Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid charger: which one fits best?
The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid charges at home at up to 3.3 kW through a Type 2 connector. Its onboard charger, the converter built into the car, draws 15 amps on a single phase. That means it uses one live conductor of the grid. On a 13.8 kWh battery, more charging power would add nothing.
That works in your favour. Even a basic charger already delivers the full charging power the car can take. Every Kia charges at its own power, which is why our overview of Kia EV chargers lists the advice per model.
For the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid we recommend a charger from our 11 kW EV chargers.
Charging specifications of the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 13.8 kWh (around 11 kWh usable) |
| Max. AC charging power (home) | 3.3 kW, single-phase at 15 A |
| Electric range (WLTP) | around 57 km on the WLTP cycle, the European test standard |
| Charging time on a charger | approx. 3.5 hours for the usable 11 kWh, a little over 4 hours for the full battery |
| Connector | Type 2 |
| DC fast charging | not available |
Why a heavier charger does not charge it faster
The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid accepts 3.3 kW at most, and that sets the charging speed, not the charger. Put an 11 kW or 22 kW EV charger next to it and the car still charges at 3.3 kW. Your car is the ceiling, and a heavier charger changes nothing about that.
An 11 kW charger can still be the smart choice. It delivers three phases of 16 amps each, and your Sorento takes 15 amps from one of them. It loses nothing. Switch to a fully electric car later and you are ready straight away. Many recent EVs charge at 11 kW on three phases, so you do not buy a charger twice. Compare the 11 kW EV chargers in our range.
Which charger fits the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid?
Because the Sorento charges at 3.3 kW, a basic charger is technically enough. The important choice is therefore not the power but the features. Three of them are worth weighing for this car.
A charger with a MID meter has a certified kWh meter built in. It records what went into your car, separate from your household use. You then know exactly what charging costs you.
An EV charger with an app lets you start and follow a session from your phone. A solar EV charger runs on the surplus from your own panels, which suits a small battery well.
The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid has a Type 2 connector. To charge it away from home you need a separate Type 2 charging cable. At home you charge through the charger's own fixed connection.
If none of those features matter to you, a simple model from our home EV chargers already gives the Sorento its full 3.3 kW.
How long does the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid take to charge?
At 3.3 kW the usable 11 kWh takes about 3.5 hours. Count on a little over 4 hours if you go by the full 13.8 kWh. Plug the Sorento in during the evening and you drive off fully electric the next morning. That is good for around 57 kilometres of range.
An ordinary wall socket delivers 2.3 kW. The same usable 11 kWh then takes close to five hours, roughly an hour and a half longer. A fixed charger is safer and more convenient for daily use.
Other Kia plug-in hybrids and EVs
Wallbox Discounter has a separate page with charging advice for most Kia models. The models below have a comparable charging profile.
- Kia Niro PHEV, a plug-in hybrid with a comparable charging profile
- Kia Optima PHEV, a plug-in hybrid saloon
- all Kia models, the full overview with charging information
Frequently asked questions
Does the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid need a three-phase supply?
No. The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid charges at 3.3 kW on one phase. Most home electrical panels handle that without trouble, including an existing single-phase supply. A qualified electrician can confirm what your installation allows. A three-phase supply only becomes interesting if you want your charger ready for a fully electric car later on.
Why does a MID meter matter for the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid?
A MID meter is a certified kWh meter that records your charging accurately. It separates what you charge from the rest of your household use. You then know exactly what a full battery costs you, instead of estimating it.
Can I charge the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid faster with a 22 kW charger?
No. The car accepts 3.3 kW at most, so a 22 kW charger is just as fast as a simple one. We always recommend having the connection made by a qualified electrician. It is safer, and in several countries the work behind the meter may only be done by a registered installer, so check what applies where you live. Not sure which charger fits? Ask us by phone or WhatsApp for free advice.