Together, your Alexa-enabled device and Kia vehicle are about to make your driving life more connected and more convenient. With UVO Skill, you’ll be able to set the temperature, flash the lights, lock doors, hit the horn, and start your vehicle from the comfort of your office or home.
“All that’s needed is a device with Amazon Alexa like Echo or Echo Dot and one of the following Kia vehicles with compatible UVO hardware: Niro PHEV, Soul EV, Optima PHEV and K900. UVO Skill set-up is easy via the Alexa companion app,” according to Kia.
Currently, only certain years of these models are possible to deliver the benefits of UVO Skill for Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. According to Kia, the 2018 Niro Plug-In Hybrid, the 2017 and 2018 Optima Plug-In Hybrid, 2017 and 2018 Soul EV, and the 2016 and 2017 K900 will support this new technology.
“We constantly strive to find new ways to make our vehicles more user-friendly,” says Orth Hedrick, vice president, planning & strategy, Kia Motors America. “The UVO Skill for Alexa makes it easier and more convenient for owners of compatible Kias to use their vehicles. The UVO Skill is one more enhanced feature that reflects Kia’s forward-thinking spirit.”
The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System and AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor, which is mated to a dual clutch six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic®.
The 2018 and 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid are equipped with a 2.0-liter I-4 Full Parallel Hybrid System and earn an EPA-estimated rating of 103 MPGe.
The 2018 Soul EV is powered by a 360-volt permanent magnet AC Synchronous electric motor and earns an EPA-estimated 111 mile range. The 2017 Soul EV earns a 93 mile range.
The 2017 Kia K900 has two engine options: a 3.8-liter V6 capable of generating 311 horsepower and a 5.0-liter V8 engine that churns out 420 horsepower.