Kia Charge has grown its rapid charging, DC network by 33% in the last year, from 1,951 connectors to 2,591. It is now the largest ‘super charger’ network in the UK.
All of these rapid chargers perform at 50kW or more, with some charging at 350kW. There is a strong demand for widespread ultra-fast charging, to allow people to recharge quickly while stopping en route to their destination.
EV drivers can plug into any of the 50kW+ chargers or the rest of the 21,000-strong Kia Charge network across the UK using a single account. This account also gives them access to chargers in Northern Ireland, and 300,000 across Europe.
In the UK, Kia Charge’s network encompasses 23 charge point operators, including bp pulse, Instavolt, Pod Point, Osprey and Shell Recharge. A single account gives access to all networks via a smartphone app (Android or iOS) or RFID card, and customers can pay monthly. Customers need to pay an added bolt-on cost (25p per kWh) to use IONITY’s high-powered charging network.
Kia’s network contributes to the government’s recently announced target of 300,000 public chargers by 2030. Its 21,123 connectors make up around 70% of the public chargers currently available.
As well as driving a zero-emission car, customers can sleep easy about where their money for charging is going. Kia purchases the equivalent energy used by customers from renewable sources using Guarantee of Origin certificates, bolstering green energy.
Meanwhile, Kia’s vehicle manufacturing arm has announced plans to bring 14 EVs to market by 2027, including the latest Niro EV range.