Hyundai has recently reached an agreement with Tesla that will allow the company to use Tesla’s charging stations in North America and adopt its proprietary charging connector, known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), for future electric vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada. This partnership will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024 for Hyundai’s EVs in the U.S. and in the first half of 2025 for Canada.
Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, will also benefit from this agreement. On the same timeline as Hyundai, Genesis announced that their EVs will adopt the NACS connector for the U.S. and Canada. Kia is expected to make a similar announcement in the near future.
For current Hyundai and Genesis EV owners who possess the CCS1 connector, they will still be able to use Tesla’s charging stations. However, they will require an adapter that will be available from early 2025. Similarly, Hyundai and Genesis will create adapters for owners of vehicles with the NACS connector, enabling them to use chargers with the CCS1 connector.
The adoption of the NACS connector in Hyundai and Genesis EVs will significantly increase the number of DC fast chargers accessible to their owners. Tesla currently has approximately 12,000 DC fast chargers in North America, making up around 60% of the country’s total DC fast chargers, according to the Department of Energy. This move by Tesla to open its charging stations to rival brands followed a deal made with the White House earlier in the year.
Related Post
Additionally, several other automakers including Fisker, Ford, Honda (and Acura), Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo have made agreements with Tesla to use its charging stations. Many of these companies have also announced plans to adopt the NACS connector for their electric vehicles in North America. Stellantis and Volkswagen have also indicated that they may follow suit.
In addition to the partnership with Tesla, Hyundai has joined forces with six other automakers to establish a separate network of charging stations across North America. These charging stations will house at least 30,000 chargers and the first of them are set to open in the U.S. by mid-2024.
Expanding further on the significance of this agreement, Hyundai’s decision to utilize Tesla’s charging stations and adopt the NACS connector demonstrates a growing trend of collaboration within the electric vehicle industry. By unifying charging infrastructure and utilizing standardized connectors, automakers are working towards creating a more seamless and convenient charging experience for EV owners. This cooperative approach benefits both automakers and consumers, as it eliminates the need for multiple charging memberships or adapters, ultimately supporting the wider adoption of electric vehicles.
Furthermore, this partnership will address the issue of range anxiety, a concern often associated with electric vehicles. The expanded network of charging stations, coupled with the use of Tesla’s high-speed DC fast charging technology, will minimize charging time and enhance the overall usability and practicality of Hyundai and Genesis electric vehicles. As the charging infrastructure continues to grow and evolve, electric vehicle ownership becomes even more appealing and viable for consumers.
Hyundai’s commitment to developing its own network of charging stations, in addition to leveraging Tesla’s infrastructure, exemplifies the company’s dedication to the future of electric mobility. By investing in charging infrastructure, Hyundai is actively supporting the growth of electric vehicles and contributing to the ongoing shift towards a more sustainable transportation system.
In conclusion, Hyundai’s collaboration with Tesla to utilize its charging stations and adopt the NACS connector is a significant step towards enhancing the charging experience for Hyundai and Genesis EV owners in North America. As more automakers join forces and standardize charging connectors, the electric vehicle industry will continue to mature and evolve, making electric vehicles a more attractive option for consumers. With the combined efforts of industry leaders, the vision of a widespread and efficient charging infrastructure becomes increasingly feasible, accelerating the transition to a cleaner and greener transport future.
