Prior to H/EV Service, Make Sure the Battery Is Dead.
Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2026 12:41 pm
Do you know anyone else who has gone through this?
This isn't specific to any one model, but I just scheduled the fourth service for our Sportage PHEV at the dealership closest to us. This was done using an EMaC Service Plan that covered the fourth and fifth service, and it was done through the Kia UK website.
The dealer first confirmed my reservation with an email that included details about my vehicle and booking; the next day, I received an email with more general instructions about courtesy cars, collection and delivery fees, etc. Nothing out of the ordinary, but this paragraph (originally bold and annotated here) piqued my interest...
Remember to bring your service book and the key to the locking wheel nut.
Make sure the battery is fully charged for electric and hybrid vehicles before you come. This is essential for us to complete the job, and if the car isn't completely charged, we might not be able to move forward.
However, getting a completely charged battery to my destination isn't exactly a picnic. I could charge it up at home and then drive the 33 miles in "sport" mode, but even then, I wouldn't be guarantyd a completely charged battery.
This seemingly excessive request is not clarified in any way. Yes, I have responded and enquired as to the absolute necessity of this 100% battery charge demand.
It's clear that I care about other people's opinions.
This isn't specific to any one model, but I just scheduled the fourth service for our Sportage PHEV at the dealership closest to us. This was done using an EMaC Service Plan that covered the fourth and fifth service, and it was done through the Kia UK website.
The dealer first confirmed my reservation with an email that included details about my vehicle and booking; the next day, I received an email with more general instructions about courtesy cars, collection and delivery fees, etc. Nothing out of the ordinary, but this paragraph (originally bold and annotated here) piqued my interest...
Remember to bring your service book and the key to the locking wheel nut.
Make sure the battery is fully charged for electric and hybrid vehicles before you come. This is essential for us to complete the job, and if the car isn't completely charged, we might not be able to move forward.
However, getting a completely charged battery to my destination isn't exactly a picnic. I could charge it up at home and then drive the 33 miles in "sport" mode, but even then, I wouldn't be guarantyd a completely charged battery.
This seemingly excessive request is not clarified in any way. Yes, I have responded and enquired as to the absolute necessity of this 100% battery charge demand.
It's clear that I care about other people's opinions.