Tesla Superchargers Open to Kia—Are You Eligible?

Kia (000270.KS) has officially announced that starting January 15, 2025, its electric vehicles will gain access to over 16,500 Tesla (TSLA) Superchargers across the U.S. But there’s a catch—only certain owners will get free adapters.

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For those who bought a Kia EV6 or EV9 after September 4, 2024, a free NACS adapter will be shipped to them early in 2025. For everyone else, including earlier EV owners, there will be a yet-to-be-determined cost.

Free Adapters… but Only for Some

Kia’s announcement is a welcome relief for those who want to tap into Tesla’s vast charging network, but not every Kia EV owner will be thrilled. The NACS (North American Charging Standard) adapter will be free for buyers of new EV6 and EV9 models purchased after September 4.

These adapters will allow Kia EVs to charge at Tesla’s DC fast chargers, opening up thousands of additional charging points.

If you bought your Kia EV before this date, however, you’re going to have to pay. While the price hasn’t been revealed yet, it’s worth noting that General Motors (GM) is charging its customers $225 for a similar adapter. Kia hasn’t given specifics, but it’s safe to assume the cost won’t stray too far from that figure.

Charging Flexibility Coming Soon

For those who like options, Kia is rolling out three types of adapters. The NACS to CCS1 adapter will enable existing Kia EVs to charge at Tesla Superchargers, while a CCS1 to NACS adapter will allow future NACS-equipped Kia EVs to charge at CCS-based DC fast chargers.

There’s also the J1772 to NACS adapter, which allows for charging at Level 2 AC chargers. Essentially, Kia wants to cover all the bases to ensure its EV owners have as much flexibility as possible when charging.

This is big news for EV owners who are constantly searching for available charge points, as these adapters open up an extensive network of charging stations.

In a world where access to charging can be a dealbreaker for potential EV buyers, this move by Kia could help sway some minds.

Software Updates and Simplified Charging

In early 2025, Kia will introduce a software update that will make paying for and locating chargers even easier. Once installed, Kia EV owners will be able to find and pay for charging directly through their in-car infotainment system, integrating this with the Kia Access app.

This added convenience allows drivers to seamlessly search for available chargers, check prices, and navigate to the nearest station—all from the dashboard or smartphone.

This move is aimed at simplifying the often-clunky process of finding and using EV chargers, giving Kia owners more confidence in their ability to travel longer distances without worrying about how to charge along the way.

Kia’s Push into Tesla’s Territory

It’s worth noting that Kia wasn’t the first to jump on the NACS bandwagon—companies like Ford (F), GM, and Rivian (RIVN) beat them to the punch. But Kia is now catching up, and this partnership with Tesla Superchargers could be a game-changer for its EV lineup.

Access to Tesla’s robust charging network is a significant perk, especially for potential buyers who are on the fence about making the switch to electric.

Kia’s VP of sales, Eric Watson, emphasized the importance of this move, saying, “Offering NACS adapters is a great way to open up a vast number of charge points across North America, expanding Kia-accessible DC charge points by more than 83 percent.”

That’s a major expansion that could alleviate range anxiety for Kia EV owners, allowing them to travel further with confidence that a fast charger is always within reach.

What About Speed?

One lingering question remains: How fast will Kia EVs charge at Tesla Superchargers? While Tesla’s chargers are famously quick, they currently lack 800-volt technology—something that Kia EVs like the EV6 and EV9 are designed to take advantage of.

As a result, Kia owners may not experience the same lightning-fast charging speeds they would get from an 800-volt charger, as Tesla’s Superchargers use a 400-volt system. Kia has yet to confirm the exact charging speeds, but it’s something to keep in mind if rapid charging is a top priority.

Charge Complete

Kia’s decision to offer Tesla Supercharger access and adapters to its EV customers is a step forward in the electrification race, even if the rollout has a few caveats.

With a broader charging network available, plus the added convenience of paying and finding chargers through the in-car system, Kia owners are about to get a serious upgrade. While not everyone will get a free adapter, the expanded access to over 16,500 fast chargers is still a huge win for all Kia EV drivers.