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Kia EV Access to Tesla Superchargers Delayed; Hyundai, Genesis Access Still on Track

kia ev9 land 2024 02 exterior charging scaled jpg 2024 Kia EV9 Land | Cars.com photo by Aaron Bragman

In September, Kia announced it was joining the growing list of automakers offering access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network for its EV6 and EV9 electric vehicles and listed Jan. 15 as the rollout date. That plan is now delayed.

Related: Hyundai, Genesis, Kia to Adopt Tesla EV Charging Standard

According to a press release, Kia has pushed the date back, saying access to the DC fast chargers is planned for the first quarter of 2025. The brand wasn’t specific about when during the first quarter rollout will begin or what caused the delay.

“I can confirm that there will be a slight delay in Kia’s Supercharger access,” James Bell, Kia head of corporate communications, told Cars.com. “We are committed to an exceptional ownership experience, and expansion of the network of available DC fast chargers for our EV customers is an important component of Kia’s growing leadership in electrified mobility.”

Kia’s original plan was to install Tesla charging ports (also called North American Charging Standard ports) on their vehicles from the factory beginning in the fourth quarter of 2024, and users could manage charging via the Kia Access app. This is instead of the awkward and cumbersome process of using a third-party adapter or finding a Tesla Supercharger with a Magic Dock connector. Then, beginning in the first quarter of 2025, Kia planned to make adapters available to its customers, allowing those with the existing Combined Charging System charge port to use Tesla chargers.

Kia’s adapter plans appear to be on track, however. According to the brand, it will provide free ones to those who got a new 2024 or 2025 EV9 or EV6 on or after Sept. 4, 2024. Drivers who took delivery of an EV6, EV9 or Niro EV before then can purchase adapters from an authorized Kia dealer. The adapter from the brand grants access to more than 16,500 NACS DC fast chargers.

When Will Genesis Get Access to Tesla Superchargers?

Although Kia’s plans are delayed, Kia’s parent company Hyundai and its luxury brand Genesis are on track with their Supercharger access. According to Amanda Niklowitz, product PR manager at Genesis, the brand’s timeline hasn’t changed.

“The first Genesis vehicle with a native NACS port will be the 2026 Electrified G80, which will be available at U.S. retailers this spring. Current Genesis EV owners will be able to receive a complimentary NACS adapter in Q1 of this year,” she said. Plans on this program will be released soon.

When Will Hyundai Get Access to Tesla Superchargers?

Similarly, Hyundai is also on track, with Public Relations Senior Manager Miles Johnson telling us the automaker isn’t expecting any delays and that model-year 2025 Ioniq 5s with the NACS port are already on sale. The Ioniq 9 is the next vehicle in line to get the NACS port straight from the factory.

Regarding Hyundai’s adapter plans, Johnson confirmed the automaker is still on track to roll out free adapters for existing EV owners and lessees, as well as those who purchase or lease certain new Hyundai EVs before Jan. 31. That rollout is still planned for the first quarter of 2025, and drivers will eventually be able to request a free NACS adapter via the MyHyundai ownership portal. However, until Hyundai is able to update its EV charging app to make it compatible with the Supercharger network, users will still have to control the Supercharger via Tesla’s app.

Until the adapter and software rollout, the Supercharger network won’t be available to Hyundai drivers unless you’re able to find a Supercharger with a Magic Dock connector, which are not everywhere and offer less than ideal charging, according to the experience of one of our editors.

Kia’s delay puts it behind some rivals. Many other automakers currently have Supercharger access, including Ford, Rivian, GM and Nissan; others, such as Volkswagen, are expected to join soon.

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Editor’s note: This story was updated Jan. 15, 2025, with further information from Hyundai.

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Jennifer Geiger
News Editor Jennifer Geiger joined the automotive industry in 2003, much to the delight of her Corvette-obsessed dad. Jennifer is an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. She wears a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan.
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