Irvine-based Kia America is introducing Plug & Charge, a new technology that eliminates extra steps at public charging stations by enabling automatic payment. No apps or credit card swiping necessary.
The new tech is part of the Kia Connect platform and will be available on the 2025 EV6 models by the end of this month and the fourth quarter for 2026 EV9 vehicles.
With Plug & Charge, drivers simply plug in their vehicle at a compatible station, and charging begins automatically and securely. Payment is processed instantly and hands-free using the payment method linked to the driver’s account.
“We’re making the EV experience more user-friendly than ever,” Sujith Somasekharan, connected car & mobility director, said in a statement. “Our goal is to make electrified mobility effortless, secure, and connected – and this technology brings us one step closer to that reality.”
Kia America is the third largest automaker in OC with 492 employees, according to Business Journal data.
