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Kia Motors Invests in IONITY to Democratize High-Power EV Charging Network

; Date: September 9, 2019

Tags: Electric Vehicle Charging

Kia joins hands with Ionity, a company operating ultra-high-power charging station services in Europe. This says that 2021 Kia and Hyundai electric cars will be able to handle 800 volt charging, and be able to handle the 350 kiloWatt charging rate that Ionity delivers.
  • Kia joins IONITY in cooperation with founding partners BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group with Porsche AG
  • The investment to enable EVs with 800V to reduce charging time significantly by a charging capacity of up to 350kW
  • The commitment to electrification of the European transport sector relies on international cooperation across the automotive industry

Kia Motors Company alongside Hyundai Motor Company today announced its investment into IONITY, a joint venture established by global automakers. Under the agreement Kia and Hyundai, affiliated automotive companies for Hyundai Motor Group (the Group), will play a key role in further enhancing the availability of EV charging stations with additional convenience benefits for its customers.

The decision to join this network will provide enhanced benefits for Kia and Hyundai’s European customers. Starting in 2021, Kia and Hyundai EVs will be equipped with 800 volt charging systems to accommodate IONITY’s maximum charging power of 350 kilowatts. Customers will be able to use IONITY’s HPC facilities, which are equipped with digital payment options, to significantly reduce charging times and better facilitate long-distance travel.

IONITY is a joint venture established in 2017 between BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen Group with Porsche AG. Since its formation, it currently has nearly 140 charging stations in Europe in operation with 50 more under construction. The technology of IONITY is characterized by a charging capacity of up to 350 kilowatts, its use of the universal charging standard Combined Charging System ensures the widest possible compatibility across EVs.

IONITY is expanding its network to 400 fast-charging stations by 2020, with an average of at least one site every 120 kilometers along major European highways. Its European distribution and brand-agnostic approach will significantly improve the image and accessibility of electric vehicles for both current EV users and prospective buyers.

“Our participation in this joint venture reaffirms the Group’s commitment to future electromobility,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “I am confident that our work with IONITY will open a new era of high-power charging experiences, where charging will be seamless and easier than refueling for our customers.”

Through extensive R&D efforts and multiple partnerships with industry leaders, the Hyundai Motor Group has continually cemented its position as a leader in electric vehicles and alternative propulsion. In May, the Group announced a partnership with Croatia’s Rimac Automobili for development of high-performance EVs.

The investment in IONITY accentuates the Group’s continued efforts to become game changers in a low-carbon emissions society, which includes deployment of 44 eco-friendly models by 2025. The Group will leverage the partnership to provide its customers with innovative experiences through enhanced electromobility.

IONITY is glad to welcome the new shareholder on board. “Hyundai Motor Group brings significant international experience and know-how with a full strategic commitment to electromobility. The participation of new investors in IONITY is a clear signal of trust indicating that the work of our young company is already bearing fruit,” said IONITY CEO Michael Hajesch.

The Group will obtain equal shares in IONITY as those of founding partners, BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, and the Porsche AG.

About IONITY

IONITY is based in Munich and was founded in 2017; it is a joint venture of the BMW Group,Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group including Audi and Porsche. IONITY’s mission is to build an extensive and reliable High-Power Charging network (HPC) for electric vehicles in Europe to make comfortable long-distance travel a reality. IONITY has been able to secure attractive national and international locations through its strong cooperation partners. IONITY is an internationally registered trademark. www.ionity.eu

David Herron
David Herron is a writer and software engineer focusing on the wise use of technology. He is especially interested in clean energy technologies like solar power, wind power, and electric cars. David worked for nearly 30 years in Silicon Valley on software ranging from electronic mail systems, to video streaming, to the Java programming language, and has published several books on Node.js programming and electric vehicles.