Kia EVs to Get Tesla Supercharger Access in March 2025

Introduction

Kia’s electric vehicles, including the EV6 and EV9, will finally gain access to Tesla’s Supercharger network in March 2025. Originally slated for January, the rollout has been delayed as Kia finalizes its NACS-to-CCS1 adapter distribution.

This move follows the trend of automakers adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), ensuring their vehicles can use one of the largest and fastest charging networks available.

Kia’s Supercharger Access and Adapter Details

Kia EV owners will need an NACS-to-CCS1 adapter to charge at Tesla Superchargers. The company has started sending these adapters to dealerships, where they will be provided for free to customers who purchased an EV6 or EV9 on or after September 4, 2024. Other owners can buy the adapter from dealerships.

Meanwhile, Hyundai, Kia’s sister brand, has already begun shipping 2025 Ioniq 5 models with built-in NACS ports, while older Hyundai EVs are already compatible with Superchargers via an adapter.

Charging Speed Concerns

The NACS adapters provided by Kia are reportedly rated for 1000 volts but only 350 amps—lower than similar adapters from other manufacturers, which usually handle 500 amps. While this should be sufficient for Kia’s EVs, compatibility issues may arise with non-Kia vehicles using the adapter.

Kia has stated that these adapters are “engineered to meet Tesla’s charging specifications” and have been tested for use with Kia EVs. However, the company warns that using third-party adapters may void warranty coverage if charging-related issues arise.

Workarounds and Tesla’s Response

Some Kia EV owners have already been able to charge at Superchargers using third-party NACS adapters. A loophole allowed Tesla’s app to mistake Kia EVs for Hyundai models, as the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 share the same E-GMP platform. However, recent reports suggest that Tesla may have closed this loophole, preventing unauthorized access.

Conclusion

Kia’s delayed Supercharger access brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. While it will provide greater charging convenience, concerns remain regarding charging speeds and compatibility.

As more automakers adopt Tesla’s NACS, the transition period for EV owners will be crucial in determining the future of charging infrastructure. Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for the latest updates on EV charging and automotive technology.

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