Are you ready to unlock more charging possibilities for your Kia EV? Charging your Kia at a Tesla Supercharger is now a reality for many Kia owners, significantly expanding your fast-charging options on the go. While it might seem a bit daunting at first, the process is actually quite straightforward. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Confirm Compatibility and Gather Your Gear
Before you head out, it's crucial to ensure your Kia EV is compatible and that you have the necessary equipment. Not all Tesla Superchargers are open to non-Tesla EVs, and not all Kia models are immediately ready without a specific adapter.
Sub-heading: Check Your Kia Model's NACS Compatibility
Kia has made great strides in adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS), the charging connector used by Tesla.
Newer Kia Models: If you own a 2025 model year Kia EV6 or a 2026 model year EV9, your vehicle may come standard with a NACS charging port, meaning no adapter is required for direct Supercharger access!
Existing Kia Models (EV6, EV9, Niro EV): For existing models like the 2022-2025 Kia EV6, 2024-2025 Kia EV9, and 2019-2025 Kia Niro EV, you'll likely need a NACS to CCS1 adapter. Kia has even offered free NACS adapters for certain EV6 and EV9 owners who took delivery between September 4, 2024, and January 2, 2025. Check your Kia Access app or Owner Portal for details!
Sub-heading: Obtain a NACS to CCS1 Adapter
If your Kia EV isn't NACS-equipped, an adapter is your key to accessing the Supercharger network.
Kia-Approved Adapters: Kia advises using their official NACS adapters, which are designed and tested for Kia EVs. Using other adapters might void your warranty for related repairs.
Third-Party Adapters: Several third-party NACS to CCS1 adapters are available from brands like Lectron and A2Z EV. These adapters typically have ratings of 500 amps and 1000 volts, allowing for fast charging speeds. Just be aware of Kia's stance on non-approved adapters.
Step 2: Download the Tesla App and Set Up Your Account
The Tesla app is your gateway to initiating and managing charging sessions for non-Tesla EVs at Superchargers.
Sub-heading: Install and Create Your Profile
Download the App: Get the Tesla app (version 4.30.5 or later) from your device's app store (iOS or Android).
Create an Account: If you don't already have one, create a Tesla account. This is a quick and simple process.
Add Vehicle Details: In the app, select "Charge Your EV" and tap the "Add Your Vehicle Details" banner. You'll input your Kia's make and model. You don't need to provide a VIN.
Set Up Payment: Add a preferred payment method to your Tesla account. A temporary authorization hold may be placed on your payment when a session begins.
Step 3: Find a Compatible Supercharger Station
Not all Tesla Superchargers are open to non-Tesla vehicles. You'll need to use the Tesla app to find compatible locations.
Sub-heading: Utilize the Tesla App's Map
Open the Tesla App: Launch the app and tap "Find a Charger" or use the interactive map.
Filter for Compatibility: The app will display Supercharger locations. Ensure you're looking for "All EVs Superchargers" (which feature a "Magic Dock" adapter provided at the charging post) or "NACS Superchargers" (if your vehicle is NACS-equipped or you have your own NACS adapter). The app will filter out Tesla-only Superchargers based on your vehicle details.
Check Availability: The app also shows real-time availability of stalls at each Supercharger site, helping you avoid queues.
Step 4: Initiate the Charging Session ⚡
Once you've arrived at a compatible Supercharger, the physical connection and app interaction are key.
Sub-heading: Parking and Plugging In
Park Smartly: Supercharger cable lengths are designed for Teslas, which often have their charge port in a different location than Kias. You might need to park in a way that allows the cable to reach comfortably, sometimes even taking up two spots if necessary. This is generally accepted for non-Teslas.
Connect the Adapter (if needed): If your Kia uses a CCS1 port, firmly attach your NACS to CCS1 adapter to your Kia's charging port.
Grab the Supercharger Cable: Take the Supercharger cable from the stall.
Plug In: Connect the Supercharger cable (with the adapter, if applicable) into your Kia's charging port. Ensure it's fully seated and locked.
Sub-heading: Start Charging via the Tesla App
Select the Stall: In the Tesla app, select the specific Supercharger post (identified by a unique label like "4A" at its base) that you're plugged into.
Tap "Start Charging": Follow the prompts in the app to begin your charging session. If you don't plug in within a minute of selecting the post, you may need to restart the process.
Monitor Progress: The Tesla app will display your charging progress, including the current charge rate and estimated time to completion. Keep in mind that Kia EVs with 800-volt architecture might not achieve their absolute maximum charging speeds at current V3 Superchargers, which are predominantly 250 kW. Faster V4 Superchargers (up to 500 kW) are rolling out.
Step 5: Complete Your Charging Session and Depart
Once your Kia is sufficiently charged, it's time to disconnect and go.
Sub-heading: Stopping the Charge
Tap "Stop Charging": In the Tesla app, select "Stop Charging" to end your session.
Disconnect: Safely remove the Supercharger cable from your Kia's charging port, and then remove the adapter if you're using one. Return the cable to its holder.
Payment: Your charging session will be automatically processed using the payment method you set up in the Tesla app.
Sub-heading: Be Mindful of Idle Fees
Move Your Vehicle: To ensure stalls are available for others and to avoid additional costs, move your vehicle as soon as your charging session is complete.
Idle Fees: Tesla charges "idle fees" if your vehicle remains in a Supercharger stall after charging is finished, especially when the station is 50% or more occupied. These fees can double if the station is 100% occupied.
How to Charge Kia at Tesla Supercharger - FAQs
How to check if my Kia EV needs an adapter for a Tesla Supercharger?
You'll need a NACS to CCS1 adapter if your Kia EV (like most 2024 and older EV6, EV9, or Niro EV models) has a CCS1 charging port. Newer 2025 EV6 and 2026 EV9 models may come with a native NACS port.
How to get a NACS to CCS1 adapter for my Kia EV?
You can obtain a Kia-approved adapter directly from Kia dealers, or purchase a third-party adapter from reputable brands like Lectron or A2Z EV.
How to download the Tesla app for non-Tesla EV charging?
Search for "Tesla" in your smartphone's app store (iOS App Store or Google Play Store) and download the official Tesla app (version 4.30.5 or later).
How to add my Kia EV to the Tesla app?
In the Tesla app, go to the "Charge Your EV" section and look for the option to "Add Your Vehicle Details" where you can input your Kia's make and model.
How to find compatible Tesla Superchargers for my Kia EV?
Use the "Find a Charger" feature in the Tesla app. The app will show you Supercharger locations compatible with non-Tesla EVs (All EVs Superchargers with Magic Docks, or NACS Superchargers).
How to pay for charging my Kia at a Tesla Supercharger?
You pay through the Tesla app by adding a payment method to your Tesla account. The session cost is automatically billed upon completion.
How to avoid idle fees at Tesla Superchargers?
Move your Kia EV from the Supercharger stall immediately after your charging session is complete to avoid incurring idle fees.
How to check the charging speed my Kia EV will get at a Supercharger?
Charging speeds vary by Supercharger generation (V3 vs. V4) and your Kia's battery status. You can often see the max charging speeds for a Supercharger in the Tesla app.
How to troubleshoot charging issues with my Kia at a Supercharger?
First, ensure your adapter is firmly connected and the cable is fully plugged in. Then, try restarting the charging session in the Tesla app. If issues persist, contact Tesla Customer Support or your Kia dealer.
How to tell if a Tesla Supercharger has a "Magic Dock" for non-Tesla EVs?
Superchargers with a "Magic Dock" will have a built-in adapter that allows them to connect to CCS-enabled EVs. The Tesla app will also indicate if a site is an "All EVs Supercharger."
For a visual guide on charging a non-Tesla at a Supercharger, you can watch this video:
