Kia has appointed Pod Point as its official home charging point provider, for its range of plug-in hybrid and electric models.

As part of the arrangement, Pod Point will install smart charging units for the car maker’s customers throughout the UK.

Kia has one of the largest ranges of plug-in vehicles currently available in the UK. Its latest model, the e-Niro, has a range of 282 miles and is prices from £32,995.

Dealers also offer the Optima Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid, Niro Plug-In Hybrid and Soul EV.

Helen Mutter, general manager of planning and programmes at Kia Motors, said: “As a brand we want to ensure that our plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle customers have access to the best homecharging solution to maximise the enjoyment of their car.

“Pod Point impressed us with the quality of smart homechargers and the team’s commitment to excellent customer service. We’re looking forward to working with them as we roll out one of the most ambitious electrification strategies in the industry.”

All of Pod Point’s current range of homechargers are smart as standard, which has a number of benefits, including over the air updates, and the capability to remotely diagnose and fix simple problems.

As of July 2019, only smart chargers will be eligible for the Office of Low Emission Vehicle’s (OLEV) homecharge grant, which provides £500 off the cost of purchasing and installing a home charging point for drivers with an eligible vehicle.