In May 2023, Ford initiated a significant change in the automotive industry when the U.S. manufacturer secured a partnership granting its electric vehicle (EV) owners entry to the Tesla Supercharger network.
This bold move prompted a cascade of similar agreements among various automakers, including GM, Hyundai, Rivian, and Mercedes. By the close of 2023, almost every major car manufacturer had committed to adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), assuring EV owners that necessary adapters would soon become available.
Nevertheless, many non-Tesla owners remain in anticipation. Fortunately, recent updates from several automakers might signal a brighter future for these consumers.
TechCrunch is actively monitoring the brands that have gained access to the Tesla Supercharging Network and will continue to refresh this information.
Transitioning to Tesla’s EV Charging Standard
In November 2022, Tesla made its EV charging connector design publicly accessible, aiming to motivate network operators and car manufacturers to embrace this technology and establish it as the North American standard. Up until that point, all other automakers were employing the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) throughout North America.
At that time, widespread adoption seemed implausible, despite Tesla’s network being regarded as far superior due to its strong design and user-friendly payment system.
Six months later, Ford became the first to collaborate with Tesla, announcing an agreement that would provide its customers access to over 12,000 Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada. This initiative not only allowed Ford EV drivers to use special adapters but also committed to equipping future EVs with NACS ports instead of CCS.
Following suit, Rivian, GM, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Kia, Lucid, and Stellantis made similar commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tesla Charging
Currently, there are 36,499 publicly available NACS ports in the U.S. This figure includes ports adapted by other EV charging companies to fit Tesla’s standard, compared to around 16,925 CCS ports, despite federal funding focused on CCS charger deployment.
For EV owners with a CCS port, the wait continues for manufacturer-approved adapters. While third-party options exist, such as Lectron’s Vortex Plug for $199, Tesla’s website states that such adapters are not permitted.
A GM representative informed TechCrunch that their adapters are specifically engineered to safeguard GM EV batteries during charging, with their vehicle warranty not covering damages caused by non-GM approved adapters.
In late August, Tesla announced on X that it has increased the production of adapters. This announcement, coupled with GM’s recent news, may indicate that more non-Tesla EVs will soon have the capability to charge at Supercharger stations. A Tesla app download will be required for these drivers to pay for their charging sessions.
Tesla Supercharging Access Overview
Ford
As of February, certain Ford customers gained official access to Tesla Superchargers. However, ongoing supply shortages have delayed the distribution of complimentary fast-charging adapters for the majority, though Ford states that only “some” customers have been affected.
Current owners of the Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning who have not yet ordered their adapters can do so via the Ford Pass app. The cutoff date to apply for a complimentary adapter is September 30.
General Motors
As of September 2024, GM has completed software updates on its Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC EVs, enabling customers to utilize Tesla Superchargers. For immediate access, they will need to purchase a “GM approved” adapter through their app at a price of $225.
GM did not disclose expected shipping times but confirmed that they have acquired an inventory of adapters and collaborated with various suppliers to produce the approved NACS DC fast-charging adapters.
Starting in 2025, GM will manufacture its EVs equipped with the NACS charge port.
Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai has taken several steps to ensure that EV owners can access NACS chargers over the coming year.
Kia announced in September its plan to provide EV owners access to NACS chargers starting January 15, 2025. This announcement serves as a promotion, offering customers who purchase a 2024 EV6 or a 2024 or 2025 EV9 SUV from September 4, 2024, a free adapter mailed in early 2025, contingent upon availability. Owners of existing Kia EV6, EV9, and Niro EV models who received their vehicles before September 4 will need to purchase an adapter from a dealer “at a later date.”
Moreover, Kia announced at the LA Auto Show that both the 2025 EV6 and 2026 EV9 GT will be produced with the NACS plug. The EV6 is set to launch in early 2025, followed by the EV9 GT in the latter half of the year.
Additionally, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 were also exhibited with NACS plugs at the LA Auto Show, ensuring drivers access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. For those seeking quicker access to a Hyundai EV, the automaker stated in December that it would dispatch a complimentary NACS adapter to customers who purchased or leased an EV before January 31.
Lucid
Owners of the Lucid Gravity SUV will be able to access Tesla’s Supercharger network as of January 31, 2025, as it comes standard with the NACS charge port.
Lucid Air owners, who currently have the CCS port, will gain Supercharger network access through adapters in the second quarter.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz announced in January that its electric vehicles will have access to Tesla’s network beginning February 2025. The automaker is offering existing EV customers the ability to purchase a Lectron-made adapter for $185 through authorized dealerships. Moreover, Mercedes plans to launch its initial vehicles with factory-installed NACS ports within the year, though no specific models have been identified yet.
Additionally, Mercedes will include Tesla Supercharger locations on its app’s charging map, integrating the system with its Plug & Charge feature that begins charging as soon as the vehicle is plugged in.
Nissan
Starting in late 2024, Nissan plans to offer Ariya drivers access to Tesla’s network through a NACS adapter. The company also announced that it will start producing EVs for the U.S. and Canadian markets equipped with a NACS port in 2025.
Rivian
Rivian secured access to 15,000 Superchargers across North America on March 18, 2024. During that announcement, Rivian indicated they would begin supplying adapters to customers from April. A Rivian spokesperson informed TechCrunch that they have already commenced deliveries in the spring and continue to dispatch adapters as swiftly as possible.
As of September 2024, Rivian has stated that customers who order a new vehicle will receive an adapter automatically included with their delivery, which should reach them within seven to ten business days. Rivian also assured existing customers awaiting an adapter that they would receive one at no charge by the end of January 2025.
Volvo (and Polestar)
The two Swedish automotive brands owned by Geely began granting their EV customers access to Tesla’s Supercharger network as of late October.
Volvo announced that it would provide a complimentary NACS adapter for customers purchasing a 2025 EX90, EX40, or EC40. Existing Volvo EV owners will have to pay $230 for an adapter, available through dealerships or service centers.
Polestar is also retailing the adapter through its service centers. Both companies stated they expect to start shipping adapters by mid-November. Additionally, Volvo and Polestar will update their infotainment systems based on Android to allow drivers to locate Tesla Superchargers via vehicle navigation.
TechCrunch will keep this list updated as more automakers gain access.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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