K-Charge
Movement that inspires
Introduction
About K-Charge
K-Charge is an exclusive feature by KIN, integrated into the MyKia app. It empowers users to effortlessly locate charging stations, navigate to them, access charging services, and make seamless payments, all within a single platform. This application is designed for both Kia and non-Kia electric vehicle (EV) customers.
[Image: A sequence of app screens illustrating the K-Charge process: Locate, Navigate, Charge, Pay. A silver Kia EV6 is shown parked next to a charging station.]
Benefits of K-Charge
K-Charge enhances the user journey by:
- Boosting customer value through real-time charging station information, seamless payments, and integrated charge history management within the MyKia application.
- Reducing range anxiety by enabling users to easily locate the nearest available EV chargers, complete with real-time availability updates.
K-Charge Coverage
Kia offers PAN India coverage with K-Charge. The network spans 18 Charge Point Operators, providing access to over 11,000 charging points nationwide. This includes more than 7,000 AC chargers and over 4,000 DC fast chargers, ensuring users can stay on the move.
[Image: A map of India displaying numerous blue icons indicating the widespread coverage of K-Charge stations.]
K-Charge Usage for Kia EV Customers
The K-Charge icon is prominently displayed within the MyKia app for EV customers. A single tap directs users to the K-Charge landing page.
App Navigation Flow
- MyKia Homepage: The K-Charge icon provides direct access to the K-Charge landing page.
- EV Stations: Users can tap any station on the map to view its details, which are then highlighted in the list below.
- Filters: The filter icon allows users to customize their search based on criteria such as charging capacity, connector status, and proximity.
- Explore More: Within this section, users can access their Wallet, Charging History, and Favorites.
EV Station Details
- Connectors: Users select the charger type and compatible connector. The charger must be marked 'Available' to proceed.
- Overview: This screen displays comprehensive station details, including the full address, contact number, and email. Users can also mark stations as favorites, shortlist them, share details, or copy the email address.
- Reviews: Users can view reviews left by other users for specific charging stations.
Charging Process
Initialization: Users select an 'Available' charger to view its details, such as connector type, kWh capacity, and tariff. After clicking 'Proceed', users are directed to the Charging Session screen.
Charging Session: On this screen, users can choose from multiple charging options: Cost, Time, or Units. They can adjust sliders to set their preferred budget, charging duration, or energy units.
Start Charging:
- Plug-in the Charger: Connect the charging gun to the vehicle and tap 'Okay' to continue.
- Start Charging: Click the 'Start' button.
- Preparing the Charger: The system enters a preparation mode, taking approximately 1-1.5 minutes to retrieve all necessary vehicle and charger data.
- Charging in Progress: The active session screen displays real-time updates on consumed units and elapsed time.
Stop Charging:
- Confirmation: Users can stop charging by confirming their choice.
- Session Summary: Upon completion, a summary screen shows consumed units, time taken, and the total amount charged.
- Post-Session Actions: Customers can submit a review, select feedback from a dropdown, and download the invoice.
Invoice Details
The invoice includes the Kia logo, details of the service provider, item and description of the charge, charger details, and the total amount inclusive of tax.
Wallet
The Wallet feature allows users to manage their charging payments. Users can view their existing balance and transaction history. To add funds, users can enter the desired amount and proceed to complete the transaction, often via internet banking.
[Image: A series of app screens showing the Wallet interface, including balance, transaction history, and adding money to the wallet.]
Charging History
Users can access their Charging History to view a record of previous transactions. Each entry provides details such as the charging station, duration, date, and amount. Users can also view or download charging details as an invoice and mark stations as favorites for quick access.
[Image: App screens displaying the Charging History list and a detailed summary of a past charging session.]
Favorites
The Favorites section allows users to save preferred charging stations for easy access. Users can navigate directly to the detail screen of a favorite station from the list. The 'Delete' button can be used to remove stations from the favorites list.
[Image: App screens showing the list of Favorite Stations and the detail screen for a favorite EV station.]
K-Charge Usage for Non-Kia EV Customers
User Registration
For first-time users, the process involves indicating if they own a Kia, providing their name, email, and mobile number, followed by OTP verification. Existing MyKia users can log in by entering their mobile number to receive an OTP for verification, after which they can enter their owner details, vehicle model, VIN, and registration number.
[Image: App screens illustrating the user registration process for both new and existing users, including OTP verification.]
Vehicle Addition
If a user has not yet added a vehicle to K-Charge, they can do so via the 'Add New Vehicle' screen by entering the vehicle make, model, and registration number. If vehicles are already added, users can view their 'My Vehicles' list, switch the primary vehicle, delete existing vehicles, or add new ones.
[Image: App screens showing the process of adding a new vehicle and managing existing vehicles in the MyKia app.]
K-Charge Route Planner
The EV Route Planner is available for all EV customers to help plan their journeys efficiently.
Route Planning Steps:
- Route Planner Icon: Access the feature from the K-Charge home screen by tapping the Route Planner icon.
- Home Screen: This leads to the EV Route Planner homepage within the app.
- Source & Destination Selection: Users select their starting point and destination. The app then displays a list of available chargers along the preferred route.
- Filtering: Users can filter charging stations based on preferences such as charger type (AC/DC), capacity, connector status (Available/Busy), connector type (CCS, Type-1, etc.), and Charge Point Operator (CPO).
Trip Management:
- Adding Stops: Users can add charging stops along their selected route as needed.
- Edit Trip Name: The trip name can be customized according to user preference.
- Start Trip: Tapping 'Begin Trip' initiates the journey on the most optimized route.
- Save Trip: Trips can be saved for future reference.
[Image: A series of app screens demonstrating the EV Route Planner, from selecting a route to filtering stations and saving a trip.]
Customer Support Center
For charging-related concerns, customers can contact the support center via phone. The number provided is 18001085005 (IVR – 4).
[Image: A screenshot showing the K-Charge app interface with a call icon, leading to a phone dialer displaying the Kia support number.]
Charging Do's & Don'ts
The Kia Clavis EV supports DC fast charging for minimal downtime. Adhering to the following guidelines ensures a safe and efficient charging experience:
Do's:
- Always park your vehicle in the designated EV charging bay.
- Use K-Charge via the MyKia App for the best charging experience.
- Ensure the charging gun is securely connected to your vehicle.
- Return the charging gun to its holder after use.
- Press the charger's emergency stop button immediately in case of fire or smoke.
- Keep the EV charging area clean and uncluttered.
- Move your vehicle promptly once charging is complete to allow others to use the station.
Don'ts:
- Do not remove the cover from any charger component to avoid serious electrical hazards.
- Avoid touching any live wires with bare hands.
- Do not operate the charger with wet hands or if the connector is wet.
- Keep inflammable liquids and hazardous materials away from the charging area.
- Do not press the Emergency Stop button unless there's a real emergency.
- Do not allow children to operate the charger.
- Do not smoke near the charging station.
[Image: A close-up view of an EV charging port with the charging cable connected, illustrating the charging process.]