South Korean automakers Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis will equip their electric vehicles with Tesla-style charging ports in the United States, according to a new announcement.
The transition is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2024, enabling seamless usage of Tesla chargers for owners of these brands' EVs.
The three automakers join a growing list of manufacturers including Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Honda that have committed to using Tesla’s North American charging infrastructure.
A standardized approach enhances the convenience for EV owners by allowing them to utilize a broader network of charging stations.
Additionally, in 2025, Hyundai plans to provide adapters to owners of older Hyundai models with the Combined Charging System (CCS) ports, which their current EVs are equipped with. These adapters will facilitate the utilization of Tesla-style chargers, further expanding charging options for Hyundai EVs.
Previously, Tesla’s charging system was proprietary and exclusive to its own vehicles. However, in a shift towards collaboration, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced in late 2022 that the company would allow other automakers and charging companies to utilize its charging system and design standards.
Combined, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis would be the second-best-selling EV manufacturer in the United States, behind Tesla. According to Kelley Blue Book figures, these brands collectively sold 37,800 EVs in the first half of 2023.