KIA Joins With Amazon To Make Home EV Charging Easy

KIA has become the second car company to team up with Amazon to simplify the installation of home charging equipment for its electric car customers. Audi was the first to do so last year. Making the process simple and seamless is a good way to encourage more people to join the electric car revolution.

According to Engadget, KIA buyers can now choose an at-home charging station and then schedule an installation with a licensed local electrician through Amazon Home Services. That convenience is just what the doctor ordered for those who might be on the fence about purchasing an electric car. One call does it all. No soliciting bids from several contractors, no applying for building permits from local authorities. Buy the car, call Amazon, done.

KIA owners will be able choose a $764 charger from Bosch, KIA’s official partner, or an Alexa-enabled Chargepoint charger for $699, or a WiFi enabled unit from JuiceBox for $549. This is an untapped market so far, with few manufacturers stepping up to help EV buyers get the home chargers they need installed.

Amazon is out front and leading the parade while others in the electric car sphere are still napping. Aggregate sales of chargers and installation services is a marketplace just begging for someone to take advantage of the opportunity. So far, Amazon is the only one that wants to seize the moment. Being the leader may encourage other car makers to sign on with Amazon as well, which gives Amazon an entry into a lot of homes with lots of potential new customers.