Follow us today…
Just because someone buys a new electric vehicle doesn’t mean they have a clue about how the car operates. Check out this amazing story that might play out more often than you think.
Imagine buying a new Hyundai Ioniq 5, driving it for a week, and seeing that you only have a few miles of range left. You’ve never charged the new vehicle, so you begin looking for a charging station. Then you see a Tesla Supercharging station, and the fun begins.
You pull up, only to find you can’t figure out how to plug into the charger. You are not even sure where to find the plug to recharge your new EV. It sounds ridiculous, but this scenario happens often.
Brian Perry said this on the Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook page,
“So these folks in the 2025 Hyundai Ionoq 5 pulled in to charge their car, and they can’t figure it out. There were two males and a female. Instead of trying to plug into the charger in front of the vehicle, they attempted to use the one the male was installing in the back.”
“The woman, whom I assumed was his wife, approached the Tesla Model S driver, who was talking to me and charging his car at the Tesla Supercharger.”
“She asked him if the charging stations need to be charged before you can charge your vehicle. I never saw an adapter either. The owner must have just purchased the car, and he was charging it for the first time.”
“It was hilarious, and I missed the opportunity to get a better picture. Sorry.”
Navigating the EV Landscape is Harder Than it Looks.
The electric vehicle revolution is well underway, but as the automotive industry rapidly transitions, it’s clear that the journey isn’t always a smooth one, especially for new EV owners encountering the public charging infrastructure for the first time.
The observation shared by Brian vividly illustrates the kind of teething problems that highlight the critical need for more explicit guidance and more intuitive systems as we embrace electrification. This incident involving a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 at a Tesla Supercharger offers valuable insights into the first-time electric vehicle charging challenges for new owners.
Brian recounts witnessing a scenario that many in the EV community can likely relate to. This brief anecdote captures a moment of genuine confusion, underscoring the complexities that still exist for those new to the EV ecosystem.
At the heart of this particular dilemma lies the evolving landscape of charging standards.
For years, Tesla utilized its proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS), while most other automakers, including Hyundai, adopted the Combined Charging System (CCS). However, a significant shift has been occurring, with major manufacturers announcing their adoption of NACS for future models and providing adapters for existing ones. The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 with native NACS port is notably among the first non-Tesla vehicles to integrate this, eliminating the need for an adapter for seamless connection to Tesla’s expansive network. This crucial detail explains why Brian says he “never saw an adapter either.”
Yet, even with direct port compatibility, the physical act of charging and the nuances of station interaction can still be bewildering.
This underscores the challenge of understanding NACS and CCS EV charging standards for the broader public. The confusion over which charger to use—attempting to access a port at the back of the station rather than the one positioned for the front of the vehicle—points directly to navigating public EV charging station instructions.
Unlike filling up a gasoline tank, which is an essentially universal process, EV charging requires familiarity with connector types, station layouts, and activation procedures.
Advertising
For a brand-new EV owner, these seemingly simple steps can become formidable obstacles, particularly when the anxiety of a low battery combines with an unfamiliar interface. It’s a vivid example of common mistakes when charging a Hyundai Ioniq 5 (or any new EV, for that matter) in a public setting.
The question posed to the Tesla Model S driver—”She asked him if the charging stations need to charge before you can charge your vehicle”—speaks volumes about the fundamental lack of understanding some new users have about the underlying mechanics of public EV charging. It’s a clear indication that while vehicle technology has surged ahead, public education and user-friendly station design sometimes lag.
The narrative further highlights the expanding reach of the Tesla Supercharger network compatibility for non-Tesla EVs, a development meant to alleviate range anxiety but which simultaneously introduces new layers of user interaction challenges.
As more and more drivers make the switch to electric, the industry bears a collective responsibility to simplify the charging experience.
Automakers, charging network providers, and dealerships all play a vital role in ensuring that the transition is as seamless as possible. Providing clear, easily accessible instructions, both within the vehicle’s infotainment system and at the charging stations themselves, is paramount.
The Hyundai Dealer Should Offer Post-Sale Instruction
Furthermore, “first-mile” support – akin to what a salesperson might offer during vehicle delivery – could significantly reduce initial user apprehension.
This incident, centered around the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 charging at a Tesla Supercharger, serves as a potent reminder that the hardware is only half the battle; the user experience is the other, equally critical, half.
Ultimately, incidents like the one Brian observed are not failures of the technology but rather opportunities for improvement in the broader EV ecosystem. As the electric vehicle market matures, addressing these practical user challenges will be key to accelerating adoption and ensuring that the promise of effortless electric mobility becomes a reality for everyone.
It’s about bridging the EV charging experience gap, ensuring that the convenience of electric travel is matched by an intuitive and universally understood charging process. The next phase of the EV transition hinges not just on faster cars and more stations, but on a smoother, clearer journey for every driver, every time they need to plug in.
Conclusion:
This story highlights a common challenge: new EV owners’ unfamiliarity with public charging. As the market grows, a collective effort from automakers and charging providers is crucial to simplify the process. Bridging this user experience gap with clearer instructions and better support will ensure a smoother, more accessible transition to electric mobility for everyone.
To help new EV owners, here are some practical tips: familiarize yourself with the charging standards your vehicle uses, always carry the necessary adapters, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure.
It’s Your Turn
How difficult or easy did you find the EV charging and public charging process? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Tesla Model 3 story: I Won’t Ever Buy A Tesla Again, We Moved to An Apartment, It Takes Too Long To Charge, and Now Our New Model 3 Sits Most Of the Time
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Brian Perry
Follow us today…
Source: torquenews.com
