Kia Supercharger Access Delayed: What EV6 and EV9 Owners Need to Know?

Kia has delayed its planned rollout of Tesla Supercharger access for EV6 and EV9 owners from January 15, 2025, to the first quarter of 2025. While the brand has not specified a reason for the delay, its plan to provide adapters for existing owners remains on track. This news places Kia behind its corporate siblings, Hyundai and Genesis, and rivals like Ford and GM, which already offer Supercharger access. This guide details the updated timeline, explains how to get an adapter, and clarifies the situation for other Hyundai Motor Group brands.

What is the New Timeline for Kia Tesla Supercharger Access?

Initially announced for a January 15, 2025 launch, Kia's access to Tesla's vast DC fast-charging network has been postponed. According to a press release and confirmation from Kia head of corporate communications, James Bell, the new rollout window is the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025), which spans January through March. The brand was not specific about a precise date within that quarter or the cause of the delay.

The delay affects the software integration that will allow Kia EVs to initiate and pay for charging sessions directly through the Kia Access app. This seamless experience is a key part of the promised "exceptional ownership experience." For now, the physical hardware plans appear unchanged. Kia still intends to begin installing the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port—the charging connector used by Tesla—directly on its vehicles from the factory starting in the fourth quarter of 2024 for future model-year vehicles.

How Can Current Kia EV Owners Get a Tesla Supercharger Adapter?

For the over 16,500 Tesla Superchargers equipped with NACS, current Kia EV owners will need an adapter. Kia's adapter distribution program is a critical part of this transition and, importantly, it seems to be proceeding as scheduled.

• Free Adapters: Kia will provide a complimentary adapter to customers who purchased or leased a new 2024 or 2025 EV9 or EV6 on or after September 4, 2024.
• Purchasing Adapters: Owners who took delivery of an EV6, EV9, or Niro EV before September 4, 2024, will be able to purchase an adapter from an authorized Kia dealer.

This adapter will grant access to Tesla's extensive network of fast chargers, significantly increasing the public charging options for Kia EV drivers without a native NACS port.

Are Hyundai and Genesis Also Delayed?

In contrast to Kia, its sister brands within the Hyundai Motor Group are reportedly on track with their Supercharger access plans. This highlights that the delay is specific to Kia's implementation.

• Genesis: According to Genesis Product PR Manager Amanda Niklowitz, the timeline is unchanged. The first Genesis EV with a native NACS port will be the 2026 Electrified G80, arriving in spring 2025. Furthermore, current Genesis EV owners will receive a complimentary NACS adapter in the first quarter of 2025.
• Hyundai: Hyundai is also on schedule. Miles Johnson, Hyundai's Senior Manager of Public Relations, confirmed that model-year 2025 Ioniq 5 vehicles with the NACS port are already on sale. The rollout of free adapters for existing eligible Hyundai EV owners and lessees is still planned for Q1 2025, requestable via the MyHyundai portal.

A key distinction for Hyundai: until the brand updates its charging software, owners using an adapter will need to control the charging session through the Tesla app, rather than Hyundai's integrated app.

What Does This Delay Mean for Kia EV Owners?

The delay means Kia EV owners will have to wait a bit longer for the most convenient form of Tesla Supercharger access. While the adapter program is moving forward, the full, seamless experience via the Kia Access app is now expected in early 2025.

For immediate charging needs, Kia owners are not entirely locked out of the Supercharger network. They can seek out the limited number of Tesla Superchargers equipped with a Magic Dock, a built-in CCS adapter. However, based on our assessment experience, these stations are not yet widespread and the charging process can be less intuitive than using a native Tesla or a fully integrated system.

What Should Kia EV Owners Do Now?

Based on our assessment experience, Kia EV6 and EV9 owners should keep the following points in mind:

• Confirm Eligibility: If you purchased your EV after September 4, 2024, you are likely eligible for a free adapter. Stay tuned for official communication from Kia on how to claim it.
• Monitor Official Channels: The most accurate updates will come directly from Kia via its official website, owner's portal, or the Kia Access app.
• Explore Current Options: Continue using other DC fast-charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint while waiting for Supercharger access to be fully implemented.
• Understand the Adapter Process: Remember that even with the adapter, the simplest "plug and charge" experience may not be available until the Kia Access app software update is complete.

The delay is a setback for Kia's electrification plans, but the broader move to NACS is a significant positive for the entire EV industry, promising greater convenience and a more unified charging experience for all electric vehicle drivers in North America.