The EV3, South Korean automaker Kia’s latest electric car model, is shown at a media unveiling event in Seoul on May 23, 2024. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 22 (Korea Bizwire) –Kia Motors, the South Korean automaker, announced on August 21 a comprehensive plan to address safety concerns and boost customer confidence in its electric vehicles (EVs).
The initiative, dubbed the Electric Vehicle Customer Care Plan, includes several key measures aimed at enhancing safety and transparency for Kia’s EV customers.
Effective immediately, Kia will send text messages to customers when the Battery Management System (BMS) detects any battery anomalies. This real-time alert system is designed to keep drivers informed about their vehicle’s battery health and prompt timely interventions when necessary.
The company is also offering a free EV Safety Inspection Service, which covers nine critical components, including the high-voltage battery condition, water-cooling system, and external damage.
This service is available through Kia’s nationwide after-sales network, with the added benefit of complimentary battery pack replacement if a problem is confirmed within the warranty period.
Effective immediately, Kia will send text messages to customers when the Battery Management System (BMS) detects any battery anomalies. (Image courtesy of Hyundai Motor)
Kia is strengthening its Members Basic Inspection service, which provides annual free check-ups for vehicles that are less than eight years old. As part of this enhancement, customers will now receive a diagnostic report on battery performance.
To address concerns about battery damage from external impacts like speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, technicians will explain the condition of the battery case during these inspections.
In a move to stay at the forefront of EV technology, Kia plans to implement advanced BMS monitoring technology across its entire EV lineup. This includes instant and micro short-circuit detection technology, which will be applied to newly sold vehicles and gradually rolled out to existing EVs through software updates by the end of the year.
A Kia spokesperson emphasized the robustness of the company’s battery packs, stating, “Kia’s battery packs undergo various mechanical tests from the design stage, including impact, drop, and crush tests, ensuring there’s no risk of fire from normal driving impacts.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
