Hyundai Ioniq 9 Road Trip Discloses NACS Port Simplifies Tesla Superchargers, With Rivian Chargers Continuing to Impress Most
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Charging Experiences: A Long-Distance Test Drive
A Hyundai Ioniq 9 owner recently embarked on a road trip from New Orleans to Colorado and back, documenting every charging stop and network handshake along the way. The journey provided valuable insights into the electric vehicle's charging capabilities across various networks.
The Ioniq 9, a three-row EV on the E-GMP platform with a 123.2-inch wheelbase, proved to be a comfortable and spacious family vehicle, boasting a strong Bose sound system, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of interior features like captain's chairs, a massaging driver's seat, and 100-watt USB-C ports.
During the trip, the owner encountered varying speeds and reliability at different charging stations. Rivian and Tesla Superchargers delivered consistent speeds, while EVgo/GM Energy chargers were found to be fast, with sites that would benefit from shade canopies in hotter climates.
Charging with EVgo's 350 kW stations worked well out of the box with Hyundai's AutoCharge, delivering peak charging rates around 220 kW. Owners often experience strong peak charging speeds near or above 200 kW on Electrify America's 350 kW chargers as well. However, some report the start-up process can be frustrating, requiring trial and error to initiate charging despite having membership and NFC setup.
Tesla Supercharger charging is relatively seamless with Hyundai's built-in NACS port, allowing Tesla Supercharger charging to be initiated smoothly with both the Hyundai and Tesla apps. Peak charging speed on Tesla Superchargers is often lower than EVgo or Electrify America, typically around 126 kW in observed tests.
There were no reported charging experiences for the Ioniq 9 specifically on the Rivian Adventure Network during the search period.
The owner set up Hyundai Pay and AutoCharge (plug and charge) on all networks possible, including EVgo and Tesla. They also used ABRP in CarPlay with "live" enode data from the I9 for navigation. However, inconsistencies were noted with the entry system and digital key, as well as issues with Hyundai's built-in EV route planning and live traffic updates.
Overall, the Ioniq 9 charges fastest and most reliably on EVgo and Electrify America chargers, achieving over 200 kW peak rates, while Tesla Superchargers are convenient due to native compatibility but offer somewhat slower peaks around 126 kW. Electrify America chargers may occasionally require patience to start charging sessions. Owners appreciate Hyundai’s 800V E-GMP architecture and the NACS adapter that extends charging options.
The owner's journey offered a sneak peek into a future where any EV can use any charger without it being unusual, as the Ioniq 9 stood out among Tesla models at charging stations. Reddit discussions about the Ioniq 9 focused on its hardware upgrades and software downgrades, with some users preferring Electrify America over Tesla for consistency.
U.S. production of the Ioniq 9 begins at Hyundai Motor Group's Metaplant America in 2025, with U.S. sales following and eligibility targeted for the $7,500 federal credit. The EPA range target for the Long Range RWD Ioniq 9 on 19-in wheels is up to ~335 mi. With its impressive charging capabilities and spacious interior, the Ioniq 9 is shaping up to be a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.
- The Hyundai Ioniq 9, a three-row electric vehicle, boasts a range of modern features such as a Bose sound system, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a spacious interior with captain's chairs and 100-watt USB-C ports.
- During a long-distance road trip, an Ioniq 9 owner encountered varying charging speeds at different stations, with Rivian and Tesla Superchargers providing consistent speeds and EVgo/GM Energy chargers being found to be fast, especially in hotter climates.
- Charging with EVgo's 350 kW stations was seamless with Hyundai's AutoCharge, delivering peak charging rates around 220 kW, while some reported a frustrating start-up process on Electrify America's 350 kW chargers despite having membership and NFC setup.
- Tesla Supercharger charging was relatively smooth with Hyundai's built-in NACS port, offering a convenient charging experience, but with peak charging speeds typically lower than EVgo or Electrify America, around 126 kW.
