Hyundai Ioniq 9 Road Trip Acknowledges Seamless Tesla Supercharger Integration via NACS Port, Yet Rivian Chargers Remained Most Impressive Along the Journey
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Road Trip: A Journey Across Charging Networks
The Hyundai Ioniq 9, a three-row EV built on the E-GMP platform, recently embarked on a road trip from Denver to New Orleans. The vehicle, equipped with both CCS and NACS (Tesla) charging ports, was tested on various charging networks including EVgo, Electrify America, Tesla Superchargers, and Rivian Adventure Network.
During the journey, the Ioniq 9 owner encountered a few software issues such as the digital key working intermittently, the fingerprint reader not unlocking the car, route planning feeling clunky, and the wireless phone charger overheating devices. However, these issues did not deter the owner from documenting every charging stop, network handshake, and kilowatt consumed.
The charging hierarchy for the Ioniq 9 during this road trip ranked the Rivian Adventure Network highest for speed, ease of use, and build quality. Tesla Superchargers followed closely, praised for their reliability, widespread station count, and coverage. EVgo/GM Energy was third, offering faster charging speeds than Tesla at some locations but with fewer stations. Electrify America was also supported by the Ioniq 9, but specific user experience details from this trip emphasized Rivian, Tesla, and EVgo more prominently.
The trip included stops at various networks. The Tesla Superchargers in Baytown, TX, and Sulphur, LA, offered comfortable experiences, despite some differences in location quality. The Baytown stop was at a Buc-ee’s location, while Sulphur's site was less pleasant but still reliable for charging speed. The EVgo/GM Energy station in Lafayette, LA, equipped with 350 kW chargers, offered consistent charging speeds around 200 kW, which was very favorable.
The Ioniq 9's 800V architecture supports up to 350 kW DC fast charging, recharging from 10% to 80% in approximately 24 minutes. This fast-charging capability was demonstrated at the Rivian Adventure Network in Cisco, Texas, where the chargers were found outstanding.
The owner set up Hyundai Pay and AutoCharge (plug and charge) on all networks possible, including EVgo and Tesla. This setup, combined with relying mostly on ABRP in CarPlay with "live" enode data from the I9, made the charging process seamless and convenient.
The Ioniq 9's ability to use multiple charging networks, including Tesla's NACS without adapters, made the trip feasible and convenient despite some inconsistencies in route planning software. The vehicle's features, such as a smooth CarPlay experience, a Bose stereo, 100-watt USB-C ports, captain's chairs in the middle row, and a massaging driver's seat, added to the overall comfort of the journey.
U.S. production of the Ioniq 9 will start 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 miles.
In conclusion, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 proved to be a reliable and versatile EV for long-distance travel, despite a few software quirks. Its ability to use multiple charging networks, including Tesla's, made the trip feasible and convenient. With its impressive charging speed and range, the Ioniq 9 is shaping up to be a strong contender in the EV market.
[1] Hyundai Ioniq 9 Road Trip: A Journey Across Charging Networks
[2] Hyundai Ioniq 9 Road Trip: A Detailed Look at Charging Network Experiences
[3] Hyundai Ioniq 9 Road Trip: Charging Durations and Costs Not Provided
- The Hyundai Ioniq 9's versatility in using electric-vehicle (EV) charging networks, such as Tesla, EVgo, Electrify America, and Rivian Adventure Network, significantly improved the owner's lifestyle during a road trip from Denver to New Orleans, showcasing the convenience of technology in travel.
- The owner's journey with the Hyundai Ioniq 9, a three-row electric vehicle (EV), revealed an interest in comparing different car brands and charging network experiences, leading to the creation of the article "Hyundai Ioniq 9 Road Trip: A Detailed Look at Charging Network Experiences."
