Kia has made a further investment in IONITY, Europe’s leading ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging network. As a shareholder, Kia has teamed up with IONITY’s other investors to raise a further €700 million aimed at expanding its network of high-power charging points across the continent.

IONITY currently operates more than 400 ultra-fast charging stations featuring 1,500 charging points along European motorways in 24 countries. However, this latest additional investment will increase the number of charging stations across Europe to 1,000 with the total number of charging points jumping up to around 7,000 by 2025. Not only will these chargers be placed at more strategically key locations along the European motorway network, they will also be installed along important trunk roads and near major cities. In addition, existing charging sites located in areas that have high traffic levels and therefore increasing demand will also be upgraded with new charging points. These measures will significantly shorten overall charging and waiting times for customers at the busiest of locations.

This expansion will make it even easier for customers to locate ultra-fast 350kW chargers that are capable of charging vehicles such as the Kia EV6 electric crossover from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes.

As part of the network expansion, IONITY will look to acquire more of its own properties, and depending on the location, build and operate its own service stations. The company recently unveiled ‘Oasis’; a concept designed to showcase what the charging experience of the future could look like. The model featured charging stations that are covered from the weather elements and charging parks located alongside cafés, restaurants, and shops for added convenience and a better charging experience.

The IONITY network uses the leading European charging standard Combined Charging System (CCS) and is sourced by 100 per cent renewable energy. This means Kia drivers can use the IONITY charging network to travel emission-free and be carbon-neutral.

Jason Jeong, President at Kia Europe, commented: “As we look towards the phasing out of new IC engine vehicles over the next ten years, it is essential that drivers have access to an expansive and reliable fast-charging infrastructure. Our further investment in IONITY will see a significant expansion of ultra-fast chargers across Europe that will support our vehicles’ high voltage capabilities. As a result, more drivers than ever will be able to charge their vehicles quickly and easily for a seamless EV experience.”

Kia plans to offer 11 new EVs globally by 2026, including seven dedicated BEV models. The EV6 crossover launched earlier this year is Kia’s first dedicated BEV produced using the brand’s all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Its advanced 800V architecture enables a range of 100 kilometres in less than four and a half minutes via a 350kW charger, with up to 528 kilometres (328 miles) possible on a full charge.