How Well Does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Perform at a Tesla Supercharger?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is now available in the USA with Tesla Superchargers, an innovation that gives Hyundai owners thousands of new charging stations and greatly expands charging options. With the adoption of Tesla's NACS connector in modern vehicles, this change breaks the limitations previously limited to the CCS network, allowing Ioniq 5 owners to take advantage of a wider supercharger network, bringing greater convenience for long trips and everyday use.
With adapters supplied by Hyundai, or by purchasing new models with built-in NACS connectors, Ioniq 5 owners will be able to smoothly use Tesla's charging infrastructure. The shift, which began in early 2024, is considered one of the most significant improvements Hyundai has brought to electric vehicle owners. This collaboration from different manufacturers also shows that the electric vehicle industry is gradually maturing, and more companies are starting to prioritize customer convenience over maintaining a closed ecosystem. For Ioniq 5 owners planning a road trip or daily commute, the expanded charging network removes the range anxiety that once plagued potential EV buyers.
Tesla Supercharging Network
The Tesla Supercharger network is one of the most extensive fast charging infrastructures in the world, covering more than 5,000 charging stations with more than 50,000 superchargers. The stations, strategically located on highways and in urban centers, are designed to provide Tesla owners with convenient charging services for long-distance trips. Initially, the Supercharging network was only available to Tesla vehicles, but from the end of 2021, the network began to open up to non-Tesla electric vehicles, opening up new charging opportunities for electric vehicles from other brands, such as Hyundai,Ford,Kia.
Owners of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can now use a Tesla Supercharger by using a special adapter or at a charging station equipped with the "Magic Dock" system. This compatibility marks an important advance in the integration of EV charging infrastructure. Pricing structures for non-Tesla vehicles typically include a per-kilowatt-hour fee, a possible idle charge for staying connected after charging is complete, and an optional membership program that helps reduce the cost per charge. For Ioniq 5 owners, being able to use this supercharger network on long trips greatly increases the charging opportunity, and this seamless integration allows them to enjoy the convenience that Tesla owners have experienced for years.
Ioniq 5 Charging
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has excellent range, making it one of the most competitive electric vehicles on the market. It supports a variety of charging networks and is equipped with an efficient battery system that provides owners with great flexibility and convenience. In addition to the original CCS connector, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is now compatible with Tesla's NACS connector, which means owners can use an adapter or connect directly to Tesla's supercharger station on the new model, greatly expanding charging options.
The Ioniq 5 is equipped with a 74 kW battery and uses a high voltage architecture of 800 volts, which leads to faster charging speeds compared to many competitors. At a 350 kW DC fast charge station, it can charge to 80% in about 18 minutes, adding about 68 miles of range in five minutes. For home charging, the Ioniq 5 can be fully charged in about 7 hours with a level 2 charger and supports AC charging of up to 11 kW for daily use.
According to the EPA's assessment, the Ioniq 5's range varies by configuration: 245 miles for the SE Standard Range version, 318 miles for the SE RWD version, and 259 miles for the XRT version. However, it is important to note that the range of electric vehicles in cold weather typically drops by 20-30%.
Can Hyundai Ioniq 5 Use Tesla Superchargers?
Yes, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is now available with Tesla Superchargers in the U.S.. In early 2024, Hyundai joined Tesla's North American charging standards agreement, giving Ioniq 5 owners access to more charging station resources. But modern car owners need an NACS adapter in order to make the vehicle's CCS connector compatible with Tesla's superchargers. Hyundai began offering these adapters to car owners in the first quarter of 2024. Before heading to the supercharger station, owners should download the Tesla app and set up a payment method, which is a necessary step to start charging and pay the fee. It is also recommended to check in advance whether charging stations support non-Tesla vehicles, as not all stations have completed the upgrade. Charging speeds can vary; the Ioniq 5 supports fast charges of up to 350 kW, but some of Tesla's superchargers may have lower power, so charging times will vary.
Ioniq 5 vs Model 3
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model 3 represent two different electric vehicle design concepts and also exhibit different charging performance when using a Tesla Supercharger station. The Ioniq 5 relies on its 800-volt high-voltage architecture to achieve extremely fast DC charging speeds, while the Model 3 ensures a stable charging experience thanks to deep integration with Tesla's charging network. The Ioniq 5 can now be plugged into a Tesla Supercharger via an NACS adapter and can charge to 80% in about 18 minutes under optimal conditions. Due to the limitations of the adapter, its charging power may be lower than the native CCS fast charge, usually peaking around 170-190 kW, rather than the maximum supported 235 kW. In actual use, the Ioniq 5 can supplement 68 miles of range in about five minutes on a Tesla supercharger, but the specific speed is still affected by temperature, battery status and charging station power.
In contrast, the Tesla Model 3 charges at a slightly different rate. While its 400-volt architecture is theoretically less powerful than the Ioniq 5's 800-volt system, the Model 3's V3 supercharger can charge up to 250 kilowatts without an adapter, allowing for more stable charging performance. The Model 3 typically charges to 80% in 25 to 30 minutes, which is slightly longer than the Ioniq 5, but its precise battery preconditioning allows it to maintain high charging rates even in the high charge range. The Ioniq 5 takes about 8-9 minutes to recharge 100 miles on a supercharger, while the Model 3 takes about 10-12 minutes. However, the Model 3 has a more stable charging curve across the supercharger network, and the overall charging experience is more predictable, which is also a major advantage of the Tesla ecosystem.
Cost and Payment
The cost of charging the Ioniq 5 at a Tesla Supercharger station varies by location and specific agreement, and is generally higher for Tesla owners, with premiums ranging from 20-50%. In the U.S., non-Tesla owners typically charge between $0.40 and $0.60 per kilowatt-hour, while Tesla owners pay between $0.25 and $0.45. Owners of the Ioniq 5 will need to complete payments, register an account and add payment methods through the Tesla app, which will also display real-time pricing information. Some superchargers offer off-peak discounts, which can reduce overnight or weekend charging costs by 10-25%. For regular users of Tesla's charging network, Tesla also offers a $12.99 per month subscription option that brings the price of charging for non-Tesla owners closer to the rate of Tesla owners, saving on long-term charging costs.
Conclusion
The Ioniq 5's compatibility with Tesla Superchargers marks an important advance in EV charging infrastructure, providing modern car owners with a wider range of charging options. This integration gives Ioniq 5 users access to more than 12,000 superchargers, significantly expanding the existing CCS network. Adapter solutions have proven reliable and most users experience the charging process seamlessly. While charging speeds may be slightly slower than Tesla models in some cases, the convenience far exceeds this small limit. Hyundai also plans to optimize battery pre-processing through software updates to close the gap with Tesla in charging efficiency.
This collaboration enhances the charging experience for Ioniq 5 owners, and influences the entire EV industry and pushes more manufacturers to adopt the NACS standard. With the standardization of charging infrastructure, charging options become more uniform, reducing the complexity of the charging network. For Ioniq 5 owners, access to Tesla's supercharging network makes road trips easier and eases range anxiety. This initiative also shows that in a competitive market, major automakers can work together to drive the adoption of electric vehicles for the greater benefit of the entire industry and consumers.
