Kia Charge 4+

Pulling together disparate charging networks across Europe into one app with integrated payment is a promising start. Unclear why there is a 49p premium above normal contactless payment options.

Missing the following to make it better integrated with the EV experience

- no network access fee
- route planning
- integrated to car play
- integrated to the car’s normal satnav (send to car option for example)
- auto identify the car on charger connection so you simply plug in and charge (no need for contactless payment card, charge card not app activation)

The app may be good or bad, but I have never actually been able to try it properly. I created an account, logged into it and tried to order the card in “Easy” it took my cc details then returned me to cc page. Tried a few times then called help desk in I assume Germany. Not helpful. I was told to try a browser other than safari as that may not work!! An app loaded from Apple App Store. They told me to send screenshots and use another browser and that my account didn’t exist (had just logged into it) asked to be transferred to 2nd line support and speak to guys supervisor- said he couldn’t do either. Eventually was sent an email with an apology.

Hopeless. Would like to use it but support hopeless and not pleasant at all- come on Lia you can do better (although there UVO app is badly designed and full of bugs so maybe not surprising)

Avoid

I was recommended this app by a Kia Customer Services (renowned for not having a clue when it comes to their electric vehicles) and found that my two closest charging points (Shell Recharge and the relatively newly installed PodPoints) don’t even appear on the map!

And it has a serious user interface issue, in that you have to individually select the operators - all 600+ in Europe just in case one of them might be one of the ones nearby that you’d like to use.

I didn’t even get as far as the 59p surcharge mentioned in other reviews - which I also find disappointing since I was told it’d be cheaper than using the individual operator’s apps (by the infamously knowledgable Kia Customer Services again). I’ll just stick to ZapMap and the various different apps for the various operators.

Thanks anyway Kia. Why not have a go at using your own cars so you’re able to give your customers some useful info?!