Kia Joins Other Automakers to Create a Leading High-Powered Charging Network Across North America

Electric cars are all the rage these days. However, infrastructure hasn’t necessarily kept pace with this popularity, leaving many drivers of electric cars without charging stations along their frequent routes or while on road trips. In fact, there were only 32,000 publicly available DC fast charging stations available in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Yet these are meant to accommodate 2.3 million electric vehicles — a ratio of 72 vehicles per charging station.

Kia and six other major global automakers are taking action. They have created a joint venture to expand access to high-powered charging in North America. Learn more about the efforts with Kearny Mesa Kia.

About the Charging Network Joint Venture

BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV are teaming up to implement an unprecedented charging network across North America. The goal — install at least 30,000 high-powered charging stations in urban and highway locations, in an effort to make zero-emission driving even more attractive for millions of drivers. The first stations are scheduled to open in Summer 2024.

“Kia’s engagement and investment in this high-powered charging joint venture is set to increase charging access and convenience to current and future drivers and therefore accelerate the transition to EVs across North America,” said Kia CEO Ho Sung Song in a statement. “Kia is proud to be an important part of this joint venture with other reputable automakers as we embark on a journey towards seamless charging experiences for our customers and further strengthening Kia’s brand identity in the EV market.”

Elevating the EV Driver Experience

One significant objective in creating the charging network is improving the entire EV experience, including EV adoption. Here are a few highlights of how the network will provide a seamless, vehicle-integrated, best-in-class charging experience:

• Convenient locations with amenities like restrooms, food service, and retail nearby (select flagship stations will boast additional amenities for a premier experience).
• Deployment in metro areas and along major highways, including connecting corridors and vacation routes.
• Integration with participating automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences, including reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation, payment apps, energy management, and more.

Keep in Touch With Kearny Mesa Kia For More Details

Interested in learning more? Want to find out where charging stations will specifically be deployed? Stay in touch with Kearny Mesa Kia for all the details. Otherwise, browse our new Kia inventory to discover the latest additions to the hybrid and electric vehicle lineup.