Hyundai has made a significant move to expand its electric vehicle (EV) customers' charging options, announcing that it will provide free CCS to Tesla NACS adapters to eligible owners starting in early 2025. This move will enable Hyundai EVs to access over 20,000 Tesla Supercharger stations across the country.
The free adapter offer is available to customers who purchased or leased their Hyundai EVs on or before January 31st, 2025. The eligible models include 2024 and earlier Kona Electric, Ioniq hatchback, Ioniq 5, and Ioniq 6, as well as the 2025 Ioniq 6, 2025 Ioniq 5 N, 2025 Kona Electric, and Genesis brand EVs. Customers can request the free adapter through the My Hyundai owner portal.
In addition to the adapter offer, Hyundai's 2025 Ioniq 5 will be the first non-Tesla EV to feature a native Tesla NACS port, allowing it to charge seamlessly at Supercharger stations. According to Tesla, it has already enabled Supercharger access for the 2025 Ioniq 5, which means owners of this model will not need an adapter to use the charging network.
Hyundai's sister brand, Kia, is also following suit, offering free NACS adapters to some of its EV owners starting in early 2025. This move is likely to increase competition in the EV market, as more manufacturers seek to provide their customers with convenient and widespread charging options.
The expansion of charging infrastructure and the increasing adoption of standardized charging ports are crucial for the growth of the EV market. Hyundai's move to provide free NACS adapters and integrate native Tesla ports into its vehicles is a significant step forward in this direction, making it easier for EV owners to charge their vehicles on the go.
As the EV market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other manufacturers respond to Hyundai's move. With the increasing focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, the expansion of charging infrastructure and the adoption of standardized charging ports are likely to play a critical role in shaping the future of the automotive industry.