Kia has introduced CarPay, a new in-car payment solution designed to simplify transactions for drivers, starting with the Kia EV3. This innovation allows Kia customers to handle payments directly through the Kia Connect App or the vehicle’s touchscreen.
Partnership with Parkopedia enables seamless parking payments
The initial application of CarPay is a collaboration with Parkopedia, enabling seamless in-car parking payments across 1.7 million on-street and off-street parking spots in 19 European countries. This feature offers drivers an easier way to locate and pay for parking spaces without leaving the car or handling separate apps.
Enhanced convenience for urban and EV drivers
According to Sjoerd Knipping, Vice President of Product & Marketing at Kia Europe, CarPay reflects Kia's commitment to enhancing customer convenience through expanding software capabilities. In busy cities, parking can be challenging, with millions of parking tickets issued annually due to limited availability. The need is even greater for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, with 49% of EV owners in major European countries reporting unexpected parking fines while charging.
Aiming to simplify parking with secure, in-car transactions
Hans Puvogel, COO of Parkopedia, emphasized that Kia CarPay aims to reduce time spent searching for parking and eliminate the hassle of using external parking apps or machines. By integrating Parkopedia services, drivers can access the nearest available parking, view costs, and make secure payments with a saved card on the navigation system.
Expanding CarPay to cover a broader range of services
Looking ahead, CarPay will extend to include a broader range of transactions, such as payments for various goods and services, making it a versatile tool within Kia’s expanding lineup of in-car features. As Olivier Pascal, Kia Connect’s Head of Connectivity, noted, “This is just the beginning,” with plans to make Kia CarPay a core component of a more connected and convenient driving experience.
