Kia has introduced a new Ionity bolt-on to its KiaCharge EV charging programme, enabling access to discounted ultra-fast charging for just £11.25 a month.

The new Ionity bolt-on significantly reduces the cost of using the high-power network; it can charge Kia’s new EV6 flagship from 10 to 80% in 18 minutes, costing £13.55

Launched in the UK in February 2021 and joining the existing scheme in Europe, the KiaCharge solution provides access to more than 17,000 UK charging points – around 68% of the public charging network – from a single account for Kia EV and PHEV drivers.

While the 350kW Ionity network was previously accessible under KiaCharge, the new Ionity bolt-on significantly reduces the cost of using the high-power network; charging costs are slashed by 64% from 70p per kWh to 25p per kWh in the UK, while the £0.49 session fee is eliminated.

This means that recharging a 64kWh e-Niro or Soul from 10 to 80% via an Ionity connector costs just £11.20, compared to £31.85 without the bolt-on – a saving of more than £20. As a result, the £11.25 Ionity package pays for itself in a single charge.

The new Ionity bolt-on is available across both tariffs on the KiaCharge programme and launches as Kia readies for the launch of its EV6 flagship, which opens for orders mid-May and comes with 800V ultra-fast charging capability as standard. Ionity’s ultra-fast charging network enables the EV6 battery to recharge from 10 to 80% in 18 minutes, costing £13.55.

The new bolt-on also enables users to access Ionity’s 400 high-power charging points across 24 European countries with similar discounted charging rates.

Paul Philpott, president & CEO of Kia UK Limited, said: “Kia’s partnership with Ionity is an essential part of our plans to make EVs a more viable option. A reliable infrastructure that supports our vehicles’ high-voltage capabilities is vital in encouraging more people to make the switch to electric mobility. Furthermore, this bolt-on supports efforts by Kia and our UK dealers to educate customers and help them feel more at ease with EV ownership and charging.”