Summary
- Hyundai revealed the Ioniq 9, a three-row electric SUV that comes with the Tesla-designed NACS port from the factory
- The NACS port allows Ioniq 9 drivers to access Tesla’s charging stations without an adapter
- Other major automakers are also switching to NACS to gain Supercharger access, with Ford, Rivian, General Motors, Volvo, and Polestar already having access using adapters
- The Ioniq 5 crossover was the first non-Tesla EV with a built-in NACS port and will be available later this year
- Hyundai’s Ioniq 9, the larger three-row SUV, will go on sale next spring with a native NACS port, although a dongle may still be needed for non-Tesla stations
Article
Hyundai Reveals Ioniq 9, a Three-Row Electric SUV
Hyundai recently unveiled the Ioniq 9, a stylish and spacious three-row electric SUV that is equipped with the Tesla-designed North American Charging Standard (NACS) port straight from the factory. This move puts Hyundai ahead of the curve in terms of integrating the NACS port into their electric vehicles.
Dongle-Free Tesla Supercharging with Hyundai Ioniq 9
The upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 9 will come with the Tesla-designed NACS plug, allowing drivers to access Tesla Superchargers without the need for an adapter. Unlike other non-Tesla EVs that rely on the Combined Charging System (CCS), the Ioniq 9’s NACS port enables seamless charging at Tesla’s widely available charging stations.
Transition to NACS by Major Automakers
Major automakers are making the switch to the NACS port to gain access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Brands like Ford, Rivian, General Motors, Hyundai, Volvo, and Polestar are all in the process of integrating the NACS port into their electric vehicles. Hyundai’s 2025 Ioniq 5 crossover is among the first non-Tesla EVs with a built-in NACS port, offering compatibility with Tesla Superchargers.
Challenges of Navigating Between Charging Standards
While the shift to the NACS port is a significant step forward for the EV industry, it also presents challenges as the sector continues to evolve. Owners of vehicles with native NACS ports may still require adapters to charge at non-Tesla stations, highlighting the ongoing need for standardization in EV charging infrastructure.
Expanding the Reach of Electric Vehicle Charging
With more automakers adopting the NACS port and gaining access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, the EV charging landscape is becoming more accessible and interconnected. The integration of standardized charging ports across different brands paves the way for a seamless charging experience for electric vehicle owners.
Looking Ahead to a Unified Electric Vehicle Ecosystem
As Hyundai and other automakers embrace the NACS port and expand access to charging networks, the vision of a unified electric vehicle ecosystem is becoming a reality. By standardizing charging infrastructure and eliminating the need for adapters, electric vehicle manufacturers are working towards a future where EV charging is convenient and hassle-free for all drivers.
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