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Prior to H/EV Service, Make Sure the Battery Is Dead.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2026 12:41 pm
by DavidJones82
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.

Re: Prior to H/EV Service, Make Sure the Battery Is Dead.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2026 12:41 pm
by SteveRulz23
I just wanted to mention that the Kia dealership near me has chargers for my hybrid electric vehicle.

Re: Prior to H/EV Service, Make Sure the Battery Is Dead.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2026 12:42 pm
by SteveRulz23

Re: Prior to H/EV Service, Make Sure the Battery Is Dead.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2026 12:42 pm
by DavidJones82
Is it out of the ordinary for dealers to have chargers? I just want to make sure they will be available when I go. When fully charged, how long does it take? Can you tell me how much more this will cost? Does it truly have to be there?

Re: Prior to H/EV Service, Make Sure the Battery Is Dead.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2026 12:43 pm
by PaulTaylor90
Just because a hybrid vehicle's battery can never be fully charged unless it's a plug-in HEV doesn't make it any less ridiculous. Incredible that car lots can (or at least believe they can) impose their will on buyers. As a result of many corporate service providers' newfound "customers are such a nuisance" attitude.

Re: Prior to H/EV Service, Make Sure the Battery Is Dead.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2026 12:44 pm
by JamesWilson75
A mountain of garbage. I am unsure of what tasks would necessitate a full charge. It is not even necessary to check the state of health of the battery to do that.
There is only one way to charge a car to 100% capacity... 🤢
No mention of the three services on HEV and three on EV. Actually, EV only had half of the required funding.

Guess who this dealer is?

Re: Prior to H/EV Service, Make Sure the Battery Is Dead.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2026 12:44 pm
by DavidJones82
The Clarks of Kidderminster, from whom I have always received first-rate assistance. Signed by their service manager, the email was generic. Here is my response to that email: "Your confirmation of my reservation is greatly appreciated. We are talking about a Sportage PHEV here.

I saw the bolded paragraph that says electric and hybrid car owners have to have a full tank of petrol when they show up; is this really necessary? It's not something any of the previous three services have ever requested of me, and it's going to be really challenging to accomplish.

I would greatly appreciate your guidance.

Best regards.

Once they respond, I will provide an update.

Re: Prior to H/EV Service, Make Sure the Battery Is Dead.

Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2026 12:45 pm
by vendimoto55
Some individuals may have shown up with no or almost no money, which could cause problems.
Therefore, the dealer's response was a generic letter that went in the opposite direction.