Greenlots, a global provider of open standards-based technology solutions for electric vehicles (EV), announced today that is has expanded its existing partnership with Kia Motors America (KMA). Building on the companies' partnership in 2014 to provide Kia dealerships in California with SKY-enabled fast charge stations, the companies have launched a second rollout phase of DC fast-chargers (DCFCs) at select Kia dealerships in four new states, as well as in California. 

Greenlots will support the build out of charging infrastructure in Kia's expanded California EV dealer body and four new markets-- Texas, Georgia, Oregon and Washington-- which is key to providing EV drivers with a seamless experience to charge and go. This second rollout brings over thirty additional DC charging stations to 21 Soul EV-certified Kia dealers. Of the Kia EV dealers in the Pacific Northwest region, 12 will be located in Washington and eight in Oregon, shaping a critical charging network and increasing DCFC availability by 40 percent in the Seattle metro area and 15 percent statewide. The Kia dealerships that will receive DC fast chargers will increase Greenlots' overall network of fast charging to close to one-third of the DCFC North American market. 

"As more and more Soul EV drivers hit the road, Kia will remain committed to delivering both flexible and convenient access to public charging," said Orth Hedrick, VP of Product Planning, Kia Motors America. "This continuing partnership illustrates the growing importance of supporting electric vehicle drivers with convenient fast charging infrastructure to build range confidence."

Kia has expanded its partnership with Greenlots to continue offering flexible, on-the-go access to large networks of charging stations. Through the Greenlots partnership, Soul EV owners will be provided with a "Kia ChargeUp Card," giving them interoperable access to chargers across participating networks. 

"Consumer demand for Kia's Soul EV has extended well beyond California now, so we're pleased to be moving alongside Kia into new markets and dealerships, supporting their expansion with our open standards-based network," said Brett Hauser, CEO of Greenlots. "As demand continues to grow, interoperability will be essential to scaling EV infrastructure." 

The Greenlots SKY Smart Charging network has been designed to meet evolving needs for automakers and site hosts alike. Main features include: a variable pricing engine, a dashboard with real-time usage, tailored reports, easy payment options, and comprehensive support.