Kia Motors to set up charging network prior to Soul EV launch

Kia Motors America (KMA) is planning to implement a charging network in advance of the Soul EV sale to be held in California in the third quarter of 2014.

Kia is proposing to add 17 new DC fast charging kiosks to California’s already-existing network of 198.

This will make the entire charger availability of the State to be increased by 9 percent towards the year end.

KMA’s EV charging infrastructure will provide Soul EV buyers with broad coverage and excellent support.

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Kia’s networking partnership with Greenlots will connect customers to DC fast chargers in convenient locations throughout California.

Through the Greenlots partnership, Soul EV owners will be provided a “Kia ChargeUp Card,” giving them access to DC fast chargers via Greenlots’ SKY™ network system.

Soul EV owners can easily locate charging stations via Kia’s free UVO EVServices telematics app through the standard 8-inch touchscreen inside the vehicle.

Select Soul EV dealers in Northern and Southern California will be fitted with multiple Level 2 240v chargers and ABB’s 50kW Terra 53 CJ DC fast charger, this can charge the Soul EV’s battery from empty to 80 percent in about 33 minutes, to help build range confidence.

Designed for the “charge and go” segment, the Terra 53 multi-standard DC charging station is ideal for use at car dealerships, fuel stations and parking lots.

The locations for Kia dealership with charging stations will be announced closer to the Soul EV’s on-sale date. Once the California launch of the Soul EV is complete, selected additional markets will come online in 2015.

The Soul EV is a major vehicle within Kia’s ‘Clean Mobility’ program, and having access to Level 2 and an increased number of DC fast chargers at select Kia dealerships is an opportunity for us to provide value to Soul EV owners, signaling Kia’s commitment to the growing EV market, said, Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA.

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