Tesla Superchargers: Eighteen months ago, Ford set off a significant transformation in the EV industry by securing a deal that gave its EV owners access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. This move sparked a trend, with major automakers like GM, Hyundai, Rivian, and Mercedes soon following suit. By the end of 2023, nearly all major car manufacturers agreed to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), offering their customers access to Tesla’s charging infrastructure with promised adapters.
While many non-Tesla EV owners are still waiting for these adapters, GM’s recent announcement offers a glimpse of optimism. EV owners driving GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac Lyriq will now have access to Tesla’s Superchargers, once they obtain GM-approved adapters.
Tesla Superchargers: The Shift to Tesla’s EV Charging Standard
In November 2022, Tesla released its EV charging connector design to encourage other automakers to adopt the technology, aiming to make it the new standard in North America. At the time, most automakers were using the Combined Charging Standard (CCS), but Tesla’s network was already considered superior due to its robust, user-friendly design and the seamless payment system for charging.
Despite initial skepticism, the market shifted six months later when Ford became the first automaker to adopt the Tesla standard. Ford gave its EV owners access to more than 12,000 Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada. Ford also committed to building future EVs with NACS ports instead of CCS, starting a domino effect that led other automakers like Rivian, GM, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, and others to follow.
Tesla Charging FAQs: Availability and Adapters
Currently, the U.S. has over 36,499 NACS ports available to the public, compared to around 16,925 CCS ports. This growth in Tesla’s charging infrastructure, despite the federal funding that supports the buildout of CCS chargers, highlights the growing dominance of NACS.
For EV owners still using CCS ports, manufacturer-approved adapters are essential. Some third-party adapters are available, like the Lectron Vortex Plug for $199, but Tesla warns against using non-approved adapters. GM, for instance, has stated that its vehicle warranty will not cover damage caused by using non-GM-approved adapters, emphasizing the importance of using official products.
Tesla recently ramped up production of adapters, and GM’s recent update could indicate that more non-Tesla EVs will soon access Superchargers. However, they’ll need to download the Tesla app to manage payment for charging services.
Tesla Supercharger Access: Automaker Checklist
1. General Motors (GM)
- As of September 2024, GM has updated the software on its Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC EVs to allow access to Tesla’s Superchargers. Owners need to purchase a GM-approved adapter for $225 through the app to use the charging network.
- From 2025, GM’s EVs will be built with the NACS port, eliminating the need for adapters.
2. Ford
- Select Ford owners, like those driving the Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning, officially gained access to Superchargers in February 2024. However, supply constraints have delayed the delivery of free fast-charging adapters for some customers.
- Owners can order their adapter through the Ford Pass app, with a deadline of September 30 for a free adapter.
3. Rivian
- Rivian gained access to 15,000 Superchargers across North America in March 2024. The company began sending out adapters to customers in April and continues to do so as more adapters are produced.
Conclusion
The shift to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard represents a significant moment in the EV industry, making it easier for non-Tesla EV owners to access the largest charging network in North America. While adapters are still being rolled out, the collaboration between Tesla and other automakers like GM, Ford, and Rivian signals the industry’s movement toward a more unified and efficient charging future.
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