"Plug&Charge" charging arrives across KIA's electric vehicle range in Europe and North America

KIA has begun rolling out the much-requested Plug&Charge feature across its entire range of electric vehicles on sale in Europe and North America, sparing customers the need to use RFID cards or mobile device apps to charge at public stations.

Thanks to this new feature, charging will be as simple as connecting the vehicle to the charging point and forgetting everything else. Once the connection is made, both will communicate with each other so the charging cost can be billed directly to the credit card linked to the customer’s account. This technology promises to simplify the charging experience and make life easier for electric vehicle owners.

KIA will begin rolling out the Plug&Charge feature on the EV6, EV9 and EV3, and will later extend it to other electric models from the brand. Specifically, the 2025 EV6 will support this feature from the end of September, while the 2026 EV9 will add it in the last quarter of the year. Current owners of these models will be notified directly by the South Korean manufacturer about the availability of this update.

It is important to note, however, that to enjoy the Plug&Charge feature in a KIA electric vehicle , an active subscription to the KIA Connect service and membership in the KIA Charge Pass programme are required.

How does this technology work?

The Plug&Charge technology uses secure digital certificates based on the ISO 15118 protocol, which authenticate the vehicle and handle payment automatically when it is connected to a compatible public charger. The system will be supported by a wide network of charging stations, both high-power DC and AC, thanks to partnerships with charging operators on both continents. Users will be able to activate and manage this feature through the KIA Connect app, linking it to their preferred charging service contract.

This initiative is part of KIA’s strategy to improve the electric mobility experience for its customers. This strategy also includes remote software updates and exclusive digital services designed to make life easier for anyone driving a KIA electric vehicle.

“Plug&Charge makes the electric vehicle experience simpler and more intuitive than ever. Our goal is to offer fluid, safe and connected electric mobility, and this technology brings us even closer to that goal.”