Driving an electric vehicle (EV) comes with perks. Fewer maintenance costs, longevity, and efficiency are just some of the reasons many drivers are making the switch to Kia EVs. But when it comes to charging, you want to make sure your equipment is compatible and safe for your vehicle. If you’re asking, “How do I charge my Kia EV,” this guide breaks down what you need to know.
How Do I Charge My Kia EV?
Depending on your specific model, charging your Kia EV is a straightforward process. There are several methods of charging, with many EV owners opting to install a home charging station. If that’s not an option for you, there are public charging stations throughout the U.S., along with provider networks that many EV drivers use to find optimal charging locations for their vehicles.
Depending on your location, you can find public charging stations that offer both Level 2 and DC fast charging, giving you multiple charging options as an EV owner. In a lot of places, Kia is even incentivizing companies and organizations to install EV charging stations. With more availability across different work locations, charging an EV is more accessible than ever.
Types of Chargers
There are several types of EV chargers that offer different charging speeds and require specific equipment, so it’s important to check the capabilities of your Kia EV to ensure compatibility with the type you plan to use. Be aware of your nearby public charging stations, too, because availability can vary depending on the region and infrastructure development. Currently, the available charging station types include:
- Level 1: Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet.
- Level 2: Level 2 charging has a dedicated 240-volt electrical circuit and a compatible charging station.
- Level 3: Level 3 fast chargers use DC to charge your battery.
Understanding the different charging levels is important to help you plan a charging schedule and maximize the efficiency of your Kia EV.
Home Charging
The most convenient and accessible option is home charging. This makes installing a Level 2 charger a popular solution for EV drivers, especially for ensuring charging compatibility for new Kia models. If you have a home charging station, it’s a simple process to charge your KIA EV. Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240-volt electrical circuit and a compatible charging station.
Kia provides recommendations for approved charging equipment, so it’s important to find out what kind of charger you can set up in your home. Once installed, simply connect your Kia EV to the charging station using the supplied cable. Ensure the connection is secure, and follow any additional instructions from the charging station or in your owners manual.
Public Charging
You can also charge your KIA EV on the go through public charging stations. There are various types of public charging stations available, and public stations typically provide Level 2 chargers and DC fast chargers. Level 2 chargers offer medium-speed charging and are most common in public parking lots, shopping centers, gas stations, and workplaces. Meanwhile, DC fast chargers are Level 3 chargers and give you rapid charging capabilities. These aren’t as prolific as Level 2 chargers, but you can find them along major highways, rest areas, and EV charging networks.
Some areas don’t have the infrastructure for EV charging stations, so it’s best to check online to find charging locations nearby that are compatible with your vehicle. When you arrive at a public charging station, locate the correct charging connector for your Kia EV. Public stations usually offer multiple charging cables with options for different plug types and charging standards. Simply follow the provided instructions on the charging station to charge your car and pay.
Charging Times
Charging times for your Kia EV can vary depending on a few factors, such as the specific model of your Kia EV, the charging type you use, and your battery’s current charge. Temperature fluctuations and the battery condition can also influence charge times, with extremely cold temperatures slowing down the charging process. Below, we’ve listed the average speeds for each type of charger to give you an idea of what timing to expect.
Level 1 Charging
This is the slowest charging option and is usually a substitute when no dedicated charging equipment is available. Level 1 charging gives you very little range per hour of charging. It’s most suitable for overnight charging or when you have enough time to wait for your battery to charge. However, it’s important to note that for some Kia EVs, plugging it in overnight is not enough for a full charge.
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 charging stations give you much faster charging speeds compared to Level 1 chargers. The time it takes to replenish your battery with a Level 2 charger varies somewhat, depending on your model and the battery capacity. In most cases, though, a Level 2 charging station can add around 25 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging.
Level 3 DC Fast Charging
Level 3 DC fast chargers are capable of high-speed charging. They use DC power to rapidly charge your vehicle’s battery. A Level 3 charger can add a significant amount of range in a short amount of time. At its fastest, a DC charging station can boost your EV’s charge up to 80% in about 60 minutes, depending on the battery capacity and charging infrastructure.
It’s also important to remember that while fast charging is convenient for quick top-ups during long trips, frequent use of fast charging can affect your Kia’s battery health over time. So, it’s recommended to primarily rely on Level 1 or Level 2 charging for regular use, and leave the fast charging for when you need a quick boost on the go.
Looking for Kia’s EV Charging Services?
Kia also has dedicated EV charging services available to its customers. With established partnerships through charging networks, you have convenient access to a large selection of public charging stations. Get personalized charging recommendations from our team of experts at Huffines Kia McKinney, and explore what EVs have to offer. We’ll guide you through your home charging options and equipment selection so you can optimize your charging routine and maximize your EV’s range.