EV FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No, but it is highly recommended as it will significantly speed up your charging speed compared to using a 3-pin domestic socket.
Kia recommends 2 suppliers and you can order your home-charger direct from their websites.
We recommend a minimum of 7kW although most Kia EVs can charge at a higher rate than this. 22kW home-chargers are becoming available and will lower the time taken to charge your car.
All Kia cars use a Type 2 Mennekes plug to connect the cable to the car for slow and fast AC charging, which is the most popular connector type in the UK and Europe. For rapid DC charging this is expanded on the same port to a CCS-2 plug.
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From 30th June 2022 the government introduced legislation that meant only "smart" chargers can be fitted at your home. Smart chargers have several additional features, such as the ability to set times when the charger delivers power which is very helpful if you wish to enjoy the benefit of off-peak power and therefore lower cost electric rates. You must have a suitable electricity plan to benefit from this feature. More information can be found here.
Most people will mainly charge their cars at home or at work. However, for longer journeys or if you do not have the ability to charge at home then you can use the extensive network of chargers located at motorway service stops, fuel stations, supermarkets, car parks, hotels and many other places. To see how many charge points are available check out the Zap Map website.
No, you don't have to, especially if you only need to charge at home. We do, however, recommend that you join Kia MyCharge which gives you the ability to quickly and simply connect to the majority of public chargers in the UK and across Europe. With 2 great plans available you have the choice to pay-as-you-go or to subscribe to a monthly plan, whichever suits your needs the best.