• by Tanya Gazdik , March 16, 2022

Taking a page from the luxury automakers already offering concierge service for maintenance and repairs, Kia America is partnering with Currently mobile charging to provide its EV owners with on-demand charging. 

The service initially is only available in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose. Based on customer reception of this pilot program, future expansion to cities around the country will be considered, according to the companies.

Through April 30, Kia EV owners can sign up in the available cities to use the app-based mobile charging service. The service requires owners to download the Currently app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play and create an account. 

The service will then allow owners to set a time and location for a Currently technician to arrive and charge their vehicle up to three times every week for two months.

The move illustrates how Kia is aiming to continue its relationship with customers after delivery, says Greg Silvestri, Kia's vice president of service operations.

Partnering with Currently amplifies Kia’s commitment to overall electrified vehicle adoption, he adds.

There is also a time-saving element of full-service mobile charging, which eliminates the wait at charging stations.

Kia joins other automakers who are trying to make EV ownership more attractive and to reduce the potential for "range anxiety," which is apprehension about running out of charge in the middle of a drive. 

The Volkswagen ID.4 comes with three years of unlimited charging across all Electrify America DC Fast charging stations at no additional cost after vehicle purchase and enrollment. Hyundai also partnered with Electrify America to provide 250 kWh of complimentary charging for new Kona and Ioniq owners.

Nissan offers $250 credit for EVgo charging stations to its new EV owners. Chevrolet pays for installation of a Level 2 home charging unit for those who purchase a Chevy Bolt.