As someone who keeps a keen eye on developments in the EV sector, I was intrigued by a post I saw in the Apex Automotor Facebook group, shared by member Steven James Jackson Meyers. He recounted attending a meet-and-greet in Northern Colorado where he met The Ioniq Guy, who had just acquired a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 with a native NACS port. Here’s what Steven said about the meeting: “Just recently, I had the chance to meet The Ioniq Guy in Northern Colorado at a meet-and-greet event where he picked up a new 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 equipped with a native NACS port. While in Colorado, he teamed up with one of the Out of Spec Motoring YouTube guys for a charging race against a Tesla Model 3 at a Tesla Supercharger. The Ioniq 5 edged out the Model 3 in a 10%-80% charging test, finishing slightly faster, which is due to a faster charging curve. However, since the Model 3 is more efficient, it managed to add about 100 more miles of range during the session. This is a big moment for EV owners - having a unified charging standard like NACS across all EVs in the U.S. is a game-changer, especially for non-Tesla drivers”: Another group member Tommy Danielsen, who viewed this captivating competition, expressed his excitement by saying this: “I saw that video, great channel. It’s important to note that Tesla’s 'super' chargers really slowed down the Ioniq 5 since it doesn’t support 800V. If it had charged at Electrify America, it would have saved over 11 minutes during the 10-80% process" You can watch this event in the video below: Ioniq 5 versus Tesla Model 3: The charging contest During the event, The Ioniq Guy collaborated with a well-known EV YouTuber from Out of Spec Motoring for a direct charging comparison. The task was to determine which vehicle would charge quicker at a Tesla Supercharger from 10% to 80%. The results were very revealing. The Hyundai Ioniq managed to charge slightly faster than the Tesla Model 3, completing the charge marginally quicker, thanks to its superior charging curve, the Ioniq 5 maintained higher charging speeds confirming it as a serious player in the EV market. How the Ioniq 5’s charging curve led to its win A key feature of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is its advanced 800V electrical system, which keeps it capable of high power for longer durations. In contrast to many other EVs that see a sharp decline in charging speeds after an initial surge the Ioniq 5 maintains a steadier faster charging curve During this test, the Ioniq 5 utilized this advantage, reaching 80% charge faster than the Model 3. For those needing quick charges on road trips, this aspect is particularly noteworthy. Tesla's efficiency: the quiet champion Even though it fell short in charging speed, the Model 3 added nearly 100 more miles of range highlighting Tesla’s famous efficiency, and demonstrating why it remains a leading choice among EV owners. Tesla's excellence in energy management, aerodynamics, and battery tech enables it to make the most of every kilowatt-hour. This underscores the difference between rapid charging and overall range. Tesla continues to excel in efficiency, which results in fewer necessary stops during long journeys. NACS: Transforming EV charging in the U.S. This test also reveals an important trend in the EV industry. With Hyundai implementing the NACS port, non-Tesla drivers can now utilize the vast Tesla Supercharger network. This progress greatly benefits EV owners who have faced compatibility challenges and inconsistent charging options. Tesla's Supercharger network, often viewed as the benchmark, offers smooth plug-and-charge convenience. The growing adoption of NACS by manufacturers such as Hyundai, Ford, and General Motors marks the dawn of a new age of compatibility and ease of use. Essential points for EV buyers If you're thinking of buying an EV, This comparison gives important points: 1. Charging speed vs. efficiency: If fast charging is what you want, the Ioniq 5 is notable for its speed. However, if you want to get the most range from each charge, Tesla's efficiency is better. 2. Charging network growth: With Hyundai moving to NACS, drivers without Tesla can now use Tesla's large and dependable charging networks. 3. Future readiness for your EV: Picking a car with NACS support makes sure it will work with future charging technologies, making it a smart choice for the long run. Conclusion: The outlook is positive for EV users While the Ioniq 5 won on charging speed and the Tesla Model 3 was better in efficiency, the real success story is for EV drivers. The increasing use of NACS leads to better access, ease, and smoother charging for everyone. This friendly rivalry shows how quickly EV technology is advancing and suggests an exciting future where innovative ideas keep developing. Whether you prefer the quick charging of the Ioniq 5 or the great efficiency of the Model 3, it's an exciting time to shift to electric. Want to share your opinion? What are your thoughts on the growing competition between Hyundai and Tesla in the EV market? Do you prioritize charging speed or overall efficiency when choosing an EV? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: David Black specializes in vehicle technology in his writing. David's focus at Torque News is mainly in electric vehicles and you can follow him on X and on LinkedIn for tips and suggestions.