast charging network.
The new bolt-on also enables users to access IONITY’s 400 high-power charging points across 24 European countries with similar discounted charging rates, facilitating low-cost rapid-charging on cross-continental drives.
