Here’s a surprising truth for Hyundai and Kia electric vehicle (EV) owners: despite having access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network, using it might not be your best bet for a quick charge. Yes, you read that right. While the convenience of Tesla’s widespread chargers is undeniable—especially now that Hyundai and Kia’s latest models come factory-equipped with Tesla-style charging ports—there’s a catch. And this is the part most people miss: your Hyundai or Kia EV could charge significantly slower at a Tesla Supercharger compared to other networks. Let me break it down for you, so you can save time and frustration at the charging station.
If you’re new to the EV world, charging speeds can feel like a maze of technical jargon. But here’s the gist: Hyundai and Kia’s newest EVs, like the Kia EV6, EV9, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, 6, and 9, are built on the E-GMP platform, which supports charging speeds well over 200 kW. In fact, the Ioniq 5 has been known to hit over 260 kW—impressive for a non-luxury EV. But here’s where it gets controversial: Tesla Superchargers, designed for Tesla’s 500V system, don’t fully leverage the 800V capability of these Hyundai and Kia models. The result? Slower charging speeds, even though the Supercharger itself is capable of delivering up to 250 kW.
Take the 2024 Kia EV6, for example. In our tests, it only managed a measly 97 kW on a Tesla Supercharger—less than half its peak potential. Even newer EV6 models fare slightly better at around 120 kW, but that’s still a far cry from what they’re capable of. The Ioniq 5 and EV9? Limited to 126 kW on Superchargers. So, while Tesla’s network expands your charging options, it’s not always the fastest choice.
But why does this happen? It boils down to voltage. Hyundai and Kia’s E-GMP platform operates at 800 volts, which allows for faster charging and greater efficiency. Tesla’s Superchargers, however, are designed for 500V systems. To bridge this gap, Hyundai and Kia vehicles use a voltage booster, but it’s not enough to unlock their full charging potential. This isn’t just a Hyundai and Kia issue—other 800V vehicles like the Porsche Taycan and Lucid Air face similar challenges.
So, where should you charge instead? Head to Electrify America stations, especially those rated at 350 kW, or try Ionna Rechargeries, which are increasingly popping up across the country. These networks are better equipped to handle 800V systems, allowing your Hyundai or Kia to charge at or near its maximum speed. For instance, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 can hit 80% charge in just 24 minutes on the right charger—but that stretches to 40 minutes at a Tesla station. On a long road trip or a busy workday, those extra minutes add up.
But here’s the bigger question: Why is this happening, and what does it mean for the future of EV charging? Tesla’s recent shift to its North American Charging Standard (NACS) port has made life easier for Hyundai and Kia owners, but it’s also highlighted the growing pains of a fragmented charging ecosystem. While Tesla’s V4 Superchargers promise better compatibility with higher-voltage vehicles, they’re still rolling out slowly. In the meantime, you might need to experiment with different chargers in your area to find what works best for your car.
And this is the part most people miss: the transition to Tesla’s charging standard isn’t as seamless as it seems. If you’re using a CCS-to-NACS adapter, you might encounter additional speed bumps. It’s a reminder that while standardization is progress, it’s not without its challenges.
So, what’s your take? Do you find Tesla Superchargers convenient despite the slower speeds, or are you sticking to other networks for faster charging? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Got an EV ownership story to share? Reach out to the author at Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com. And if you’re curious about what’s next for InsideEVs, take our quick 3-minute survey here.
— The InsideEVs Team
