Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 Conduct Charging Trials at Tesla Stations

Hyundai and Kia Are Set to Embrace Tesla’s NACS Standard for EVs in the U.S.

If you’re holding off on purchasing your next Hyundai or Kia electric vehicle (EV) until they adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS), your wait might soon be over.

A pair of camouflaged Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 models were recently seen testing at a Tesla Supercharger equipped with Magic Docks near Ypsilanti, Michigan. Intriguingly, these vehicles were not using the Magic Dock’s Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors; instead, they sported native NACS inlets.

The Industry-Wide Shift To NACS

Last year, Ford surprised the auto industry by announcing its adoption of Tesla’s NACS inlet for its electric lineup. This move triggered a domino effect, with other automakers quickly following suit. As the industry converges on a standardized charging system, many manufacturers and charging providers have committed to adopting NACS.

Hyundai and Kia’s Transition From CCS to NACS

Currently, Hyundai and Kia EVs utilize the CCS standard, which requires a larger connector for public DC Fast Charging. However, the transition to Tesla’s sleeker, now-open NACS standard has been in the works for some time.

Both automakers confirmed in October 2023 that they plan to adopt the NACS standard, aiming for initial deployments in the fourth quarter of 2024. Recent sightings of these vehicles testing with NACS inlets suggest that the timeline is on track.

Kia’s Early Adopters: EV6, EV9, and Niro EV

The transition is set to begin with Kia’s EV6, observed in full camouflage at the Tesla Supercharger. Following the EV6, the EV9 and potentially the Niro EV are expected to feature native NACS support, highlighting Kia’s commitment to making this new standard the norm.

Hyundai’s E-GMP Platform Models Switching to NACS

Hyundai has confirmed that both the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 will come equipped with NACS. Future models on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, such as upcoming iterations of their Ioniq series, will also adopt this standard, signaling the end of CCS usage for Hyundai vehicles.

Supercharging Access Still a Hurdle

Despite vehicles being fitted with NACS inlets, Hyundai and Kia EVs equipped with adapters still don’t have access to Tesla’s Supercharging network. With scheduled launch dates approaching, both companies are likely conducting extensive quality assurance testing to ensure a seamless transition to NACS.

One potential obstacle is Tesla’s recent restructuring, which included layoffs within its Supercharging team. This has led to delays in network access for other automakers like General Motors, originally slated for "Spring 2024." Certain agreement details are still being finalized, according to industry insiders.

Looking Ahead

While General Motors continues to rely on its functional CCS ports for diverse charging networks, Hyundai and Kia’s transition to a NACS-native system is eagerly watched. Ensuring that their new EVs can seamlessly integrate with Tesla’s Supercharging network upon launch is paramount.

In summary, as Hyundai and Kia gear up to adopt the NACS standard, it’s clear that these developments mark a significant milestone in the EV industry’s move towards unified, efficient charging protocols. We’ll be closely monitoring these advancements and providing updates as they unfold.

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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi