Can Other Cars Use Tesla Chargers?
It was in 2021 when Tesla first opened its supercharger network to non-Tesla electric vehicles in select European countries as part of a small pilot project.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been mum about when other electric vehicles in the US can enjoy the company’s proprietary connector.
This move supports the world's transition to sustainable energy
But a fact sheet published by The White House in June indicates that other EVs in North America may get access to Tesla’s Supercharger network soon.
There are over 25,000 Tesla Superchargers worldwide, so this would mean more charging options for more drivers of EVs.
So, how can other EVs charge up using a Tesla charger? And what steps is the company taking for the faster expansion of its Supercharger network? Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.
Can non-Tesla EV cars charge at Tesla charging stations?
The simple answer is, yes. A non-Tesla electric vehicle can use low-powered Tesla chargers using a J1772 adapter.
A Tesla-to-J1772 adapter lets other electric cars charge up using both Tesla Wall Connector and Tesla Mobile Connector.
The J1772 adapter also allows non-Tesla EV drivers access to thousands of Tesla Destination Chargers.
Tesla Wall Connectors are set up in parks, supermarkets, hotels, and other popular tourist destinations.
There are a few charging locations with both Tesla Wall Connectors and J1772 outlets, so drivers wouldn’t need an adapter.
But these are commonly installed on private property, so you should ask permission first to use their electric vehicle supply equipment.
Yes, you can use Tesla chargers with a non-Tesla electric vehicle. However, there are limitations.
Currently, Tesla high-speed Superchargers are available only to Teslas, and no adapters are available in the market for non-Tesla vehicles.
But if the talks are true, expect the Tesla Supercharger network to open to other electric cars soon. A win for the EV sector!
Can you use Tesla Superchargers for other cars?
In mid-2021, Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that the Tesla Supercharger network would open to non-Tesla cars in select European cities as part of a pilot program.
There wasn’t much information about the program, but cities in Germany, Norway, and Sweden were reportedly candidates for the expansion.
Musk announced that they eventually want the Tesla Supercharger stations to be available to non-Tesla cars in the North American market.
Wouldn't it be great to have a Supercharger worldwide network?
There currently are no adapters compatible with the Tesla Supercharger in the market, so we can only hope for a faster expansion.
Non-Tesla vehicle owners are required to utilize the Tesla smartphone app, specifically version 4.2.3 or above. Upon accessing the app, users should select the "Charge Your Non-Tesla" option, which will prompt a request to add a payment method in order to initiate the charging process.
Non-Tesla electric vehicles can use CCS common connections with Superchargers.
Tesla hasn’t released an official per kWh price for non-Tesla cars using Superchargers, but rates will vary depending on the location.
The types of adapters you could use
There are various Tesla-to-J1772 adapters on the market for non Tesla drivers who still want to enjoy fast charging using the Tesla proprietary connector.
Brands like Lectron and TeslaTap offer dongle-like adapters that will let you connect your J1772 effortlessly.
Here is a list of adapters you could use:
- Lectron - Tesla to J1772 Charging Adapter, Max 48A & 250V - the only J1772 adapter in the market that supports 48 Amps of maximum current and 250V of the maximum voltage.
- Lectron - Tesla to J1772 Adapter, Max 40A & 250V – up to 3 to 4 times faster than regular Level 2 chargers.
Their compatibility with the Tesla Wall Connector, Mobile Connector, and Destination Charger opens more than 15,000 charging stations for non-Tesla owners.
What's the best adapter for your car?
Here are some points to remember when choosing the best adapter for your car:
- The adapter Tesla to J1772, not the other way around.
- The connector is US standard as Tesla uses a different one for the European market.
- It supports 40 amps/250 volts.
- It has at least 1-year warranty.
- It has been tested and certified.
Why haven't Superchargers been compatible with non-Tesla EVs?
Superchargers are much more complicated electric vehicle charging stations compared to non-Tesla chargers, but at present, Supercharger networks can only be enjoyed by Tesla drivers and are not compatible with adapters.
The exclusivity of high-speed Superchargers can be enticing to non-Tesla owners who want to take advantage of the feature.
If you don’t mind waiting, the availability of Superchargers for non-Tesla cars is already in the works for the North American market.
However, convenience comes with a price, and if you want to utilize Tesla Superchargers, you must pay additional costs.
But a charging membership can significantly lower these costs.
While the Supercharging network is opening, other EV owners can’t simply just turn up at a charging station.
You’ll need a compatible charging connector that supports DC and AC through the same port - the CCS Combo1.
Should you buy a home charging station?
While Tesla Superchargers are not yet widely available, non-Tesla drivers can invest in home charging stations for the time being.
Installation costs will vary depending on whether your house can handle a charging station, or you’d have to do major upgrades to your electrical system.
You can use your Level 1 charger just like any other wall charger by plugging it into a standard wall outlet with 12 amps of electricity.
More drivers of other electric cars will have enough battery after 8 hours of daily charging using a Tesla charger.
If you want faster charging at home, Level 2 chargers are your best bet.
But this would require electrical upgrades to handle higher charging levels.
Installation fees are often higher than the charger itself, and costs could go as high as $2,000.
Charging your EV using a Level 2 Wall Connector will surely have additional costs, so you must weigh the pros and cons before investing.
FAQs:
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The Mobile Connector, Wall Connector, and Destination Charger can be used by other electric cars with the proper adapter.
Tesla to J1772 adapters that support charging at 40 amps/250 volts are your best bet.
Supercharger stations can’t be used by a non-Tesla vehicle yet as there are no adapters in the market yet. But Tesla CEO Elon Musk has already opened the Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs in select European cities as part of a pilot project, and soon in the North American market.
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Non-Tesla vehicle owners are required to utilize the Tesla smartphone app, specifically version 4.2.3 or above. Upon accessing the app, users should select the "Charge Your Non-Tesla" option, which will prompt a request to add a payment method in order to initiate the charging process.
Other electric cars can use CCS common connections with Superchargers.
There isn't an official per kWh price for non-Tesla EVs using Superchargers yet, but rates will vary depending on the location.
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Yes, as long as you have the J1772 adapter that supports 40 amps/250 volts charging, then you can charge your car at Tesla Charging Stations.
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Yes. There are Tesla-to-J1722 adapters that let other EVs use Tesla chargers. Lectron has adapters that will let you connect your J1772 to Tesla, effortlessly. Lectron has a J1772 adapter that supports 48 Amps of maximum current and 250V of the maximum voltage.
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With the use of a J1772 adapter, any EV owner can use the Tesla High Powered Wall Connectors, all generations of Tesla Destination Chargers, and Tesla Mobile Connectors.
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Tesla Superchargers can’t be used by other EVs. But Tesla is slowly opening its Supercharger network to other electric vehicles.