Kia Launches Smart Charging and V2H Services Overseas

Kia is set to officially launch smart charging and V2H (Vehicle to Home) services, starting in parts of Europe and the United States.

Vehicle owners can automatically charge their electric vehicles during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, and use the leftover power after driving to supplement household electricity. In the future, they may also be able to sell electricity by linking with the power grid, offering additional economic benefits.

On the 26th, Kia announced that as the first step toward commercializing the service, it will launch smart charging services across the Netherlands and begin offering V2H emergency power services in the United States.

First, the smart charging service introduced by Kia throughout the Netherlands allows customers to plug in their electric vehicles, and the system automatically checks the hourly electricity rate differences to charge the vehicle at the optimal rate.

Vehicle owners can manage charging costs by checking real-time charging amounts and energy cost savings through the dedicated smart charging mobile application, 'Kia Smart Charge.'

Kia is also considering launching a 'V2G (Vehicle to Grid)' service in the future, which would allow the sale of surplus electricity from electric vehicles in connection with the smart charging service.

The V2H emergency power service, launching in seven U.S. states including California, enables electric vehicles to be used as a power source for homes. Owners can charge their vehicles when electricity rates are low and use the stored power at home when rates are high, helping reduce electricity bills. Additionally, in emergencies such as power outages, the electricity stored in the vehicle can be used as a substitute for household power, making it highly useful.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to expand smart charging and V2H emergency power services globally, considering the conditions of key regions. Hyundai Motor is also scheduled to launch the service within this year.

A Hyundai Motor Group official said, "We launched this service to offer electric vehicle customers a new mobility life," adding, "We will continue to develop core technologies for future mobility that will change human life."