Kia Optima EV charger: overview per version

Kia sold the Optima as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in two versions. Both charge through a Type 2 connection, the standard connector used by European cars and EV chargers. The main difference is the battery: the saloon has a smaller battery than the estate. This makes little difference to charging power, because both versions accept a maximum of 3.7 kW. Wallbox Discounter has a separate page for each version with specific charging advice. Our overview of Kia EV chargers also shows the charging specifications of other Kia models.

For the Kia Optima, we recommend a charger from our range of 11 kW EV chargers.

Versions of the Kia Optima

Which EV charger suits you best depends on your version. Below you can compare the charging specifications and go directly to the page with specific charging advice.

Which EV charger suits the Kia Optima?

Both versions charge at a maximum of 3.7 kW on a single phase. A basic EV charger is therefore sufficient. A more powerful 11 kW or 22 kW charger will not charge your Optima any faster because the car itself sets the limit. Choosing an 11 kW EV charger can still be a sensible choice if you want to be prepared for a future fully electric car with a higher charging capacity.

When comparing chargers, look for a built-in MID meter. This is a certified kWh meter that records the electricity used for charging separately from the rest of your household consumption. This makes it easy to see exactly how much electricity your car uses. Our EV chargers with a MID meter start at 11 kW.

At 3.7 kW, an overnight charging session is usually enough to fully recharge the battery, so timing can be more important than additional charging power. An EV charger with an app lets you schedule charging for the hours when your electricity is cheapest. Our range of EV chargers for the home brings together models designed for convenient daily charging at a fixed location.

How long does the Kia Optima take to charge?

You can estimate the charging time by dividing the battery capacity by the charging power. The Optima PHEV with its 9.8 kWh battery takes roughly 2.5 hours at 3.7 kW. The estate with its 11.3 kWh battery takes about 3 hours at the same charging power. In practice, allow a little extra time because some energy is lost during charging.

DC fast charging is not available on this plug-in hybrid. The Optima has a Type 2 connection, like most modern EV chargers. With a charger that has a fixed cable, the cable is already attached. A separate Type 2 charging cable is useful when charging at public charge points or when using a charger with a socket.

Charging information per version

Wallbox Discounter has a separate page with specific charging advice for both versions of the Kia Optima:

• Kia Optima PHEV, the saloon with the 9.8 kWh battery
• Kia Optima Sportswagon PHEV, the estate with the larger 11.3 kWh battery

Frequently asked questions about the Kia Optima EV charger

Do I need a fast EV charger for my Kia Optima?

No. Both versions charge at a maximum of 3.7 kW, so a basic charger is sufficient. A more powerful charging station will not make the car charge faster because the Optima sets the limit itself. If you expect to switch to a fully electric car later, an 11 kW EV charger can still be the more future-proof choice.

Why does a MID meter matter on a Kia Optima charger?

A certified MID kWh meter accurately records the electricity used for charging at home, separately from the rest of your household consumption. This makes it easier to see exactly how much electricity your car uses and what charging costs you.

Should I have the EV charger installed?

We always recommend having the connection installed by a qualified electrician. This is safer and can also be important for your insurance. Wallbox Discounter arranges installation in the Netherlands, Flemish Belgium and Germany. We ship worldwide, but outside those three countries you arrange the installation yourself.