During the recent South Korean automaker Hyundai’s Investor Day, they revealed their next-generation EV platform and discussed the possibility of adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). Hyundai President and CEO Jaehoon Chang stated that the decision to adopt NACS would depend on customer interest. However, one challenge that Chang mentioned is that Tesla’s Superchargers currently do not offer higher charging rates supported by Hyundai’s EV platform.
Hyundai and Kia’s current EV lineup utilize 800-volt architectures and were designed to accept fast-charging rates up to 350kW. However, it should be noted that current vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 cannot charge at that maximum rate. In comparison, Tesla’s vehicle architectures run at 400V or lower and can fast-charge at a maximum rate of 250kW. For Hyundai to adopt NACS, their charging system would need to be altered to support Hyundai’s faster charging systems. As a result, Hyundai plans to reach out to Tesla to explore the possibility of modifying the NACS charging system.
Hyundai is also working on its next-generation platform called Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA), which will be used in 13 new vehicles across the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands. IMA will replace the current E-GMP platform and provide design efficiencies that allow for more flexible use of parts across vehicles of different sizes. Additionally, IMA will introduce a new software system, described as an “open operating system,” which will serve as the foundation for an app ecosystem and will integrate future Level 3 autonomous driving technology. The system will also support powerful semiconductors and enable over-the-air software updates.
When it comes to battery technology, IMA will be capable of supporting different cells and chemistries, including nickel-cobalt-magnesium and lithium-ion phosphate batteries. Hyundai is also exploring the concept of a separate battery bank that could charge electric vehicles while they are driving.
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Hyundai has set an ambitious goal to sell 2 million EVs by 2030. To achieve this target, the company will continue to support its current lineup of vehicles on the outgoing platform. As Hyundai begins producing new vehicles on the IMA platform, including a possible pickup truck, the company will need to make a decision soon regarding the inclusion of Tesla NACS.
Other major automakers such as Ford, GM, and Rivian have already agreed to deploy Tesla NACS adapters, allowing their customers to utilize the Tesla Supercharger network starting next year. Considering that Hyundai’s E-GMP platform can accept both 400-volt and 800-volt charging, it is possible that an adapter could be developed if Hyundai and Tesla can reach an agreement. However, if this does not happen, Tesla is actively installing CCS Magic Docks at select Supercharger stations to support other electric vehicles.
Unfortunately, if Hyundai decides to adopt Tesla’s charging standard, it is unlikely that it will be implemented in time for the launch of the rumored camouflaged Ioniq 7 SUV. This vehicle, which was spotted in spy shots in Germany, is believed to be the production version of the Hyundai Seven concept. It is speculated that the Ioniq 7 will be based on Kia’s three-row EV9 SUV.
While Tesla must support CCS in Europe, Hyundai does not need to worry about NACS in that region. If the camouflaged Hyundai vehicle does make an appearance in the US, it will be interesting to see if it stops at a Supercharger station.
In conclusion, Hyundai’s decision to adopt Tesla NACS will depend on customer interest and the ability to support Hyundai’s faster charging systems. The company is actively working on its next-generation platform, IMA, which will bring new design efficiencies and an open operating system. Hyundai plans to reach out to Tesla to explore the possibility of modifying the NACS charging system. As Hyundai aims to sell 2 million EVs by 2030, it will need to make a decision regarding Tesla NACS soon, especially as they prepare to launch new vehicles on the IMA platform.
