Electric automaker Tesla spearheaded the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which is an electric vehicle charging connector that has been featured in all Tesla models produced after 2021. NACS was made available for other automakers in 2022, enabling manufacturers to adopt the system and grant rival EVs access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. While Ford quickly moved to adopt NACS into its EV lineup via adapters and a charging agreement, Hyundai and Kia beat it to the punch with full integration.
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis now fully integrate NACS charge ports directly into their EVs, eliminating the need for an adapter, beating Ford and its crosstown rival, GM, as reported by our sister publication GM Authority. The first Hyundai model to feature the interface is the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5, which directly rivals the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The all-new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, the refreshed 2025 Kia EV6, and the 2026 Kia EV9 – including the GT model – will adopt the NACS connector next, as will the 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70.
Notably, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 relocated its charge port, which is now situated on the vehicle’s driver side instead of the passenger side, making it easier to charge at Supercharger stations.
Currently, Ford EVs utilize the Combined Charging System (CCS), which is compatible with public charging stations from ChargePoint and Electrify America, but not Tesla Superchargers. Last year, Ford Authority reported that future Ford EVs may benefit from multiple charging interfaces, greatly expanding the map of usable chargers.
While they aren’t factory equipped with a NACS charger, Ford EVs can be charged at Supercharger stations, but they do need an adapter in order to be compatible. Tesla makes the adapter for Ford, but demand has so far outstripped supply. To remedy this, Ford 0ffered a fast-charging adapter that was codeveloped with Lectron to provide safe and reliable charging after the automaker discovered issues with its complimentary adapters. The Lectron adapter can be purchased separately for $199.99. There are more affordable third party adapters available elsewhere, but Ford cautions against using them.
Comment
Oct 29, I leased a New Lighting Flash. Really like the truck. Asked about the Nacs adapter I was told I would receive when they’re available. Salesman handed me a print out from Ford stating the back log on the adapters and the expiration date of the offer on Oct 1. What a joke.! Why I didn’t walk is my mistake.