Kia to Give Owners Fast-Charge Adapters
Follows GM in making Tesla-style tech available, opening consumers to thousands more charging points.
The free adapters are scheduled to be delivered to consumers early next year.
Kia
Kia is following General Motors in offering consumers a fast-charger adapter.
The move, which applies to purchases of new 2024 and 2025 Kia EV6 or EV9 starting this month, will open nearly 17,000 chargers to Kia drivers starting on Jan. 15.
The free North American Charging Standard adapters, based on Tesla-developed technology, are scheduled to be delivered to consumers early next year. Consumers who bought their EV6, EV9 or Niro EVs before Sept. 4 can buy an adapter from a Kia dealer at an unspecified later date, the South Korean automaker said.
“Kia EVs are known for their range, with the EV6 RWD Light Long Range traveling an EPA-estimated 310 miles3 on a full charge,” said Kia America Vice President, Sales Operations, Eric Watson in a press release. “Now, with access to this sprawling network of DC fast chargers, our EV owners can feel even more confident in their ability to reach far-flung destinations on electricity.”
Kia consumers will also be able to find charging stations and their status and pricing, as well as pay for charges, on their Kia Access application following a software upgrade.
GM announced NACS adapters for its consumers last week, starting with those in the U.S., followed by Canadians late this year. The Detroit automaker is charging $225 for each.
DIG DEEPER: EV Charger Solution Said to Work for All Models
More Industry
Service on Wheels
More auto dealerships are offering mobile servicing for today’s convenience-minded consumers to boost business and stand out from competition, though it may not fit every store.
Read More →
Luxury Auto Group Sells San Diego Stores
A major U.S. luxury automotive group, O’Gara Coach, sold its rooftops in La Jolla, a coastal neighborhood in San Diego, Calif.
Read More →
Parts Delivery Takes Flight
A Detroit auto group has launched an autonomous parts-delivery program using drone technology, thanks to a grant from Michigan’s Advanced Air Mobility Activation Fund.
Read More →
Recalled Vehicles Hit 5-Year High
Though the number of events has fallen so far this year, impacted units are up significantly. Meanwhile, regulators consider consumer notification changes.
Read More →
NY Advances Charging Infrastructure
Public EV charging in New York is getting a boost with a new program designed to help public entities cut purchase and installation costs of Level 2 charging stations.
Read More →
China as Pacesetter
Automotive leaders huddled on where North America stands in the global picture and how it can strengthen its position against the Asian juggernaut’s surging industry.
Read More →
Find Efficiency in Fixed Ops
A new report shows how service departments can maximize their profitability through efficiency, productivity and the right tools in technicians' hands.
Read More →
Closing the Seat Gap
Mass-market brand vehicle seats are outpacing luxury versions when it comes to customer satisfaction, according JD Power research.
Read More →
Auto Industry Execs Talk Trade, Tariffs
Participants in a U.S.-Canada discussion tallied the costs and compiled a list of remedies, including preservation of the North American trade agreement that the U.S. recently declined to renew.
Read More →
Structure Leads to Optimized Auto Listings
As the average car-buying journey has shifted to a blend of digital and retail, a dealership’s vehicle listings must be optimized to answer shoppers’ questions clearly and accurately.
Read More →