Kia launches smart charging offer in the USA and the Netherlands
Kia is targeting the Netherlands as the first market in Europe for the roll-out of its new charging services, but other countries are to follow successively, according to the South Korean company. Customers in the Netherlands can now make settings via a Smart Charge app to charge their connected electric car at more favourable times and thus save money. The service utilises the fluctuating electricity prices throughout the day and enables e-cars to be charged at times when prices are lower, according to Kia. According to the manufacturer, the Kia Smart Charge app is compatible with all home chargers. A vehicle-to-grid (V2G) service will also be added to the range later in the year.
In the USA, Kia is also introducing a vehicle-to-home (V2H) service – in seven states to be precise (California, Washington, New York, Florida, Texas, New Jersey and Illinois). With this service, the Kia EV9 can act as an energy storage device in a smart home ecosystem or as an emergency power source in the event of power outages. The South Koreans have also announced that they will soon be expanding their V2H service to other regions and vehicles and working closely with regulatory authorities. According to Kia, it is also cooperating with large utility companies in California to set up a V2G programme.
Both initiatives in the Netherlands and the seven US states mark the start of a gradual market launch and, according to Kia, are in line with the approach of the parent company, Hyundai Motor Group. Its sister company, Hyundai, will also introduce corresponding services in the course of this year.
Heung Soo Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Global Strategy Office of the Hyundai Motor Group, commented on Kia’s smart charging offensive as follows: “As part of Hyundai Motor Group’s global Vehicle-to-Everything initiative, Kia’s new energy services are designed to offer EV owners not only enhanced convenience but also significant benefits in terms of cost savings and energy management.” By expanding the role of EVs beyond pure transport, Kia is consolidating its leadership position in the rapidly evolving energy sector, he said. “Our commitment to integrating innovative solutions such as V2H and V2G ensures that Kia is at the forefront of this transition, creating a more sustainable and connected future for our customers.”
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