Kia and Hyundai have announced investments in IONITY, the European charging network established by BMW, Ford, Daimler, and VW. Hyundai Motor Group, which includes both Kia and Hyundai, will obtain equal shares in IONITY as those of founding partners.

Starting in 2021, Kia and Hyundai will equip EVs with 800-volt charging systems to accommodate IONITY’s maximum charging power of 350 kilowatts. Customers will be able to use IONITY’s HPC (high power charging) facilities.

IONITY currently has nearly 140 charging stations in Europe, and 50 more under construction. The company plans to expand its network to 400 fast charging stations by 2020, with an average of at least one site every 120 kilometers along major European highways.

By 2025, Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy 44 “eco-friendly” models, including EVs, hybrids, PHEVs and fuel cell vehicles.

“Our participation in this joint venture reaffirms the Group’s commitment to future electromobility,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive VP 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.”

Source: Kia