If you’re considering a Kia EV9 or already own one, you’ve probably wondered: can the EV9 charge at a Tesla Supercharger, and how does the Tesla Supercharger connector (NACS) fit into the picture? With every brand announcing NACS deals at different times, it’s confusing to know what actually works today versus what’s just “coming soon.” This guide breaks it down in plain English, with a focus on what matters on your next road trip.
Context: information is changing fast
Automakers and Tesla have been updating Supercharger agreements and adapter rollout timelines throughout 2024–2025. Use this guide as a framework and always confirm the latest details in your Kia app and Tesla app before relying on a specific station.
Quick answer: Can a Kia EV9 charge at a Tesla Supercharger?
Today (late 2025)
- Yes, in many locations your Kia EV9 can charge at selected Tesla Superchargers that support non‑Tesla EVs.
- You’ll typically use the CCS-style posts or a stall that has a built‑in adapter (Magic Dock style) or site-level NACS support for non‑Teslas.
- You must start the session in the Tesla app as a non‑Tesla vehicle and sometimes bring a physical adapter, depending on the site design.
Near future (as NACS rolls out)
- New EV9s sold in North America are transitioning from the CCS port to Tesla’s NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, or including a NACS adapter.
- Once you have a NACS port or official NACS adapter, you’ll be able to plug directly into most V3+ Superchargers at supported locations.
- Older EV9s with CCS-only ports will continue to use CCS public fast chargers and, where allowed, Superchargers via adapters and the Tesla app.
The 10‑second summary
If you’re shopping today, assume your Kia EV9 can use some Tesla Superchargers as a guest, but you’ll still rely heavily on CCS networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and others. NACS makes Tesla access cleaner over time; it doesn’t replace CCS overnight.
Tesla Supercharger connector (NACS) vs CCS on the EV9
To understand where a Kia EV9 fits into the Tesla ecosystem, you need to know the difference between the Tesla Supercharger connector (NACS) and the CCS1 connector used on most non‑Tesla EVs in North America.
Tesla NACS vs CCS1: what your EV9 uses
The connector standard determines where and how easily you can fast charge.
CCS1 (what early EV9s use)
Most early North American EV9s ship with a CCS1 DC fast-charging port. This is the same connector you’ll find at Electrify America, ChargePoint DC, EVgo, and many non‑Tesla public fast chargers.
At some Superchargers, Tesla offers CCS-compatible stalls or built‑in adapters so CCS vehicles can charge as guests.
NACS (Tesla Supercharger connector)
NACS is the compact connector you see on Teslas at Superchargers. It’s becoming the default “North American Charging Standard.”
Newer EVs, including future EV9 model years, are transitioning to either native NACS ports or factory-supplied NACS adapters to plug into these stalls.
Why this matters for you
Your EV9’s physical charge port (CCS or NACS) controls how easily you can plug into a Supercharger. Software support in Kia and Tesla apps controls whether the charger will actually deliver power.
Understanding both pieces prevents road‑trip surprises.
Don’t confuse AC and DC connectors
The Kia EV9 uses a separate AC charging inlet for Level 1/Level 2 (J1772 pattern) and CCS or NACS for DC fast charging. A Level 2 adapter that lets you use a Tesla wall connector does not automatically mean you can use a Tesla Supercharger for DC fast charging.
Where EV9 drivers can use Tesla Superchargers today
Tesla has gradually opened selected Supercharger sites to non‑Tesla EVs across the U.S. and Canada. For a Kia EV9 driver, there are three main ways this shows up on the ground.
Types of Tesla Supercharger access for Kia EV9 drivers
Not every Supercharger looks the same once you’re driving a non‑Tesla EV.
| Supercharger type | What you see | Can an EV9 use it? | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy Tesla-only site | Standard Tesla posts, non‑Tesla access not listed in app | No | Use nearby CCS fast chargers instead |
| Open Supercharger site (non‑Tesla enabled) | Station labeled as "Non‑Tesla Supercharging" in Tesla app | Yes, typically | Tesla app account, payment method, supported stall |
| Stations with CCS-friendly hardware | Special posts, Magic Dock style, or CCS adapters integrated | Yes, where available | Tesla app, proper cable reach, and sometimes a compatible adapter |
Always check the Tesla app before arrival to confirm that a specific station supports non‑Tesla vehicles.
How to identify usable stations
Open the Tesla app, choose "Charge your non‑Tesla," and browse the map. Stations that support your EV9 will be clearly labeled. Treat this as the source of truth, plug‑share screenshots and blog posts go out of date quickly.
How to charge a Kia EV9 at a Tesla Supercharger: step-by-step
Step-by-step: starting a Supercharger session in an EV9
1. Confirm your station in the Tesla app
Open the Tesla app, go to <strong>Charge your non-Tesla</strong>, search along your route, and confirm that the specific Supercharger site supports non‑Tesla EVs. Filter by compatible connector type if the app offers that option.
2. Check stall notes and layout
Tap into the station details to see any notes about <strong>max power, time limits, or specific stalls</strong> reserved for non‑Teslas. Look at photos or diagrams to judge whether the short Tesla cable will reach your EV9’s charge port.
3. Park strategically for cable reach
Pull in slowly and line up your EV9 so the port (on the driver’s side rear quarter panel) is as close as possible to the selected stall. Sometimes you’ll need to park slightly offset or even back in at an angle, without blocking other stalls.
4. Start the session in the Tesla app
In the app, select the stall number, confirm pricing, and start charging. Only plug in after the app is ready. On open sites, the station should handshake with your EV9 and begin the DC fast-charge session within a few seconds.
5. Monitor speed and taper
Watch charging power in either your EV9’s display or the Tesla app. Expect the fastest speeds between about <strong>10–50% state of charge</strong>, especially on the larger EV9 battery. Power will taper down as you approach 80–90%.
6. End the session cleanly
Use the Tesla app to stop charging, then unplug the connector and return it to the pedestal. Check your EV9’s state of charge and cost before you leave, so you know whether the stop was worthwhile compared with nearby CCS options.
Never force the cable or "hack" adapters
The Supercharger cable is short by design, and third‑party adapters that are not explicitly approved by your automaker or Tesla can create safety and warranty issues. If the cable doesn’t reach comfortably, choose another stall, or another station.
Limitations: speed, cost, and trip planning
Even when a Supercharger is technically available to your EV9, it isn’t always the best choice. You need to think about charging speed, cable reach, pricing, and route flexibility.
What to watch out for when using Tesla Superchargers in an EV9
They’re powerful tools, if you know the tradeoffs.
Charging speed vs. expectations
The EV9 supports high DC power, but shared power cabinets, battery temperature, and station configuration can limit real‑world speeds. Don’t assume the max kW number on paper equals what you’ll see at every Supercharger.
Price vs. CCS alternatives
Some open Superchargers are competitively priced with CCS networks; others are higher, especially where idle fees kick in quickly. Compare prices with nearby CCS fast chargers in apps like PlugShare or A Better Routeplanner.
Route planning and redundancy
Tesla’s network is dense, but non‑Tesla access is still patchy. Plan routes as if you still live in a CCS world, using Superchargers as bonus options rather than the backbone of your trip, at least for the next few years.
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Practical planning rule
On any new route, plan your EV9 trip as if Tesla didn’t exist, using CCS networks and reliable public chargers first. Then layer in open Superchargers as optional stops. That way a last‑minute policy or hardware change doesn’t ruin your plans.
How do Kia EV9 trims and batteries affect Tesla charging?
Not every EV9 is identical when it comes to fast charging. Battery size, drivetrain, and model year can all affect how useful a Tesla Supercharger stop will be for you.
EV9 battery and charging highlights (North America)
On shorter‑range EV9 trims, a Supercharger stop might be more frequent but shorter; on Long Range trims, you may use DC fast charging less often but for longer sessions. Either way, the basic Supercharger experience is similar, assuming your car and the site both support non‑Tesla use.
CCS vs. Tesla behavior is mostly about software
From the EV9’s point of view, a properly configured Tesla Supercharger looks like just another high‑power DC fast charger. The real differences come from software handshakes, station power limits, and pricing, not from your EV9’s trim level.
Home vs. public charging: where Tesla connectors fit in
Home charging in an EV9
Most EV9 owners do the bulk of their charging at home using Level 2 (240V) AC. Here, the connector differences are less dramatic:
- You can use a J1772 or universal Level 2 charger with the EV9 from any major brand.
- Simple adapters make it possible to plug into a Tesla Wall Connector or Mobile Connector for AC charging, as long as the circuit is appropriately sized.
- This is separate from DC fast charging and doesn’t change whether your EV9 can use Superchargers.
Public DC fast charging
On road trips, you care about high‑power DC fast charging. That’s where Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America, EVgo, and others come into play.
- Traditional CCS networks remain your primary backbone today.
- Open Supercharger sites add flexibility and redundancy.
- Over time, as the EV9 gains NACS ports/adapters, more of those DC stops can happen at Tesla sites with a plug‑and‑go experience.
Good news for apartment and home‑limited charging
If you can’t install a home charger, access to both CCS and an expanding set of Tesla Superchargers makes the EV9 a more viable daily driver. Public fast charging still won’t feel like a gas station, but redundancy helps a lot.
Buying a used Kia EV9: things to check about fast charging
As used Kia EV9s start to hit the market, fast‑charging capability and connector support will quietly become one of the biggest differences between seemingly similar vehicles. This is exactly the kind of nuance that’s easy to miss on a generic used‑car lot.
Fast‑charging questions to ask before you buy a used EV9
1. Which connector does this EV9 use?
Confirm whether the vehicle has a <strong>CCS1 DC port, a native NACS port, or a factory‑approved NACS adapter</strong> included. This shapes your long‑term access to Tesla Superchargers.
2. What’s the battery health and DC history?
Ask for documentation or a <strong>battery health report</strong> and whether the previous owner relied heavily on DC fast charging. Frequent high‑power sessions can increase degradation over time.
3. Has the charging software been updated?
Check that the EV9’s <strong>telematics and charging software</strong> are up to date. Manufacturers sometimes improve DC fast‑charging curves and compatibility through over‑the‑air or dealer updates.
4. Are any adapters or cables included?
If the seller is including <strong>Tesla AC adapters, NACS or CCS adapters, or portable chargers</strong>, those can materially change your day‑to‑day charging flexibility, and save you hundreds of dollars.
5. How does it fit your local charging landscape?
Look at the mix of <strong>CCS vs. Tesla infrastructure</strong> where you actually drive. In some regions, Tesla coverage is dramatically better; in others, CCS is already strong enough that you’ll rarely miss it.
How Recharged helps on the used side
Every vehicle on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health and charging details. Our EV specialists can walk you through real‑world fast‑charging behavior for specific EV9s and how they fit with your local CCS and Tesla options.
FAQ: EV9 and Tesla Supercharger connector
Frequently asked questions about the EV9 and Tesla connectors
Bottom line: EV9 and Tesla Superchargers
The short version is this: yes, a Kia EV9 can charge at many Tesla Superchargers today, but only at locations that explicitly support non‑Tesla EVs, and the experience depends on your connector type, software support, and the physical layout of each site. For the next few years, you should still treat CCS networks as your primary fast‑charging backbone, with Tesla Superchargers as a valuable, but evolving, backup.
If you’re shopping for a new or used EV9, pay close attention to which connector or adapters it includes, how healthy the battery is, and how that aligns with charging where you actually drive. At Recharged, every vehicle comes with a Recharged Score Report and access to EV specialists who will walk through exactly how that specific EV9 will charge, at home, on CCS, and at the growing number of Tesla Superchargers, so you can choose the SUV that fits both your lifestyle and your charging reality.
