Hyundai Motor Group has entered into a formal agreement with Tesla to utilize Tesla’s North American charging infrastructure. In addition, Hyundai and its luxury brand, Genesis, will incorporate Tesla’s proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector into their upcoming electric vehicles for sale in the United States and Canada.
Starting in the final quarter of 2024 for the United States and the initial half of 2025 for Canada, new and refreshed Hyundai electric vehicles will come equipped with a NACS connector, replacing the current CCS1 connector, according to an announcement made by the automaker on Thursday.
Hyundai Motor Group encompasses both Kia and Genesis brands. In a parallel announcement on the same day, Genesis confirmed that its future electric vehicles would also integrate the NACS connector, following the same schedule as Hyundai. An announcement from Kia regarding its plans is anticipated in the near future.
For existing Hyundai and Genesis electric vehicle owners with a CCS1 connector, Tesla’s charging stations will remain accessible via an adapter, which is slated for availability beginning in early 2025. Additionally, Hyundai and Genesis will offer adapters to allow vehicles equipped with the NACS connector to use CCS1-compatible charging stations.
Expansion of Access to DC Fast Charging Stations
This collaboration is expected to considerably augment the availability of DC fast charging options for Hyundai and Genesis electric vehicle owners. Currently, Tesla operates roughly 12,000 DC fast chargers in North America, accounting for approximately 60% of all such chargers in the United States, as stated by the Department of Energy. Tesla began permitting access to its charging stations for competitor brands subsequent to a White House agreement concluded in February.
Automakers such as Fisker, Ford, Honda (along with its luxury brand, Acura), Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo have also entered agreements with Tesla for the use of its charging stations. Many of these manufacturers have further announced intentions to adopt the NACS connector for their North American electric vehicle offerings. Stellantis and Volkswagen have hinted at potentially doing the same.
In a separate initiative, Hyundai has joined forces with six other automotive companies to establish an independent network of charging stations across North America, comprising at least 30,000 charging points. The first stations in this new network are scheduled to become operational in the United States in mid-2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hyundai Tesla NACS Connector Agreement
What is the main subject of the announcement made by Hyundai and Tesla?
The main subject is that Hyundai Motor Group has entered an agreement with Tesla to use Tesla’s charging infrastructure in North America. Furthermore, Hyundai and its luxury brand, Genesis, will incorporate Tesla’s proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors in their upcoming electric vehicles intended for the U.S. and Canadian markets.
When will Hyundai and Genesis electric vehicles start featuring the NACS connector?
New or updated Hyundai electric vehicles will feature the NACS connector beginning from the fourth quarter of 2024 in the United States, and from the first half of 2025 in Canada. Genesis will follow the same timeline.
What will happen to existing Hyundai and Genesis EVs that have a CCS1 connector?
Owners of existing Hyundai and Genesis electric vehicles equipped with a CCS1 connector will still be able to use Tesla’s charging stations. An adapter for this purpose will be made available starting in early 2025.
Is Kia, also a part of Hyundai Motor Group, following suit?
An announcement from Kia regarding its plans to adopt the NACS connector or use Tesla’s charging infrastructure is expected in the near future, but as of the time of the announcement, no official statement has been made.
How does this agreement affect the charging infrastructure for Hyundai and Genesis EV owners?
The agreement significantly expands the charging options for Hyundai and Genesis electric vehicle owners by granting them access to Tesla’s extensive network of approximately 12,000 DC fast chargers in North America.
Have other automakers also entered into similar agreements with Tesla?
Yes, several other automakers like Fisker, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo have entered into agreements with Tesla to use its charging stations. Many of these brands also plan to adopt the NACS connector for their electric vehicles in North America.
Is Hyundai also involved in other charging infrastructure projects?
Yes, Hyundai has partnered with six other automakers to develop an independent network of charging stations across North America, which will include at least 30,000 chargers. The first stations of this separate network are expected to become operational in the United States in mid-2024.
More about Hyundai Tesla NACS Connector Agreement
- Hyundai Motor Group Official Announcement
- Tesla Charging Infrastructure Overview
- Department of Energy Statistics on Fast Chargers
- Hyundai and Genesis Future EV Plans
- Previous Agreements Between Tesla and Other Automakers
- White House Agreement on EV Charging Infrastructure