The recent introduction of the 2026 Kia EV9, equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, has enabled owners to access over 21,500 Tesla Supercharger stations across the United States. This enhancement aims to ease charging concerns for long-distance travel. During a week-long press loan of the EV9, challenges arose when attempting to charge at a Tesla Supercharger, raising questions about the reliability of charging infrastructure for non-Tesla electric vehicles.
With a range exceeding 300 miles and a spacious interior, the Kia EV9 has garnered attention since its launch last year. It was a finalist for the InsideEVs Breakthrough Awards, thanks to its comfortable ride and competitive pricing. The 2026 model further improves upon its predecessor, featuring faster charging capabilities thanks to Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, which is also used in other models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
Charging Experience at Tesla Supercharger
During a charging test at a Supercharger station in Harrison, New York, the EV9’s performance was scrutinized. The vehicle was expected to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 34 minutes, but the session turned complicated due to initial connectivity issues with the Tesla app. Unlike Tesla owners who benefit from a straightforward plug-and-charge experience, EV9 drivers must utilize the Tesla app to initiate charging, a process that was problematic during this test.
The first attempt at charging resulted in an error message indicating a charging issue. After trying a different charging stall and experiencing similar errors, the solution was to restart the vehicle, which eventually allowed the charging to commence. Once initiated, the vehicle successfully charged at a rate of around 126 kilowatts, reaching 80% in approximately 36 minutes, with a cost of about $43 at a rate of $0.59 per kilowatt-hour.
While the ultimate charging speed met expectations, the initial struggles highlighted potential shortcomings in the transition to the new NACS infrastructure. This experience coincided with a widespread outage of Amazon Web Services, which affected various apps and services, suggesting that external factors may have contributed to the app’s erratic behavior.
Future of EV Charging Infrastructure
Although subsequent charging sessions at different Tesla Supercharger locations were trouble-free, the initial complications raise concerns about the readiness of the NACS system for non-Tesla vehicles. As manufacturers continue to roll out the NACS standard, it is essential to address these hiccups to ensure a seamless charging experience for all electric vehicle drivers.
The rollout of advanced charging stations capable of faster charging speeds is underway, with V4 cabinets supporting higher voltages beginning to appear. These developments may further enhance the charging experience for Kia EV9 owners and others in the future.
As the market for electric vehicles expands, the demand for reliable and efficient charging infrastructure will only increase. It is crucial for automakers like Kia and Tesla to collaborate and refine their systems to provide a smooth experience for all users. Until such improvements are made, electric vehicle owners may still encounter obstacles in their charging journeys.
