What’s Happening
Kia has announced a portfolio of smart technologies to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) mobility experience. Through the introduction of Kia Connect, Kia Charge, and Kia Smart Charging, the automotive manufacturer aims to make EV usage more convenient, accessible, and efficient.
Why It Matters
According to Sjoerd Knipping, Vice President of Marketing and Product at Kia Europe, the aim of these new offerings is to facilitate a seamless interaction of electrification, connectivity, and innovative services, preparing EVs for the future by allowing vehicles to receive updates as innovations emerge.
Key Points
Kia’s technology strategy focuses on establishing seamless connectivity through integrated networks, and its Kia Connect is designed to keep vehicles always connected to Kia servers and data providers. This technology enables real-time updates and live data streaming, enhancing the customer experience by making it easier to find available charging stations, predict vehicle maintenance, and improve safety and fleet management.
Moreover, customers can use the dedicated Kia Connect app to access the Kia Connect Store, where they can purchase upgrades to keep their vehicles updated with the latest technologies. The EV9 is the first vehicle that will benefit from this store, featuring the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC) with dual-band GPS for improved location accuracy.
Kia’s strategy also includes the Kia Charge app, providing access to an extensive charging network spanning over 500,000 charging points in 28 countries across Europe, a number that continues to grow. In an effort to make charging more accessible, the company plans to establish 30,000 new chargers by 2030, along with co-branded fast chargers at dealerships.
The new Kia Smart Charging technology introduces bidirectional charging, offering greater flexibility and taking EV charging and power usage into a more sustainable era. This feature allows the EV9 to utilize V1G (Automated Unidirectional Smart Charging), V2L (Vehicle-to-Load), V2B/V2H (Vehicle-to-Building/Vehicle-to-Home), and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid).
Bottom Line
In its ongoing transformation to become a leading sustainable mobility solutions provider, the company is prioritizing connectivity, electrification, and sustainability. By introducing 15 new EV models by 2027, along with innovations set to improve mobility across Europe, it is poised to significantly contribute to the European energy industry by providing support for power grids. The company’s push towards smart and efficient technologies is more than just about mobility, it’s about creating a greener and more sustainable future for all.
