- Kia will offer NACS adapters for EV6 and EV9 models in early 2025, providing access to over 16,500 DC fast chargers and Tesla Superchargers in the U.S.
- Three adapter types will be available, enabling Kia EVs to charge on different networks, including CCS and J1772.
- Starting January 15, 2025, Kia EV owners can use the Kia Access app to find and pay for charging at compatible stations.
Having reliable and widespread charging options is essential as electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular. Starting in early 2025, Kia will provide North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters for its EV6 and EV9 models. While this is a positive step, it highlights a big issue: why isn’t there already a strong, standardized charging network in place in 2024?
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Kia’s Free NACS Adapter Unlocks 16,500 Chargers
If you’ve just purchased a 2024 or 2025 Kia EV9 or Kia EV6, you’ll receive an NACS adapter free of charge, granting you access to more than 16,500 NACS DC fast chargers, including the Tesla Superchargers, across the U.S. But why stop there? If Kia can make this leap, why are other automakers still holding back innovation by taking a slow, piecemeal approach to charging standards?
“Offering NACS adapters is a great way to open up a vast number of charge points across North America, expanding Kia-accessible DC charge points by more than 83 percent,” said Eric Watson, VP of Sales Operations, Kia America.
This is a step in the right direction, but it also highlights a glaring issue: the lack of a cohesive, nationwide charging infrastructure that all EV owners can rely on. EVs should be able to charge seamlessly across different networks. Yet, the reality remains fragmented, forcing consumers to navigate a confusing maze of incompatible or broken chargers and paywalls.
Why Early Adopters Deserve Equal Access to Fast Charging Networks
But if you took delivery of your Kia EV6, EV9, or Niro EV before September 4, 2024, you’ll need to purchase an adapter from an authorized Kia dealer at a later date. Why should early adopters be left behind, as if they’re stuck with outdated tech? The future of mobility should include everyone, making sure that every EV driver, whether you bought your car in 2020 or 2025, has equal access to essential infrastructure.
Here’s where things get even better: starting January 15, 2025, Kia EV owners can use this vast network of DC fast chargers, making it easier for them to travel longer distances and take road trips with the convenience they need.
Kia’s EV6 RWD Light Long Range delivers an impressive 310 miles of range on a single charge, according to EPA estimates. Now, with access to a vast network of Tesla Superchargers and other DC fast chargers, range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past. However, this shouldn’t be seen as a special feature, it should be the standard.
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Why EV Drivers Deserve a Unified Charging Network
It’s about time we addressed the elephant in the room: consumer choice. Why should EV drivers be restricted to a patchwork of charging options that vary not just by brand but also by geography? We need to be investing in a truly national charging infrastructure that allows all EVs, regardless of make or model, to charge anywhere, anytime. The key to expanding EV adoption is creating a standardized charging ecosystem that eliminates the confusion and hassle of incompatible chargers.
This push for standardization is for making things easier, fairer, and more accessible. The EV market has struggled for too long with complicated rules and scattered regulations that often benefit corporations more than consumers. While the approval of the SAE J3400 standard (NACS) is a significant move in the right direction, it’s just the beginning. Automakers, policymakers, and charging network operators need to come together and back a unified plan that truly prioritizes consumer needs.
Kia EV Owners to Gain Access to Three NACS Adapters in 2025
And what does this mean for you as a Kia EV owner? Starting in early 2025, you’ll have access to three types of NACS adapters: NACS to CCS1, CCS1 to NACS, and J1772 to NACS. This ensures that you can plug into almost any charging station you encounter, whether it’s a Level 2 charger in a parking garage or a Level 3 charger on a long road trip. And with the Kia Access app, you’ll be able to find, navigate to, and pay for charging, all through your vehicle’s infotainment screen or your smartphone. A popular charging app EV owners also use is Chargeway.
These options give you the freedom to choose your own way. You’re no longer limited by outdated standards or a lack of infrastructure. Instead, you’ll have the ability to explore new places and discover just how far an EV can take you.
It’s time for automakers to catch up with consumer expectations. As Kia and other automakers lead the way with its NACS adapters and seamless integration with both existing and future charging infrastructure, the remaining manufacturers need to follow suit. We deserve more than compatibility—we deserve a future where access to a reliable charging network is a given, not an upgrade.
Kia EV Lease and Finance Deals
If you’re thinking about getting a new Kia EV, now is the perfect time. Kia is offering some great deals on the 2024 and 2025 EV6 and EV9 models, with attractive lease and finance options. You can lease a Kia Niro EV for as low as $169 per month on a 24-month term, an EV6 for $179/month for 24 months, or take advantage of a 0% APR for 60-72 months financing on select EV models.
The road ahead is clear: we must demand more from the industry—more transparency, more innovation, and most importantly, more options. The NACS adapter is proof of what can happen when consumer rights and advanced technology come together. We need to keep this progress going because the future of EVs, and our ability to travel freely, depends on it.
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IMAGES: ELECTRIFY EXPO, KIA
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