Kia Offers Free NACS Charging Adapters to Select EV Customers
Kia is making a significant move in the electric vehicle market by offering a series of charging adapters to its EV customers starting in 2025. This decision comes as the automotive industry shifts away from the Combined Charging System (CCS) port, which is currently used by the majority of electric vehicles, in favor of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port pioneered by Tesla. With most automakers set to adopt the NACS port in vehicles assembled in 2025, Kia is ensuring that its customers are equipped to handle this transition.
Free Adapters for Select Kia EV Owners
Owners of the Kia EV6 and EV9 SUVs who purchased their vehicles after September 4, 2024, will receive a NACS-to-CCS adapter for free early next year. This offer applies to 2024-model EV6s and both 2024 and 2025 model EV9s. Kia is also planning to offer adapters that will allow future NACS-equipped Kias to charge on CCS chargers and J1772 Level 2 AC chargers. This move is aimed at ensuring that Kia EV owners have access to a wide range of charging options as the industry landscape evolves.
Three Types of NACS Adapters Offered
Kia is offering three different types of NACS adapters to cater to the needs of its diverse customer base. The NACS-to-CCS adapter will enable current Kia electric vehicles to utilize the NACS-style DC fast-chargers that are expected to roll out across the country in the next year, as well as existing Tesla Superchargers. Additionally, the CCS-to-NACS adapter will allow future Kia EVs, equipped with the NACS port, to charge on the CCS-equipped fast-chargers currently found at charging stations operated by companies like Electrify America and Chargepoint. Lastly, the J1772-to-NACS adapter will enable owners of NACS-equipped Kia EVs to charge on existing Level 2 AC chargers.
Kia is also implementing a vehicle software upgrade that will enable Kia EV owners to pay for charging via the Kia Access app starting in early 2025. This update will also allow owners to search for and navigate to chargers through the infotainment screen or the app, providing them with valuable information such as charging availability, status, and pricing. Kia is committed to enhancing the charging experience for its customers and ensuring that they have the tools they need to seamlessly transition to the NACS standard.
As the automotive industry continues to embrace electric vehicles and move towards standardized charging protocols, Kia’s initiative to offer free NACS adapters to select EV customers is a commendable step towards ensuring a smooth transition. By providing these adapters and implementing software upgrades to enhance the charging experience, Kia is demonstrating its commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation in the EV market. Owners of Kia EV6 and EV9 SUVs who purchased their vehicles after September 4, 2024, can look forward to receiving their free adapters in early 2025, setting them up for a seamless transition to the NACS standard. Kia’s proactive approach to adapting to industry changes and prioritizing customer needs positions the company as a leader in the electric vehicle market.
