Kia’s NACS Adapters Rollout: Opening The Door To Tesla’s Supercharger Network

Kia is rolling out North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters, marking a transformative moment in the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape. The adapters, which will enable Kia EV owners to access Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, are now shipping to dealerships, though full network access remains just around the corner.

Kia has crafted a nuanced approach to adapter distribution. Owners of 2024 and 2025 EV6 and EV9 models who took delivery after September 4 will receive their adapters free of charge. These EV owners can expect a push notification in their Kia Connect app to claim their adapter. For other Kia EV owners, including those with earlier model deliveries and Niro EV models, the adapters will be available for $249 at dealerships.

This move is part of a broader industry trend dubbed the “NACS revolution.” Sparked by Ford’s initial adoption in 2023, nearly every major automaker has since announced plans to integrate Tesla’s charging standard. The charging system has been formalized as an SAE standard, moving beyond its original proprietary status.

The shift represents an “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” approach to replicating Tesla’s renowned charging experience. The NACS plug’s smaller, sleeker design offers a significant ergonomic improvement over the previously standard Combined Charging System (CCS) plug.

While adapters are shipping now, Kia EV owners will need to be patient about full Supercharger access. Originally slated for January 15, the rollout has been pushed to the latter part of Q1. A brief window where some owners found a workaround for network access was quickly closed, underscoring Kia’s dedication to a controlled, official integration.

Kia’s adapters come with a notable technical specification: they are rated at 350 amps, compared to the 500-amp rating of some other DC fast-charging adapters. This is specifically tailored to the EV6 and EV9’s 800-volt architecture, ensuring optimal charging performance.

Furthermore, Kia is set to fully embrace the NACS standard. Starting with 2025 models, the EV6 and EV9 will feature native NACS ports, eliminating the need for adapters. This move aligns with the industry’s broader shift towards standardizing EV charging infrastructure.

The adapter rollout represents more than merely a technical upgrade. It symbolizes a significant improvement in charging convenience and accessibility for Kia EV owners. Access to over 16,500 NACS DC fast chargers across the United States (U.S.) promises to make long-distance EV travel more seamless and reliable.

Read More: Kia EV9 GT: A High-Performance Family SUV Coming To Europe In 2025

As the EV charging landscape continues to evolve, Kia’s adapter strategy indicates the industry’s collaborative approach to solving infrastructure challenges. For Kia EV owners, the future of convenient, widespread charging is now tantalizingly close.

If you are looking for Kia models, we can help you get started. Click Here to find the best deals near you. Want to learn more about EV? Thinking of buying an EV? Head over to EV.com and discover more.