If you’re a Kia EV owner eagerly awaiting access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network, there’s been a slight hiccup. Initially scheduled for January 15, Kia’s rollout of Supercharger compatibility has been delayed, leaving owners waiting until later this quarter for official support. While some drivers had discovered a clever workaround, that loophole is now closed, marking another twist in the North American EV industry’s transition to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS).

The Journey Toward NACS Adoption
Over the past year, the adoption of NACS has been a major development in the EV world. Originally pioneered by Tesla, this charging standard has been gaining widespread acceptance, with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) officially recognizing it. Several automakers, including Volkswagen, Honda, and now Kia, have announced plans to adopt NACS, signaling a broader shift in the EV charging landscape.
In September, Kia excitedly shared plans to provide its vehicles with Supercharger access by January 15, 2025. Unfortunately, unforeseen delays mean owners will now have to wait a bit longer for the integration to roll out. While disappointing, the wait comes with the promise of smoother compatibility and better long-term performance.
The Loophole That Almost Worked
In the meantime, some creative Kia EV6 owners discovered a temporary solution. Since Kia and Hyundai share the same E-GMP platform for their electric vehicles, owners found that by selecting “Hyundai” in the Tesla app and using a third-party adapter, they could charge their Kia EV6 at Tesla Superchargers.
This clever workaround allowed some drivers to access Tesla’s charging network for a brief period. However, Tesla appears to have closed this loophole. Many Kia owners have reported receiving an error message when attempting to charge, stating, “Unknown error occurred – Your vehicle is not able to charge at Superchargers at this time.”
Why the Loophole Closed
One key reason for shutting down the loophole could be the use of third-party adapters. While these adapters make it possible to connect non-Tesla vehicles to Superchargers, they’re not officially approved by either Tesla or Kia. Automakers, including Kia, are understandably cautious about using non-verified equipment, especially when it comes to critical components like the EV battery.
Kia issued a statement emphasizing this concern:
“Warranty coverage may be impacted by the use of third-party or aftermarket adapters. We expect to have our authorized version available in late Q1 2025.”
It’s worth noting that warranty laws can be complex, and automakers may face legal limitations on how they enforce such policies. Still, for peace of mind, it’s best to wait for the official adapter to avoid any potential warranty issues.
A Look at Supercharger Access Challenges
Kia isn’t the first automaker to face hiccups with Supercharger access. Back in November, Tesla prematurely announced that Nissan vehicles could use Superchargers, only to later retract the statement due to technical issues. Today, Nissan has resolved those challenges, and its vehicles are charging smoothly on the network.
The transition to a standardized charging system like NACS is no small feat. With numerous brands joining the fold, occasional delays and technical glitches are to be expected. However, the long-term benefits of a unified charging standard far outweigh the short-term inconveniences.
What’s Next for Kia EV Owners?
The good news is that when Kia EVs, particularly the 2025 Kia EV6, gain Supercharger access, they’re expected to deliver exceptional charging performance. The EV6’s sibling, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, has already demonstrated faster charging speeds than some Teslas, even when using Tesla’s Superchargers. With a similar platform and capabilities, the Kia EV6 is poised to impress once it joins North America’s largest charging network.
For those interested in owning one of the fastest-charging EVs available, the 2025 Kia EV6 comes equipped with a native NACS port, eliminating the need for adapters and ensuring seamless compatibility with Tesla’s Superchargers. If you’re thinking about making the switch to an EV or upgrading your current vehicle, this model is worth keeping an eye on.
Why This Matters for EV Owners
For EV enthusiasts aged 35 to 50, this story highlights a key trend shaping the future of electric transportation. The transition to NACS represents a significant step toward simplifying EV charging. A unified standard not only makes charging more accessible but also eliminates the confusion of juggling multiple connectors and adapters.
This evolution is especially important as EVs become more mainstream. With more automakers like Kia, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Honda adopting NACS, drivers can look forward to a more cohesive and convenient charging experience.
While delays are never ideal, the move toward NACS compatibility is a positive step for Kia and the broader EV community. Once fully integrated, Kia EVs like the 2025 EV6 will benefit from Tesla’s expansive and reliable Supercharger network, making long-distance travel and everyday charging more convenient than ever.
If you’re considering an EV that combines cutting-edge technology, impressive charging speeds, and access to one of the largest charging networks in the world, the 2025 Kia EV6 is a solid choice. Be sure to check with local dealers for availability and get ready to embrace a smoother, greener future on the road!
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