In May 2023, Ford made a groundbreaking move by securing a deal that allowed owners of its EVs to use the Tesla Supercharger network. Following Ford’s lead, other major automakers like GM, Hyundai, Rivian, and Mercedes also agreed to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) by the end of 2023. This shift signaled a significant transformation in the EV industry.
Tesla had shared its EV charging connector design in November 2022, aiming to establish its technology as the new standard in North America. At that time, most automakers were using the Combined Charging Standard (CCS). Despite the superiority of Tesla’s charging network in terms of design and user-friendliness, widespread adoption seemed unlikely.
Ford was the first to collaborate with Tesla, granting its customers access to over 12,000 Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada. Ford committed to integrating its future EVs with NACS ports instead of CCS, setting a new trend in the industry. Subsequently, automakers like Rivian, GM, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Kia, Lucid, and Stellantis also joined the movement.
As of now, there are 36,499 NACS ports available publicly in the U.S., compared to around 16,925 CCS ports. While some third-party adapters claim to be compliant with safety standards, Tesla prohibits their use on its website. GM has designed specific adapters to protect its EV batteries during charging, emphasizing the importance of using approved accessories.
Tesla’s recent announcement about ramping up adapter production, along with GM’s update, suggests that more non-Tesla EVs may soon access Supercharger stations. Owners will need to download the Tesla app to facilitate the charging process seamlessly.
Automakers like Ford, GM, Hyundai, Nissan, Rivian, Volvo, and Polestar have taken different approaches to provide their EV customers with access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Some offer free adapters, while others require a purchase. Additionally, upcoming EV models from Kia, Hyundai, and Nissan will come equipped with NACS plugs, eliminating the need for adapters in the future.
The EV industry’s shift towards adopting Tesla’s charging standard signifies a significant step towards standardization and interoperability. As more automakers embrace this change, EV owners can expect a more seamless charging experience across different networks. Stay tuned for further updates as more automakers officially gain access to the Tesla Supercharging Network.
