Charger availability in California will be increased nearly nine percent statewide by year-end thanks to the addition of Kia's 17 new DC fast chargers.
There are already 198 chargers in California, but Kia wants to make charging easier as it prepares to introduce its new 2015 Soul EV.
Kia Motor's EV charging infrastructure plan was designed to provide "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," the automaker said in a press release.
Select Soul EV dealers in Northern and Southern California will be "fitted" with 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 percent in around 33 minutes.
The Terra 53 multi-standard DC charging station is ideal for car dealerships, fuel stations and high-turnover parking applications, according to the release.
Kia dealership locations with available charging stations will be announced later this year.
"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, according to the release. "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 a number of networks of charging stations through the EZ-Charge program, which makes the Soul EV ownership expeience simple and charging easily accessible, according to the release.
Soul EV owners will be given a "Kia ChargeUp Card," allowing them access to DC fast chargers thanks to Greenlots' SKY network system.
Soul EV owners can also find charging stations through Kia's free UVO EVServices telematics app through their smartphone or the standard touchscreen found inside all new Soul EVs.
Partnerships have also been reached with Bosch, Leviton and Aerovironment to serve as Level 2 at-home charging options for Kia dealerships and for owners, according to the release.
Recharging times can vary from around 5 hours to 24 hours for a fully depleted battery using a standard 120-volt outlet.
No matter their charging preference, Kia assures Soul EV buyers "will have the best in variety and value through high-quality, efficient and reliable products and services from each partner."
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