Kia is taking a step forward in enhancing the driving experience for electric vehicle (EV) owners in the UK. The car manufacturer has announced a free over-the-air software upgrade for its existing EV models, which includes an EV route planner feature. This new feature aims to make EV driving more convenient and efficient by automatically detecting charging stations along a route and adding them as waypoints.
The EV route planner is designed to address one of the main concerns for EV owners – range anxiety. With this feature, Kia’s EVs can determine if the battery levels aren’t sufficient to reach the destination and will alert drivers to a selection of charging stations around them. This ensures that drivers have access to charging options when needed, giving them peace of mind during their journeys.
But the benefits of the EV route planner don’t stop there. Kia’s software update also includes the ability for the car to automatically start the battery conditioning process before it arrives at a charging station. This helps to ensure that the battery charges as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimizing charging time and maximizing driving time.
The EV route planning mode is based on an advanced algorithm that takes into consideration various factors such as the state of charge, Live Charging points of interest information, current energy consumption, topography, weather conditions, and traffic. By considering these factors, the algorithm can provide accurate and reliable route planning, optimizing the driving experience for EV owners.
Another notable addition to Kia’s software update is the Soundhound music discovery service. This feature allows the car to identify songs played on the radio and download song title and artist information from the server, displaying them on the car’s screen. This enhances the entertainment experience for drivers, making it easier for them to discover and enjoy their favorite music while on the road.
In terms of availability, the software update is applicable to a wide range of Kia models, including the Carens, Ceed, EV6, Niro, Optima, Picanto, Rio, Sorento, Soul, Sportage, Stinger, Stonic, Venga, and Xceed. For 2022 model year and later vehicles, the update will be available over-the-air. However, for older models produced before 2022, the update can be obtained manually through Kia’s Navigation Updater Portal.
Kia’s commitment to providing software updates for its EV models demonstrates its dedication to continuously improving the driving experience for its customers. By adding features like the EV route planner and Soundhound music discovery service, Kia is staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology and convenience.
The introduction of the EV route planner is a significant step forward in addressing range anxiety and making EV driving more accessible and convenient. With this feature, Kia EV owners can confidently plan their journeys, knowing that they have access to charging stations along the way. Additionally, the automatic battery conditioning process ensures that charging is efficient and quick, minimizing downtime and maximizing driving time.
Overall, Kia’s free over-the-air software upgrade is a welcome addition for EV owners in the UK. With features like the EV route planner and Soundhound music discovery service, Kia is enhancing the driving experience and making EV ownership more enjoyable. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, it’s reassuring to see car manufacturers like Kia actively working towards improving the EV driving experience.