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Kia Smart Charging Setup

Updated

Supported models

All Kia electric and plug-in hybrid models that work with the Kia Connect app. The old UVO app is not supported. If you still use UVO, switch to Kia Connect first.

Connecting your Kia

  1. In the app, choose to add a car and pick Kia.
  2. Log in with your Kia Connect account.
  3. Select your car.
  4. Set your home location and ready-by time in the app.

Location

Set your home location in the app. Smart charging only runs at the locations you set there.

Turn off Kia's own scheduling

Turn off any departure timers and charging schedules in the car and in the Kia Connect app, including off-peak options such as "prioritise off-peak" and "off-peak only". They overrule smart charging.

Known limitations

Kia uses the same platform as Hyundai, so the same limits apply.

  • Inconsistent charging data: install the latest car software through the car's infotainment screen. If the problem continues, contact the support team of your app.
  • Energy use is estimated: Kia does not report the exact charging power. The app estimates it from the time to full. This only affects the energy shown in the app. Smart charging works as normal.
  • A few minutes before the plan starts: when the car is idle, the app checks it less often so the car can sleep. Right after you plug in, it can take a few minutes before the app makes a plan.

Protecting the 12-volt battery

Regular status checks can drain the car's 12-volt battery. To keep this low, the app checks the car more often while it is charging or while prices are high, and less often when it is idle.

To protect the 12-volt battery:

  1. Install the latest Battery Management System (BMS) software for your car.
  2. Do not leave the car plugged in without driving for more than 2 to 3 days.
  3. Unlock and lock the doors now and then.

What data is shared

  • Vehicle information: battery level, time to full and charging status.
  • Location: only to check whether the car is at home.
  • Charging control: start and stop commands.

Removing access

Remove the car in the app to end smart charging for it.

Still not working?

Contact the support team of your app. If your app comes from your energy supplier, that is your energy supplier's customer service. Tell them your car brand and model, when it happened, and add a screenshot of the app.

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