The launch of the 2026 Kia EV9 has introduced significant advancements in electric vehicle technology, particularly with its new compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network. This update allows Kia owners to access over 21,500 Tesla Supercharger stations throughout the United States, aiming to ease concerns about range during long trips. With a week-long test of the EV9, I explored its charging capabilities at a Supercharger to evaluate the effectiveness of this new feature.
Kia’s EV9 made waves upon its release last year, offering a range exceeding 300 miles, a spacious interior, and competitive pricing. It was nominated for the InsideEVs Breakthrough Awards, reflecting its appeal in the three-row SUV market. The 2026 model further enhances the EV9 with a factory-fitted North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, enabling access to Tesla’s extensive charging network.
Charging Experience at the Supercharger
The EV9’s charging capabilities are impressive, particularly thanks to Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, which also supports models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. The base model features a 76.1 kilowatt-hour battery that can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes at a 350-kilowatt fast charger, while the higher trim with a 99.8 kWh battery achieves the same in about 24 minutes. My test vehicle, a GT-Line AWD trim, is rated for a range of around 280 miles.
Upon arriving at a V4 Supercharger in Harrison, New York, I initiated a charging session expecting a smooth experience. However, I encountered significant issues with the Tesla app, which is required for non-Tesla vehicles to start charging. After selecting the appropriate stall and attempting to initiate the session, I received an error message instructing me to reconnect the cable. Despite following the app’s guidance, the charging did not commence.
After switching to a different stall and restarting the app, I finally managed to begin charging. This session lasted about 36 minutes, adding approximately 230 miles of range at a cost of $43, which translates to $0.59 per kilowatt-hour. While the charging speed reached about 126 kilowatts, this was slightly less than the EV9’s potential, as the V3 Tesla Superchargers do not fully leverage the vehicle’s capabilities.
Despite the initial complications, the charging process improved once it was operational. Charging speeds remained consistent until I reached 80%, close to Kia’s advertised time of 34 minutes. While my other charging experiences were successful, the initial difficulties highlight that the rollout of the NACS may still have some technical issues to address.
Implications for EV Owners
The challenges faced during my charging experience reveal potential obstacles for Kia EV9 owners who rely on Tesla’s infrastructure. The Tesla app’s glitches were likely exacerbated by a recent outage of Amazon Web Services, which disrupted numerous services, including those used by Tesla owners. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stable cloud infrastructure in supporting electric vehicle charging services.
As the automotive industry moves towards greater electrification, it is crucial for manufacturers to ensure that their systems are reliable and user-friendly. While the integration of Tesla’s Supercharger network represents a significant step forward for Kia and its customers, experiences like mine emphasize the need for ongoing improvements in the charging process.
The journey towards a fully integrated electric vehicle ecosystem continues, and the hope is that future advancements will foster a smoother experience for all drivers.
