Kia Motors has announced the official launch of CarPay, an innovative in-car payment service aimed at providing drivers with convenient access to goods and services without ever having to leave their vehicle. CarPay’s initial feature, developed in collaboration with Parkopedia, allows drivers to locate and pay for parking spaces across Europe directly from their vehicle’s navigation screen. The service debuts with Kia’s new EV3 model, marking a significant step forward in Kia’s commitment to enhancing the driving experience through technology.
Revolutionizing Driver Convenience
According to Sjoerd Knipping, Vice President of Product & Marketing at Kia Europe, “In-car payment services represent a major advancement in customer convenience, as software and connectivity continue to expand what a vehicle can do.” CarPay addresses one of the most common and challenging aspects of city driving: finding and paying for parking. This convenient feature reflects Kia’s commitment to providing practical solutions to everyday challenges, especially in high-density urban areas where parking can be particularly difficult to secure.
Studies have shown that finding parking is a major source of stress for drivers, with 92% of individuals across France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US citing difficulties in locating available spaces. For EV drivers, the situation is often compounded by limited dedicated charging spots and unexpected parking fines. In fact, 49% of EV drivers across Europe reported receiving unexpected fines for parking at charging locations. By launching CarPay with Parkopedia’s services, Kia seeks to reduce these pain points, making driving and parking easier and more enjoyable for its customers.
Streamlined Parking Payments with Parkopedia Integration
With Parkopedia’s extensive network of over 1.7 million parking locations in 19 European countries, Kia CarPay offers users easy access to parking options, complete with detailed information on costs and space availability. Parkopedia’s real-time data integration into the car’s navigation system means drivers can quickly locate the nearest available parking spot at their destination, reducing the time spent circling to find a space. The secure, in-car payment capability means no additional apps or payment devices are required, as payments can be made directly through a stored payment card.
Initially, Parkopedia’s service focuses on outdoor and on-street parking, but future updates will expand coverage to indoor parking facilities such as garages, broadening parking choices for Kia users.
The Future of In-Car Payments and Connectivity
CarPay marks an important step toward Kia’s vision of an interconnected vehicle ecosystem. As in-car technology advances, Kia aims to expand CarPay’s capabilities, eventually covering a broader range of transactions from refueling and EV charging to other everyday expenses, all from the comfort of the driver’s seat. Olivier Pascal, General Manager and Head of Connectivity at Kia Connect, explained, “Bringing an easy and streamlined payment solution into the vehicle is just the beginning. CarPay will evolve to cover payments for numerous goods and services, providing drivers with even greater convenience and making every journey more enjoyable.”
With CarPay set to become a staple in future Kia models, the brand continues to push the boundaries of automotive innovation, delivering technology-driven experiences that prioritize both convenience and customer satisfaction.
