Kia to install NACS adapters for electric vehicles by early 2025
Kia Expands EV Charging Options with NACS Adapters
Kia, a popular automobile manufacturer, has announced that it will offer North America Charging Standard (NACS) adapters for its EV6 and EV9 models, enabling Kia EV owners to access thousands of additional charging locations across the U.S.
According to the Department of Energy, all EVs currently available in the U.S. have the ability to charge at either a Level 1 or Level 2 charger. The new adapters will allow Kia customers to charge at over 16,500 additional locations, including Tesla's Superchargers, once they become available.
The move follows similar announcements from General Motors and Ford Motor Co. earlier this year, as companies seek to address the growing need for widespread EV charging infrastructure. Kia's decision to adopt the NACS standard is particularly significant, as it is a joint venture involving BMW Group, Honda Kia Corp., Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and now Kia and sister company Hyundai. The joint venture plans to install a minimum of 30,000 high-powered EV chargers in strategic locations across North America.
The adapters will enable NACS-equipped Kia EVs to AC-charge on existing Level 2 chargers using the same J1772 connector, but with the added benefit of faster charge times. Level 2 chargers use the same connector as lower-output Level 1 chargers, but they support double the power output (240 volts vs 120 volts), resulting in much quicker charge times.
In addition, Kia EV owners will be able to pay for charging sessions via the "Kia Access vehicle app" once a vehicle software upgrade is rolled out early next year. They will also be able to search and navigate to nearby chargers, including checking charger availability, status, and pricing, via their vehicle's infotainment screen or smartphone.
Customers who received vehicles earlier must purchase one from a dealer, while those who received certain models after September 4 will receive an adapter for free next year. Tesla made its NACS plug design available to third parties in November 2022, paving the way for this development.
Kia plans to make fast chargers available as of January 15, 2025. The automobile manufacturers involved in the Ionna EV charging station joint venture are now BMW, Ford, and Volkswagen, expanding charging station capabilities for each manufacturer. This latest announcement from Kia is a step forward in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, providing customers with more charging options and greater convenience.
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