Kia America says its Plug & Charge capability is launching to streamline public charging by enabling automatic vehicle authentication and billing at compatible stations through Kia Charge Pass.
The feature is embedded in the brand’s connected vehicle platform and removes the need for apps or cards at the charger.
It would be available for eligible 2025 EV6 vehicles by the end of September and for eligible 2026 EV9 vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2025, with owners notified when activation is ready.
The function forms part of the Kia Connect suite and is switched on via the Kia Access app.
After activation, drivers plug in at a Plug & Charge-enabled station; the car and charger recognise each other, start the session and complete payment in the background using the account on file.
Kia said the process uses secure vehicle identity checks so only authorised cars can start charging, with billing handled automatically for a hands-free transaction.
Sujith Somasekharan, connected car & mobility director at Kia America, said: “With Plug & Charge, we’re making the EV experience more user-friendly than ever. Our goal is to make electrified mobility effortless, secure, and connected – and this technology brings us one step closer to that reality.”
Kia positions Plug & Charge as part of a wider push to link in-vehicle software, mobile services and charging-network partners into a more seamless EV ecosystem.
