The Kia Niro EV confirms that electric vehicles really can be used as everyday drivers.
The sudden drop in the price of gasoline to the lowest level in years has the potential to put intense pressure on the sale of electric vehicles once the market re-opens in the wake of the pandemic.
However, states like California are vowing to defend their zero-emission mandates in the face of the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back clean-car rules and automakers are moving forward with plans to support EVs.
Kia and Electrify America, for example, have announced plans to offer a Kia-branded home charger. Access to charging options is considered a major barrier to the adoption of electric vehicles.
(Electrify America, Bank of America plan to let you charge up where you bank.)
Electrify America has announced plans to offer “Kia Select,” a new charging program with optimized pricing for the Kia Niro electric vehicle (EV) model on Electrify America’s direct current (DC) fast charging network.
Electrify America and Kia have teamed up to give Niro EV owners a special charging plan.
The “Kia Select” program offers a flat rate of 35 cents per-minute charging for current Kia Niro EV drivers, designed specifically for the unique DC charging characteristics of the model. The program also waives session fees and has no subscription fees for participants.
“Electrify America has worked closely with Kia Motors America to develop a pricing program that recognizes the unique charging profile of the Kia Niro EV, and enhances the charging experience of Niro EV drivers” said Wayne Killen, director of infrastructure planning and business development at Electrify America.
(It’s also getting easier to find a place to charge your EV.)
“While we will continue to offer ways to facilitate the mobility of EV drivers with our rapidly expanding ultra-fast nationwide charging network, we encourage all our customers to stay at home as much as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, and abide by all government and CDC guidelines.”
New, 350 kW chargers from Electrify America will allow Taycan to recharge nearly as quickly as a gas car could fill its tank.
To participate in the program, drivers can download the Electrify America charging app and complete a brief enrollment process. Drivers can also use the app to locate Electrify America charging stations, start a charging session, and remit payment using their credit or debit card entered during the registration process.
“Working with Electrify America to offer the ‘Kia Select’ charging program to our valued Niro EV drivers is the latest embodiment of Kia’s Give It Everything philosophy,” said Michael Cole, president, Kia Motors America.
“We believe this value-priced program will encourage more consumers to take advantage of the newest, fastest EV charging technology available, ensuring the charging experience matches the fun-to-drive EV model our customers have come to know and love.”
(Better late than never: Kia reveals 2021 Sorento.)
The program is available now in the United States for all 2019 and 2020 model year Niro EV owners and lessees. The two companies will promote the program in a joint communications effort to encourage enrollment for all eligible drivers. The “Kia Select” program will continue in effect until Dec. 31, 2020 and will be re-evaluated at the end of 2020.