Hyundai may have just solved one of the most vexing problems of EV ownership.
Video: First Drive of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
The spacious three-row SUV takes Ioniq to a new level of style, comfort and appeal.
- Hyundai Motor North America has announced new charging features for two models.
- The MyHyundai with Bluelink app simplifies the charging process for drivers.
- The new features could give Hyundai a significant competitive edge in the EV space.
Electric vehicle charging is one of the barriers to entry for EV ownership in America. Vehicles with electric powertrains may have come a long way over the past decade, but charging infrastructure still has a long way to go.
Automakers are embracing the fact that Tesla has one of the best charging networks in the country. Brands like Ford, GM, Rivian, Honda, and Hyundai have partnered with Tesla to give EV drivers access to Tesla Superchargers. Hyundai is taking things a step further by streamlining the charging experience in a way that few automakers have.
Hyundai changed the EV charging game, and why other brands should take note
Last spring, South Korean automaker Hyundai announced in a press release new charging features to ease the EV charging experience. “These new features not only simplify the charging process but also improve the overall ownership experience,” said Manish Mehrotra, vice president of digital business planning and connected operations for Hyundai Motor North America.
Hyundai drivers can find and pay for charging within the MyHyundai with Bluelink app. Until this new feature was introduced, drivers had to install and use separate apps for different charging systems. Drivers can now find, navigate, select and activate charging stations from the app, according to a press release. This simplifies the process of finding available chargers and paying for your charging session.
Hyundai’s new features are available on 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 models and 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 models. Compatible charging networks include IONNA, Tesla Supercharger, ChargePoint, and EVgo, which are some of the major players in the EV charging space.
Hyundai is also introducing a new plug-and-charge feature. This feature allows drivers to pay by simply connecting their vehicle to a participating station, completely eliminating the need for physical credit cards or smartphone payment processing. EVs have gotten smarter over the years, and with this feature, chargers are getting smarter as well.
Why is public EV charging so difficult?
Charging an electric vehicle in America can be a harrowing task due to the lack of capable and reliable charging stations in many areas of the country. To make matters worse, many public charging stations lack the wattage for fast charging, leaving drivers waiting hours to refill their bulk batteries.
While some networks, like the Tesla Supercharger network, offer a more premium experience, there is still a lot of room for improvement in charging infrastructure. Hyundai’s latest charging features allow drivers to make the most of public charging systems, providing easy access to multiple networks through the app and simplifying the payment process.
The future of electric vehicle charging
Demand for EV charging is expected to increase as more automakers produce competitive electric vehicles. The future of EV charging is uncertain, but one thing is certain: America needs faster, more reliable charging stations to support the growing number of EV drivers. Meanwhile, countries like China are making great strides in charging technology innovation.
Charging America’s electric vehicles is a collaborative effort between the world’s largest auto companies and their subsidiaries. If automakers really want to provide EV owners with a positive charging experience, they should consider partnerships and features like Hyundai.
The Korean automaker produces multiple competitive EVs across its brand portfolio (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis), and some nameplates are becoming increasingly popular. Models like Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Kia’s EV6 could even rival Tesla in terms of sales in the coming years.
