Kia to unveil NACS adapters for electric vehicles in the early part of 2025.
Kia, a leading automaker, has announced several initiatives aimed at improving electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and compatibility. The company's plans include the installation of high-powered chargers, the introduction of a North America Charging Standard (NACS) adapter, and partnerships with other automotive giants.
In a significant move, Kia plans to install a minimum of 30,000 high-powered chargers across North America, strategically located to cater to the needs of its growing EV customer base. This initiative is part of the Ionna joint venture, a collaborative effort that also includes BMW Group, Honda, Kia Corp., Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Kia's sister company, Hyundai.
When it comes to charging times, Level 2 chargers, which use the common J1772 connector, offer a significant advantage. These chargers support double the power output (240 volts vs 120 volts) compared to Level 1 chargers, resulting in quicker charge times. Kia plans to make fast chargers available as of January 15, 2025.
To address compatibility issues with Tesla's Supercharger network, Kia is offering a J1772 to NACS adapter to its customers. This adapter will allow NACS-equipped Kia EVs to AC-charge on existing Level 2 chargers, including Tesla's Superchargers. Kia drivers will be able to search and navigate to nearby chargers via their vehicle's infotainment screen or smartphone, including checking charger availability, status, and pricing.
Customers who received certain models after September 4 will receive an adapter for free next year. Specific model names eligible for the free NACS adapter have not been explicitly detailed, but they are expected to include Kia EVs from 2024 or earlier that are built on Hyundai/Kia's E-GMP platform, which supports charging at Tesla Superchargers via adapter.
Kia's announcement follows similar moves from General Motors and Ford Motor Co. earlier this year. Tesla made its NACS plug design available to third parties in November 2022, opening the door for such collaborations. Many companies see adapters as an interim charging solution until their NACS-equipped EVs hit the market in 2025.
It's worth noting that all EVs currently available in the U.S. have the ability to charge at either a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, according to the Department of Energy.
In summary, Kia's announcements aim to improve the charging infrastructure for its EV customers, ensure compatibility with Tesla's Supercharger network, and contribute to a more unified EV charging landscape in North America.
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