Kia EVs Power Up: Free NACS Adapters & Tesla Charging 2025
Published: September 25th, 2024.
Kia has officially announced that their electric vehicle (EV) owners will gain access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network starting on January 15, 2025. The automaker has also revealed plans to provide free North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters to certain EV6 and EV9 owners, enhancing charging options for Kia’s growing EV customer base.
Free NACS adapters for select EV6 and EV9 owners
In their press release, Kia stated that free NACS adapters would be available to customers who purchase a 2024 or 2025 EV6 or EV9 on or after September 4, 2024. These adapters will allow them to use the Tesla Supercharger network once the system becomes accessible to Kia vehicles in January 2025.
However, not all Kia EV owners will receive the adapter at no cost. For those who purchased an EV6, EV9, or Niro EV before the September 4 cut-off date, the NACS adapter will be available at authorized Kia dealerships. Kia has not yet released specific pricing information for the adapters, but a comparison can be drawn with General Motors, which is offering its NACS to CCS1 adapter for $225.
Kia expects to begin distributing the free adapters in early 2025. In addition to the NACS to CCS1 adapter, Kia will offer two other types of adapters: a CCS1 to NACS adapter, which will enable Kia EVs equipped with NACS ports to charge on CCS1 DC fast chargers, and a J1772 to NACS adapter, designed for AC charging at Level 2 chargers.
Enhanced charging experience with the Kia Access app
To further streamline the charging process, Kia is working on a software update for early 2025 to integrate charging management into their Kia Access app. This update will allow EV owners to search for available charging stations, check charger status, and pay for charging directly through the app or their vehicle’s infotainment system.
By offering a unified platform for locating and paying for charging, Kia aims to simplify the process for their customers and eliminate the need for multiple apps when using Supercharger stations. This update aligns with Kia’s broader goals of enhancing the overall EV ownership experience.
A major step for Kia’s EV expansion
Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales Operations for Kia America, emphasized providing a superior charging experience for Kia’s EV customers. “Offering NACS adapters is a great way to open up a vast number of charge points across North America, expanding Kia-accessible DC charge points by more than 83 percent,” said Watson. He highlighted that Kia’s EVs are already known for their range, with the EV6 RWD Light Long Range boasting an EPA-estimated 310 miles on a full charge.
Kia’s decision to adopt Tesla’s NACS system follows similar moves by other automakers, including Ford and General Motors, as the industry coalesces around Tesla’s charging infrastructure. Ford was the first major automaker to gain Supercharger access, with GM following suit recently. Kia’s announcement ensures their place among the growing list of automakers embracing Tesla’s network.
For EV6, EV9, and Niro EV owners who took delivery before September 4, 2024, Kia confirmed that they would have the opportunity to purchase a NACS adapter later, though no specific timeline has been provided for this rollout.