Hyundai has made a significant mark in the American automotive tech industry with its quick-charging electric cars, particularly the Ioniq 5 crossover. This model has become highly sought after for its impressive charging capabilities. However, there is a major obstacle in the way of Hyundai’s success – Tesla’s charging network, which is currently unable to charge Hyundai vehicles quickly enough.
One prime example of Hyundai’s fast-charging capabilities is the new Ioniq 9 three-row SUV. When connected to a powerful charger with 350 kilowatts of power, such as those from Electrify America or EVgo, the Ioniq 9 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. In comparison, charging the same vehicle at a Tesla Supercharger would take 40 minutes, showcasing the limitations of Tesla’s network for Hyundai vehicles.
The main issue at hand is voltage. Hyundai’s latest EVs, including the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9, operate on an 800-volt system. This means they require charging stations that can provide at least this amount of voltage in order to charge efficiently. While Tesla’s network operates at around 400 volts, Hyundai vehicles are optimized for higher voltage charging, resulting in longer charging times at Tesla Superchargers.
Hyundai has taken steps to address this issue by incorporating hardware into their vehicles that can adapt a Supercharger’s 400V connection to the 800V required by their batteries. However, this process is not as efficient as using a native 800V charger, leading to slower charging speeds at Tesla stations. The Ioniq 9, for instance, can only receive 126 kW at a Supercharger, whereas it can achieve 237 kW at higher-voltage chargers.
The transition to Tesla’s charging plug design, known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), is still in progress across the EV industry. While some manufacturers have gained access to Tesla’s network, others are still working on integration. Adapters are often needed to bridge the gap between different charging standards, adding complexity to the charging process.
As the industry moves towards higher-voltage architectures, such as the 800V systems found in Hyundai’s EVs, it is expected that charging networks will continue to evolve to support these advancements. This shift will benefit owners of Hyundai and other high-voltage EVs, ensuring a consistent and fast charging experience at any station. With Tesla planning to roll out next-generation 1000V Superchargers, the future of fast and efficient charging looks promising for all EV owners.