How to Charge a Kia EV6 or EV9 at Tesla Superchargers

Kia EV6 and EV9 owners can charge at Tesla Superchargers across North America using a NACS-to-CCS1 adapter. How you start the session depends on your model year: newer models support Plug & Charge via Kia Charge Pass (automatic authentication), while older CCS1 models use the Tesla app to initiate sessions.

Part of our complete guide to charging non-Tesla EVs at Superchargers.

At Velectr, we design EV charging hardware for real-world use. This guide covers the full process: setting up Plug & Charge through Kia Charge Pass, connecting at the stall, what charging speeds to expect from Kia's 800V architecture, and how to get the best results from every session.

What You Need Before Your First Session

• A Velectr NACS to CCS1 adapter — This connects your EV6 or EV9's CCS1 port to Tesla's NACS Supercharger cable.
• Know your authentication method — This depends on your model year:
  • 2025+ EV6 and 2026+ EV9: Plug & Charge is supported via Kia Charge Pass. Activate it through the Kia Connect app and add a payment method before your first session.
  • 2024 and earlier EV6/EV9 (CCS1 models): Use the Tesla app to start sessions. Download the Tesla app, create an account, and add a payment method.
• A compatible Tesla Supercharger — V3 and V4 stations are compatible. V4 stations have longer cables and higher power.

Step-by-Step: Charging Your EV6 or EV9 at a Tesla Supercharger

1. Set up your authentication method before your first session.
   2025+ EV6 / 2026+ EV9: Open the Kia Connect app, navigate to Kia Charge Pass, and activate Plug & Charge. Add a payment method.
   2024 and earlier models: Download the Tesla app, create an account, and add a payment method.
2. Navigate to a supported Tesla Supercharger.
   Use your vehicle's built-in navigation, the Kia Connect app, or the Tesla Supercharger map to locate V3 or V4 Supercharger sites enabled for non-Tesla vehicles.
3. Park and position the charging cable.
   The EV6 has its charge port on the rear-right side. The EV9's charge port is also rear-right. Pull into or back into a stall where the cable can reach comfortably. V4 Superchargers have longer cables.
4. Connect the Velectr NACS to CCS1 adapter.
   Attach the adapter to the Tesla Supercharger cable's NACS plug. The adapter clicks securely into place.
5. Plug the adapter into your vehicle's CCS1 port.
   Open the charge port door and insert the adapter. The vehicle will recognize the connection.
6. Start the charging session.
   With Plug & Charge (2025+ EV6, 2026+ EV9): Charging starts automatically. No app needed at the charger. Billing goes through Kia Charge Pass.
   Without Plug & Charge (2024 and earlier): Open the Tesla app, select your stall, and tap to start. Billing goes through your Tesla account.
7. Monitor charging from the vehicle or app.
   Charging status appears on the vehicle screen and the Kia Connect app. Power will ramp up quickly thanks to the 800V architecture, then taper as the battery fills.
8. Once charging is complete.
   Stop the session via the vehicle screen or charge port button. Disconnect the adapter from the vehicle first, then remove the adapter from the Tesla handle, then replace the Tesla handle in the charging station.

Kia Tesla Supercharger Billing: How Payment Works

There are two ways to authenticate, depending on your model year:

With Plug & Charge (2025+ EV6, 2026+ EV9)

• The Supercharger and your vehicle exchange authentication certificates automatically
• Your Kia Charge Pass payment method is charged directly
• Session details appear in the Kia Connect app

Just plug in and go—no phone needed.

With the Tesla App (2024 and earlier models)

• Open the Tesla app at the charger and select your stall
• Tap to start the session
• Billing goes through your Tesla account

Kia rolled out Plug & Charge for the 2025 EV6 in late September 2025 and the 2026 EV9 by end of 2025. If you have an older model, the Tesla app method works reliably.

What Charging Speeds to Expect

Both the EV6 and EV9 use Kia's 800V E-GMP architecture, designed for ultra-fast charging:

• V3 Superchargers (400V, 250 kW max): Your 800V Kia must internally convert the 400V supply. Real-world speeds at V3 are roughly 100–170 kW, not the 200+ kW you'd see at an 800V-native charger.
• V4 Superchargers (up to 500V+, 325 kW max): Significantly higher power delivery to 800V vehicles. Prefer V4 sites when available.

Even at V3 speeds, you're adding roughly 150–200 miles of range per hour. The EV6 (Long Range, 77.4 kWh) goes from 10% to 80% in approximately 25–35 minutes at a V3 Supercharger. The EV9 (99.8 kWh) takes slightly longer due to its larger battery.

Tesla Supercharging Membership (Optional Cost Savings)

Non-Tesla EV owners typically pay a higher per-kWh rate at Superchargers compared to Tesla vehicle owners. However, you can unlock Tesla owner pricing by purchasing a Supercharging Membership through the Tesla app.

Here's how it works:

• Tesla charges non-members a premium per-kWh rate (varies by location, but typically 10–25% higher than member pricing)
• The Supercharging Membership gives you the same per-kWh rate Tesla owners pay
• One membership covers all vehicles on your Tesla account

How to sign up:

1. Open the Tesla app
2. Go to Charging
3. Select Membership
4. Follow the prompts to subscribe

Is the membership worth it? If you Supercharge more than 2–3 times per month, the savings on per-kWh pricing will likely exceed the membership cost. For road trippers and anyone without reliable home charging, it's a no-brainer. For occasional Supercharger use (once a month or less), the math is tighter—calculate based on your local Supercharger rates.

Note: The Supercharging Membership is separate from Plug & Charge. You authenticate via Kia Charge Pass, but the membership pricing applies to your Tesla account.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Session won't start?
  If using Plug & Charge, verify it's activated in Kia Charge Pass through the Kia Connect app. If using the Tesla app, make sure you've selected the correct stall number. Try a different stall. Ensure your payment method is valid.
• Charging speed seems slow?
  Check which Supercharger generation you're using. V3 stations will deliver lower speeds to 800V Kia vehicles due to voltage conversion. Seek out V4 stations. Also check state of charge—speeds taper above 80%.
• Adapter won't connect?
  Ensure the adapter is fully seated on the Tesla cable before inserting into the vehicle. Don't force it. Check for debris.
• Cable won't reach?
  Try a different stall orientation. End stalls offer the most flexibility. V4 stations have longer cables.

Important Tips for Kia Owners

• Set up before you leave home.
  Whether using Plug & Charge via Kia Charge Pass or the Tesla app, get the app installed and payment added before your trip—not at the charger.
• Prefer V4 Superchargers.
  Your 800V EV6 or EV9 will charge significantly faster at V4 stations compared to V3.
• Pre-condition the battery.
  Set a Supercharger as your destination. The vehicle will pre-heat the battery for optimal charging speed.
• Don't charge past 80%.
  Speeds drop dramatically above 80%. It's faster to stop twice at 80% than once at 100%.
• Carry your adapter in the car.
  Keep the Velectr NACS to CCS1 adapter in the trunk at all times.

Where the Velectr Adapter Fits In

The Velectr NACS to CCS1 adapter bridges the physical connection between Tesla's NACS Supercharger cable and your EV6 or EV9's CCS1 port. Without it, the cable won't fit. The adapter handles DC power conversion cleanly—your vehicle and the Supercharger negotiate speed and power as if connected directly.

If your model supports Plug & Charge, the experience is seamless: plug in the adapter, connect to your car, and charging starts automatically. If you're using the Tesla app, it's one extra tap—still simple.

Already Got a Free Adapter from Kia?

Kia distributed complimentary NACS adapters to qualifying owners. If you received one, you're set. Here's why many owners still pick up a Velectr adapter:

• Backup adapter: If your OEM adapter breaks or gets lost on a road trip, a second adapter means you're never stranded.
• Didn't qualify: Bought used or after the cutoff? You need an adapter. The Velectr NACS to CCS1 adapter is $139.99 and ships immediately.
• Faster replacement: OEM adapter replacements can take weeks. Ours ships in days.

📖 See all vehicle guides: How to Charge Any Non-Tesla EV at Tesla Superchargers