For approximately a decade, Tesla has been at the forefront of the automotive industry in implementing North American fast-charging infrastructure. While many automakers opted to utilize third-party networks like EVgo or Chargepoint for CHAdeMO and CCS infrastructure, Tesla took a different route by establishing its own exclusive charging network. This was accomplished through a custom charge protocol now known as North American Charging Standard (NACS).
The innovative automaker swiftly expanded its network and established a reputation for reliability. In a short span of time, the Supercharger network became the brand’s major advantage over its competitors.
Kia EV9 Supercharger Woes
The Kia EV9 can achieve charge rates of over 200 kW on numerous Electrify America stations. However, V3 Superchargers are constrained by their 400V architecture, leading to challenges for EVs dependent on 800V architecture for peak charge speeds.
However, in recent times, competing CHAdeMO and CCS networks have rapidly expanded nationwide, accompanied by technological advancements. It is now common to see new CCS installations delivering up to 350 kW, exceeding the capabilities of the 250 kW V3 Superchargers.
Therefore, it was surprising when automakers began switching from CCS to Tesla’s NACS one by one last year. In response to these developments, Tesla started offering Supercharger access to CCS-equipped vehicles for the first time. While many drivers have had a positive charging experience, it has proved less than ideal for others.
Vehicles like the Chevy Silverado EV and the Kia EV9 rely on 800V charging infrastructure to achieve their maximum charge rates. Current V3 Superchargers were designed with 400V charging in mind.
Alex from the EV Buyers Guide YouTube channel recently explored this issue. He tested the charge performance of the Kia EV9 at a CCS Magic Dock-equipped Supercharger. While initiating the charge was effortless, the disappointment arose during the actual charge session.
Although the EV9 can exceed 200 kW on a 350 kW Electrify America station, the V3 Superchargers struggle to get the Kia above 100 kW. In the test session, the EV9 peaked at 84 kW, falling short not only of its max charge rate on a 350 kW CCS station but also of a typical 150 kW CCS station.
Alex, in the comments, confirmed that the battery had been pre-conditioned before the charge session. He clarified that “V3 Superchargers don’t naturally provide the required voltage to charge your battery… These EVs have to boost the voltage using an onboard DC-DC conversion circuit, which not only reduces charging efficiency but also dramatically slows down charging speeds.”
Alex estimated that the EV9 should be capable of reaching up to 100 kW from a V3 Supercharger. Some Kia drivers have reported charge speeds in the 90 kW – 95 kW range.
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The upcoming launch of V4 Superchargers is anticipated to enable 800V charging at speeds up to 350 kW. However, the timeline for their deployment at local Superchargers remains unclear. While next-generation charge stations have been sighted, they are currently supported by older V3 cabinets. Consequently, charge speeds for 800V-compatible vehicles will remain restricted for the foreseeable future.
What has been your experience using the Supercharger network to charge non-Tesla vehicles? Share your thoughts in the comments below.