By Arthur Michalik
Kia America recently announced plans to give people who buy a new Kia EV6 or EV9 a free North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter that will allow them to access thousands of DC fast charging stations across the U.S.
Customers who take delivery of a new 2024 or 2025 Kia EV6 or EV9 after Sept. 4, 2024 will receive an adapter at no cost starting in early 2025. Kia owners who purchased an EV6, EV9 or Niro EV before that date will be able to buy an adapter from an authorized Kia dealer starting around Jan. 15.
With 16,500 NACS charging ports already in use across the U.S., the adapters are an attractive perk that will make fast charging more accessible and convenient for owners of Kia’s award-winning electric vehicles.
“Offering NACS adapters is a great way to open up a vast number of charge points across North America, expanding Kia-accessible DC charge points by more than 83 percent,” Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations for Kia America, said in a news release. “Kia EVs are known for their range… Now, with access to this sprawling network of DC fast chargers, our EV owners can feel even more confident in their ability to reach far-flung destinations on electricity.”
Kia will offer three adapters—NACS to CCS1, CCS1 to NACS, and J1772 to NACS—to enhance compatibility across different charging standards. These adapters will allow Kia EV drivers to recharge at both DC fast and Level 2 chargers.
In early 2025, Kia will also roll out a new download for its Kia Access app, which will enable EV owners to locate, navigate and pay for charging at compatible stations through their vehicle’s infotainment system or smartphone app.
This initiative aligns with Kia’s focus on improving the EV ownership experience and reflects the company’s commitment to supporting better charging access as the market for electric vehicles continues to grow.