The cocoon-like ambience of the cabin enables the driver to engage with the vehicle in a new and unobtrusive way. Presented via twin digital screens, a slimmed-down instrument panel delivers subtle levels of driver orientation, helping clear the mind from distractions and prepare for upcoming tasks.
The Concept EV4 comes with a new 'Mind Modes' feature that adjusts ambient lighting and animated ventilation patterns. In ‘Perform’ mode, the driver is presented with all the information they require to perform at their optimum and get the most out of their day. In contrast, ‘Serenity’ mode offers a range of digital graphics to create a more relaxed ambience for reflection and restoration.
Looking to help address the ongoing challenge of reliable and available charging infrastructure, the brand is actively expanding global charging networks. In North America, Kia has announced its decision to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its EVs starting from the fourth quarter of 2024. This move will grant Kia customers access to approximately 12,000 Tesla Superchargers.
As part of a coalition of six OEM groups, Kia is working to build 30,000 fast-charging stations across North America by 2030 to address charging accessibility concerns. In Europe, it has collaborated with four OEM groups to create IONITY, installing 2,800 fast-charging stations along key highways. The aim is to have a total of 7,000 operational stations by 2025, providing efficient charging options for the brand’s EV owners.
To accelerate the EV revolution and provide a diverse and comprehensive offer to all its customers, the brand will leverage all aspects of the customer journey, thus ensuring the adoption of EVs is as convenient and effortless as possible. This strategy involves optimising every single customer touchpoint, from pre-purchase to ownership experience.
In the first half of 2024, the 'Kia App' is scheduled for release, with the aim of offering customers with a comprehensive and hassle-free experience, from vehicle research and test drives to contract finalisation.
The app will include an AI chatbot to help customers with their questions and provide quick responses. It will also offer insurance premium discounts linked to insurance products. The standout feature of the app is the ‘E-routing’ function, which uses the current battery status of the vehicle to suggest the best route, considering charging stations. The app's home screen will display location-based information, like nearby restaurants, to improve the user experience. Customers can conveniently manage the charging port and monitor real-time charging status on the home screen using the 'Handle Layer' feature in the app.
Kia also aims to enhance offline customer experiences to highlight the advantages of EV models, with existing efforts like the 'Digital City Store' and 'EV Unplugged Ground' in Korea, as well as the 'City Store' located outside Korea. Future plans to establish exclusive EV stores in the United States, Europe, China, and India.
Harnessing virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies, the aim is to provide immersive experiences that motivate customers to engage more deeply with the products. Efforts will also focus on improving the customer service capabilities of global sales representatives in the EV sector and introducing product specialists tailored to specific regions, enabling personalised consultations and test drives aligned with each area's unique characteristics.
Kia is set to embrace generative AI technology to revolutionise the in-vehicle experience, including partnering with top generative AI model providers to roll out innovative services. This will allow customers to access a wide range of services like schedule management, electric vehicle route optimisation, travel planning, entertainment, and emergency support by simply engaging in conversations with the generative AI assistant.
Generative AI technology will debut in the 2024 EV3 model, with subsequent integration into the EV4 and EV5, and continuous enhancements via over-the-air updates.