Kia Motors confirmed on Feb. 11 it has partnered with Korea Electric Vehicle Charging Service and traffic solutions corporation STraffic to secure and expand electric vehicle-charging infrastructure in Korea.

KEVCS is to be in charge of services for privately held businesses and residences, while STraffic will manage public and corporate usage.

(Yonhap)

The Korean carmaker said the recent partnership would maximize customer convenience through a one-stop solution that encompasses every aspect of the electric vehicle experience, from purchase to charging.

Owners of Kia electric cars would be offered an exclusive membership with services including consultation on installation and operation of the vehicle, a 24/7 hotline for assistance and a 10 percent discount on power at charging centers run by partner companies.

Kia also added that it plans to increase the accessibility of charging centers by setting up more stops at gas stations, grocery shops, malls and other locations.

A representative at Kia said the auto company seeks to “supply our customers with a differentiated service” and “establish a ‘win-win’ cooperation between large and medium-sized enterprises” through the partnership.

Kia and its larger affiliate Hyundai Motor made it into the world’s top 10 electric vehicle manufacturers in 2018 for the first time since its market entry in 2012. Having sold a combined 90,860 units worldwide, the two largest carmakers in Korea saw a sales performance surpassing Volkswagen’s 82,685.

By Kim Arin (arin@heralcorp.com)