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Kia EV9 Owner Says There Is A Workaround To Get The Tesla Chargers To Work on Your EV9: Make a Change To The Ioniq 5 in The App And It Works

This is a clever workaround one Kia EV9 owner is using to charge on Tesla Superchargers, and why this simple trick could save your next road trip

While Kia works through its technical and supply chain challenges, Peter Dumont shared a method for charging the EV9 on Tesla’s Supercharger network. In his own words on EV9 Owners group on Facebook he wrote:

"You have to do the over-the-air update and then use an adapter. I use the A2Z Typhoon. In the Tesla app, they don't have the EV9 yet so just change it to the Ioniq 5 with adapter. And it will work. It works on all V3 and V4 chargers."

This workaround leverages Tesla’s app functionality to treat the EV9 like an Ioniq 5, a model already compatible with Tesla Superchargers when paired with an adapter. It’s a clever solution that underscores the adaptability of modern EV technology. But Peter did note a limitation when it comes to charge rates:

"84.5 kW, very slow. I will only use the Tesla network if I'm on a trip and I can't find an EA charger that's up or if there is a significant wait."

While the charging rate may not be optimal compared to what Tesla vehicles achieve on the network, this solution can be a lifesaver for those in a pinch.

Peter also shared this image of presumably his EV9 charging at a Tesla Supercharger using the hack he wrote above.

Peter's Kia EV9 apparently charing at a Tesla Supercharger

Why the Delay?

The issue isn’t entirely clear, but speculation in the EV community suggests a lack of available adapters may be contributing to the problem. As Car and Driver reported, Kia and Hyundai plan to eventually integrate Tesla's NACS port into their vehicles by 2025. In the meantime, current EV9 owners must rely on adapters to access Tesla’s vast and reliable Supercharger network. This puts a spotlight on the growing pains of EV transition as automakers and infrastructure providers adapt to changing standards.

For a deeper dive into the challenges faced by non-Tesla drivers navigating the Supercharger network, check out this insightful article on Torque News. It unpacks the hurdles and confusion many EV owners face when attempting to use Tesla’s otherwise superior infrastructure.

Other Useful Tips for EV9 and EV6 Owners

If you're navigating the early days of EV ownership or want to get the most out of your EV9 or EV6, here are a few tips:

  1. Always Carry an Adapter: Whether you’re using a Tesla Supercharger or other third-party networks, having a high-quality adapter like the A2Z Typhoon is essential.
  2. Check Charger Availability: Use apps like PlugShare to find reliable charging stations. Tesla’s app is excellent for their own network, but for stations like Electrify America, alternative apps will keep you informed.
  3. Be Aware of Limited Power Mode: One EV9 owner recently tested their vehicle’s capabilities in limited power mode after charging to 0%, proving the car’s resilience in emergencies. You can read more about that fascinating test here on Torque News.
  4. Plan for Road Trips: With slower charging speeds on Tesla Superchargers, planning your route carefully can save time and hassle. Pair this with knowledge of which chargers are most reliable on your route.

For an in-depth comparison of how the Kia EV9 stacks up against its sibling, the popular Telluride, check out this analysis on Torque News.

A Moral for EV Enthusiasts

Peter Dumont’s workaround is a testament to the ingenuity of the EV community. It’s a reminder that even as technology evolves, collaboration and shared knowledge remain invaluable. Whether it’s adapting an app or troubleshooting an issue on the road, EV ownership often brings opportunities to learn and grow.

As we navigate the transition to electrification, patience and persistence are key. Every challenge, from supply chain delays to network compatibility. represents an opportunity to improve the future of sustainable transportation.

Share Your Experience

Have you tried Peter Dumont’s workaround or found other clever solutions for charging your Kia EV9 or EV6? What’s your go-to strategy when faced with limited charging options? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Your insights could inspire or help fellow EV enthusiasts in their journey

 

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News TwitterFacebookLinkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.

Comments

Thomas Cartledge (not verified)    January 16, 2025 - 10:37PM

Doesn't matter what car you have set in the app as long as you can activate the charger. I charged my EV6 today with the app still set to my Lightning.

Benjamin Meza (not verified)    January 17, 2025 - 10:51AM

Good information but is 85 kW really that slow? What speeds are people getting above 50 and 60% SOC? What speeds are people getting at DCs in below freezing temperatures?

Adam Singer (not verified)    January 17, 2025 - 10:53AM

In reply to by Benjamin Meza (not verified)

In short, yes. This car has such a good charge curve because of the high voltage/low amp configuration that Superchargers are not optimized for. I recently was able to charge 15-80% with about a 200khw average rate through the entire charge.

Colin MacDonald (not verified)    January 17, 2025 - 10:52AM

Has any Canadian EV9 been able to use this procedure waiting in Florida to get access road home March 1 would give us more options.

Fan Tao (not verified)    January 18, 2025 - 9:31PM

In reply to by Michael Locke (not verified)

I tried adding the Kia EV6 but then it shows no compatible chargers in the Tesla App, even ones that show up when I specify my Rivian. So apparently no Kias technically allowed yet if the require an adapter (unless it's at one of the rare stations with built-in adapters, none near where I live).

Fan Tao (not verified)    January 18, 2025 - 9:23PM

There is going to be quite a bit of confusion for non Tesla owners trying to charge. I have a Rivian and a Kia Niro with adapters. Some Tesla Superchargers are Tesla only but even Tesla's own app is not clear on that. Here in Palmdale there are two Tesla stations literally across the street from each other. One of them shows as open to non Tesla in the Tesla app but my Rivian has failed to charge there multiple times. My Rivian app only shows the newer station across the street which I'm going to try next. It doesn't show up in the Tesla app but the Plugshare app (and Rivian) say it's open to non Tesla!!! Talk about confusion!
Any one try to charge a Kia Niro by setting it to another car? I'm afraid to try it because the Niro is about 60Kw max and I don't want to damage it if Tesla thinks it's a Rivian and sends it 200kw.