The Korean manufacturer is launching a new feature for its electric cars in Europe: Plug&Charge will first be available on the new Kia EV9 SUV, followed by other electric and hybrid models in the lineup. Aimed at making life easier for customers, this fast and convenient technology allows them to connect to compatible public charging stations without the need for traditional means of identification.

“Plug&Charge is a convenient technology that helps reduce manual use, enabling faster and smoother charging for our customers”Sjörd Knipping, vice president of marketing and products at Kia Europe, elaborates on this: “By offering our customers advanced electric vehicles and charging solutions, we intend to facilitate the transition to sustainable mobility and position ourselves as serious contenders in the highly competitive electric vehicle market in Europe. »

Plug&Charge: automate the electrical charging procedure

Plug&Charge allowsautomatically identify the user of the vehicle when it connects the charging cable by connecting to a public charging station compatible with this technology. This simplifies the top-up process and eliminates the tedious step of identifying the user at the station using a top-up card or mobile application.

Completely secure, this new identification protocol, which complies with the international standard ISO 15118, is based on the exchange of digital certificates between the charging station and the car: the user is automatically identified with his Kia Charge customer account. After charging is complete, the customer simply needs to disconnect their car and get back on the road: then it will be monthly for his subscription.

Partnership with large charging networks

L’Kia Charge app will always be available and useful to find updated prices in real time, availability of charging stations and points, types of sockets offered, charging speed or connection type or even navigation functions.

To make the use of Plug&Charge possible on its models, Kia has entered into partnerships with several operators of charging networks, such as Ionity or Aral/BP. The Plug&Charge service is provided by Hubject, which operates the largest electricity roaming network in the world.

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