Irvine, California – Kia Motors America (KMA) is kicking off the implementation of a robust charging network in advance of the Soul EV going on sale in California during the third quarter of 2014.
With Kia’s addition of 17 new DC fast chargers to California’s already-existing network of 198, charger availability will be increased nearly 9% statewide by year-end. KMA’s EV charging infrastructure plan provides Soul EV buyers with broad coverage, flexibility and excellent support, and Kia’s networking partnership with Greenlots will connect customers to DC fast chargers in convenient locations throughout California.
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, which can charge the Soul EV’s battery from empty to 80% in about 33 minutes.
The Kia dealership locations with available charging stations will be announced closer to the Soul EV’s on-sale date later this year, and following the California launch of the Soul EV, select additional markets are set to come online in 2015.
“The Soul EV is a key 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 of product planning, KMA. “Our customers are making a sincere effort to be eco-conscious, and Kia is committed to delivering both flexible and convenient charging options to Soul EV owners.”
Kia has partnered with Greenlots to offer flexibility and on-the-go access to large networks of charging stations via the EZ-Charge program. 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 their smartphone or the standard 8" touchscreen inside the vehicle.
Partnerships have also been forged with Bosch, Leviton, and Aerovironment to serve as Level 2 at-home charging options for owners and also for Kia dealers. Recharging times vary from under five hours when plugged into a 240V outlet to about 24 hours for a fully depleted battery using a standard 120V outlet.
Source: Kia Motors America