Kia AI Chatbot: Ask Your Car Anything and It Will Answer You

The automotive landscape is evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation is the integration of ChatGPT-powered chatbots.

Kia, for instance, is integrating the power of AI chatbots into its app so that future electric vehicles would benefit. Amazingly, you can even ask your car some questions if that's what you want thanks to this innovation.

Kia Unveils AI Chatbot For Next-Gen EVs

Kia, a prominent name in the automotive world, is the latest entrant to embrace the potential of chatbots. According to a report by Autoevolution, the company is set to launch a new mobile app, slated to be available on both iPhone and Android platforms next year. This app will introduce an AI assistant designed to offer smart, conversational experiences.

The automaker says that the 2024 EV3 will be the pioneer of this innovative approach, with other Kia models set to follow suit.

Chatbots can replace human interaction seamlessly. They engage in informative and interactive conversations, providing users with comprehensive information about their vehicles.

The depth of integration varies, but these chatbots can offer a range of services, from decoding fault codes and scheduling service appointments to delivering emergency support.

What Kia Envisions About its AI Assistance

Kia's AI assistant is poised to offer an array of functionalities, making it an indispensable addition for users. Expect features like schedule management, electric vehicle route optimization, travel planning, entertainment, and crucially, emergency support.

Users will access these services through the mobile app, which requires smartphone connectivity to the vehicle.

E-Routing for EVs

Kia's new app is tailor-made for electric vehicles (EVs) and includes a feature called E-Routing. With E-Routing, drivers can monitor their current battery range, locate nearby charging stations, and receive optimized route suggestions to conserve power.

The app also streamlines access to nearby points of interest, including restaurants. Kia's aim is clear - to bring convenience and power optimization to users' fingertips, enhancing the EV experience.

Kia's AI-driven chatbot is undoubtedly the crown jewel of its new app. While the technology is promising, it's essential to acknowledge that it doesn't address all of Kia owners' concerns, particularly those who have experienced the infamous "Kia Boyz" troubles.

The AI chatbot feature is indeed made for EVs yet Kia's VP of Marketing and Product, Sjoerd Knipping told TechRadar that it would still work with any Kia vehicles with OTA (over-the-air) module.

"That is what's great about OTA updates, we can bring some of these new features to existing models, so customers get the same experiences as those buyers of the new EV range. With the new app, we can offer the customer much more and generally make the ownership experience a lot simpler and more convenient," he said.

Kia Owners' Concerns

Not long ago, a viral photo revealed the ongoing concerns with Kia vehicles and the "Kia Boyz" phenomenon.

A Kia owner, who had recently reclaimed their stolen car using the notorious TikTok hack, resorted to a "Kia starter pack" for added security.

This starter pack included an AirTag for remote tracking, GPS tracker stickers for all windows, and a steering wheel lock to thwart potential thieves. These actions underline that while chatbots are a positive step, they may not entirely alleviate the concerns of Kia owners.