Hyundai and Kia Switching to NACS Charging Ports by End of 2024
Legacy Brands Embracing NACS Standard
Many well-established car manufacturers have initiated the transition from the existing CCS charging port to the NACS (North American Charging Standard) plug used by Tesla. Companies like GM, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz have already made the switch or are in the process of doing so. Now, Hyundai and Kia have joined this trend, with the Korean brand announcing that its electric vehicles in the U.S. will be equipped with NACS plugs by the end of 2024.
The Shift to NACS Port
The initial Hyundai EV expected to come with NACS compatibility is the Ioniq 7, and subsequent models like the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 produced after Q4 2024 will also feature this upgrade. This change will provide Hyundai’s customers access to over 12,000 Tesla Supercharger stations, significantly expanding their charging options. Canadian customers will follow suit in the first half of 2025 to avail of NACS and Supercharger compatibility.
Support for Existing CCS-Equipped EVs
Acknowledging current Hyundai EV owners, the company plans to launch an adapter in Q1 2025 enabling them to use Superchargers, aligning with the shift towards a more standardized charging infrastructure.
Expansion of Supercharger Network
Opening our Supercharging network to additional electric vehicles directly supports our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy,” stated Rebecca Tinucci, senior director of Charging at Tesla, welcoming Hyundai’s adoption of the North American Charging Standard.
Kia Following Suit
Similarly, Kia will equip its upcoming EVs, including the Niro EV, EV6, and future EV9 models, with NACS ports after Q4 2024. Kia customers can anticipate adapters in Q1 2025, along with the added convenience of Tesla’s Supercharger autopay system through the Kia Connect app.
Enhancing Customer Experience
This transition to NACS will undoubtedly benefit Hyundai and Kia customers by expanding their access to charging infrastructure. With Tesla’s Supercharger network recognized as a significant advantage in the EV market, extending this benefit to customers of other brands is likely to expedite the adoption of electric vehicles among traditional car buyers. Hyundai’s recent collaboration with GM, BMW, and Mercedes to establish a new North American charging network further underscores the commitment to bolstering the EV ecosystem.
Conclusion
The move by Hyundai and Kia to embrace the NACS standard signals a positive shift towards a more unified charging infrastructure, benefitting customers by enhancing charging accessibility and convenience, contributing to the broader adoption of electric vehicles.
FAQ
1. What is NACS, and why are Hyundai and Kia switching to it?
NACS stands for North American Charging Standard, the plug type used by Tesla. Hyundai and Kia are transitioning to NACS to provide their EV customers with access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, thereby expanding their charging options and enhancing convenience.
2. When will Hyundai and Kia start equipping their EVs with NACS ports?
Hyundai plans to introduce NACS ports in its electric vehicles in the U.S. by the end of 2024. Kia will follow suit, with its EVs launching after Q4 2024 featuring NACS compatibility.
3. Will current Hyundai and Kia EV owners be able to use Superchargers with the new NACS ports?
Yes, Hyundai and Kia have announced plans to provide adapters for current and future EV owners, enabling them to access Tesla’s Superchargers, emphasizing a seamless transition and enhanced charging experience for existing customers.
