Kia Motors has today launched a UK-wide integrated public charging service designed to give drivers easier access to public vehicle charging.
KiaCharge gives owners of the Korean’s brand’s battery-electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) access to more than 13,900 charge points across the UK – around 68% of the country’s public charging network – from a single account.
From launch, the new service 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.
What’s more, there are plans to further expand KiaCharge coverage throughout 2021.According to Kia, 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, created in partnership with Digital Charging Solutions, provides access to more than 1,300 rapid connections, providing charging speeds above 50kW.
Located in urban hubs and along major travel arteries, the service also enables zero-emission continental travel. With eRoaming, drivers can access more than 178,000 additional charging points across 28 other European countries without the need for additional contracts.
Kia BEV and PHEV owners can access KiaCharge via a smartphone app or radio-frequency identification card. Payments are made via a single itemised monthly invoice.
Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia Motors UK, said: “The availability and suitability of public chargepoints 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 EV ownership a more viable and stress-free option for many more drivers.”
