Kia has created a charging solution for customers purchasing electric vehicles who live in apartment complexes, villas, and similar multi-dwelling units.
The joint housing charging solution, unveiled through a partnership with electric vehicle charging operator ‘Home & Service’, is designed for customers hesitant to buy electric vehicles due to the challenges of installing chargers in multi-family housing.
Home & Service, a subsidiary of SK Broadband, provides comprehensive charging solutions, including charger installation consultation, on-site assessments, activation, and maintenance, and currently operates over 6,000 chargers nationwide.
This new housing charging solution targets Kia electric vehicle customers and will handle all practical and operational tasks necessary for charger installation, including negotiations with resident representative meetings and on-site consultations.
As of this year, it has become mandatory to install electric vehicle chargers in at least 5% of parking spaces in newly constructed apartment buildings and more than 2% in existing buildings, indicating that many customers are likely to wish for charger installations.
After negotiations and practical work with resident representative meetings, 3kW socket-type or 7kW slow chargers are planned for installation in the designated apartment complexes.
If difficulties arise in the installation of charging stations within the apartment complex after on-site consultations, support will be provided to install chargers either in the customer’s office or in a location preferred by the customer.
The costs associated with charger installation will generally be free, and the charging fees will be reasonably calculated to avoid imposing a burden on electric vehicle users.
(However, a nominal fee may apply based on the on-site assessment.)
Kia has also streamlined the application process for charger installation, reducing the need for customers to independently contact charging service providers.
Kia electric vehicle customers wishing to have a charger installed can simply access the Kia website or the ‘MyKia’ application, fill out their contact information and preferred installation location via the application URL linked to an event banner, and schedule a consultation easily.
A Kia representative stated, “We have prepared this solution to minimize the inconveniences faced by customers when installing chargers in multi-family housing,” adding that “Kia will continue to present charging solutions that align with the lifestyles of Kia electric vehicle customers.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr