Kia Motors (UK) Limited today launches KiaCharge, a UK-wide integrated public charging service. It’s designed to give drivers easier access to public vehicle charging. From launch, KiaCharge provides more comprehensive access to the UK public charging network than any equivalent service. KiaCharge goes live and the app is available to download from 13:00 GMT today.
KiaCharge gives owners of the brand’s battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) access to more than 13,900 charge points across the UK. This is around 68 percent of the public charging network, from a single account, which makes charging out on the road far easier.
From launch, KiaCharge provides access to several major charging networks, including bp pulse, Pod Point, IONITY, Source London, Chargepoint, NewMotion, Char.gy and ESB. Several other networks, including certain regional services, are also available.
There are plans to further expand KiaCharge coverage throughout 2021. Being able to access these networks via a single platform negates the need for drivers to sign-up to separate accounts with multiple charging point operators.
The service provides access to more than 1,300 rapid charger connections which provide charging speeds above 50kW. Located in urban hubs and along major travel arteries, such chargers let Kia e-Niro and Soul EV drivers make the most of each vehicle’s rapid-charging capabilities.
Created in partnership with Digital Charging Solutions (DCS), the service also enables zero-emission continental travel. Thanks to eRoaming, drivers can access more than 178,000 additional charging points across 28 other European countries without the need for additional contracts.
This is a welcome approach to charging from Kia which offers their owners and drivers an easy way to charge up. It’s also impressive that they have worked with DCS so that KiaCharge works throughout Europe too. The service offers two flexible tariffs, ‘Easy’ and ‘Plus’, with simple monthly invoices and charging is accessed via the KiaCharge smartphone app or an RFID card.
Paul Philpott, president & CEO of Kia Motors (UK) Limited, 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 electric vehicle ownership a more viable and stress-free option for many more drivers.”
