Kia EV6 and EV9 Get the Tesla Feature Everyone Wants: Plug & Charge
Kia is set to solve one of the biggest frustrations of public EV ownership by giving its EV6 and EV9 models the Plug & Charge functionality—the feature that made Tesla’s Supercharger network so seamless. This technology is rolling out to models equipped with the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, a move that will significantly simplify the charging experience for owners.
No More Apps or Cards: Just Plug and Go
Plug & Charge does exactly what its name suggests. When an EV owner pulls into a compatible charging stall and plugs in, the charging session begins automatically. The vehicle authenticates itself, and the payment process is securely handled in the background without the need to swipe a card or open a mobile app. This process is secure and fully automated, making charging faster and more convenient than ever before.
Rollout Timeline and NACS Integration
The rollout of Plug & Charge will begin with the 2025 Kia EV6 by the end of September. The 2026 EV9 will gain the feature by the end of 2025. These models are the first Kia vehicles to be built with the Tesla NACS port from the factory, which gives them access to a much wider range of charging options, including over 21,500 Tesla Superchargers across the US. However, owners must first activate the feature through the Kia Access app and maintain a Kia Connect subscription.
Here is a summary of the Plug & Charge rollout:
Building a Seamless EV Ecosystem
Kia views the implementation of Plug & Charge as a core part of the connected car ecosystem it’s developing. The goal is to make EV ownership as easy and intuitive as using a smartphone or owning a traditional gasoline vehicle. This technology is a strong step toward removing “friction” from the charging process, improving user satisfaction, and aligning Kia with other industry leaders like Hyundai (which offers the feature for its Ioniq 5 and upcoming Ioniq 9 models).
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