KOREANS GOING NACS? HYUNDAI, KIA, & GENESIS SPOTTED AT A TESLA SUPERCHARGER | EPISODE 133

EV Channels Review

This episode of the Out of Spec Podcast discusses compelling evidence suggesting Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are preparing to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS). The hosts analyze photos of these vehicles, including an unreleased Kia EV9, charging at a Tesla Supercharger, interpreting it as a sign of an imminent announcement. A key discussion point is the technical challenge posed by the 800-volt architecture of these Korean EVs, which exceeds the 500-volt limit of current Tesla V2 and V3 Superchargers. The hosts explore potential solutions, including Tesla upgrading its infrastructure, automakers enhancing their onboard charging capabilities, or a compromise involving limited charging speeds. The unusual joint appearance of Hyundai and Kia for this event suggests a directive from their Korean headquarters. While no official announcement has been made, the visual evidence and internal desire to compete on a level playing field strongly indicate a move towards NACS adoption, which would significantly benefit EV consumers by expanding charging access.