Islamabad, Sep 26: Kia has announced a significant upgrade for its electric vehicle owners, set to take effect on January 15, 2025. Starting on this date, owners of Kia’s EV9 and EV6 models will gain access to over 16,500 Tesla Superchargers across the United States.
Customers who purchased these models after September 4, 2024, will receive free North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters, while those with older models will need to purchase the adapters at an undisclosed price.
The free NACS adapters are expected to start shipping to eligible customers in early 2025. Current Kia EV owners can also buy these adapters through authorized Kia dealers, although the sales release date has yet to be confirmed.
This strategy aligns with a recent announcement from General Motors, which set a $225 price for its NACS adapter for customers seeking access to Tesla’s charging network.
Looking ahead, Kia plans to equip future electric models with native Tesla connectors. To ensure compatibility with existing CCS-based DC fast chargers and level 2 AC chargers, the automaker will also offer adapters.
Furthermore, Kia intends to implement a software update in early 2025 that will facilitate in-car payment and charging directly through the vehicle’s infotainment system, enhancing the overall charging experience for its EV customers.
Kia and its sister company Hyundai were among the last major automakers to adopt Tesla’s NACS connector, joining the ranks of Ford, Rivian, and GM, all of which have already integrated Tesla Supercharger access into their EV offerings.
This strategic move positions Kia to leverage Tesla’s extensive charging infrastructure as the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise rapidly.
