Kia EV9 To Get Limited Free Charging From Electrify America

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Electrify America and Kia America recently announced a special deal for the buyers of Kia’s new EV9 SUV, offering a generous 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of complimentary charging. This isn’t new ground for the companies. Expanding on a longstanding partnership with Kia America that covered other vehicles, this 1,000 kWh deal is redeemable at any Electrify America charging station nationwide through Electrify America’s app. This is the third Kia vehicle to offer this kind of a charging benefit.

“Our agreement with Kia America highlights our commitment to a more accessible future for electric vehicle (EV) transportation,” said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO of Electrify America. “We’re excited to provide DC fast charging on our coast-to-coast network for the 2024 Kia EV9 and driving the switch to zero-emission vehicles forward.”

But, just because the EV9 is getting free charging doesn’t mean it’s not already a good deal. The EV9 represents Kia’s first journey into the realm of all-electric three-row SUVs. Once it’s out, the Kia EV9 will offer two distinct powertrain options. The standard configuration boasts a 76.1-kWh battery paired with a rear-wheel-drive motor generating 160 kW (215 hp). For thosewanting more power, an optional 99.8-kWh battery is available with either a single-motor setup, providing 201 hp and an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 304 miles, or a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration delivering 283 kW (379 hp).

Like the road under the vehicle’s skinny pedal, the power can go fast, though. The Kia EV9 is equipped with a maximum DC charging rate of 236kW, enabling fast charging compatibility with hyper-fast DC chargers such as those found on the Electrify America network. Additionally, the vehicle’s 11kW onboard charger is specifically designed to facilitate Level 2 charging. So (assuming everything’s working correctly), taking advantage of the free charging doesn’t mean needing to sit around for too long.

“With the launch of the all-new Kia EV9, we are expanding this complimentary charging with Electrify America to inspire more individuals to embrace publicly available EV charging technology,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “The EV9’s standard 800V electrical architecture enables hyper-fast DC charging.”

Kia EV9 owners will have three years from their purchase date to use the 1,000 kWh of energy. To see all of the fine print for the program or to take advantage of it, check on Electrify America’s website and use the company’s mobile app after purchase.

One great thing about this deal is that it doesn’t give unlimited free charging. People have been getting pretty aggravated at Electrify America stations when an ID.4 sits and charges to 100% because it doesn’t cost the driver anything but their time. Offering limited runs of energy makes a lot of sense because people will feel the need to get the most out of a limited resource, just like their own bank accounts.

At the same time, though, offering free charging helps people feel more comfortable buying their first EV. By paying for some free charging to let people try something new without the sticker shock, people can get on the road and experience EV trips or drive extra on those crazy days in town. Once they’ve climbed the learning curve, they’ll be a lot more comfortable driving electric going forward.