How You Can Find NACS-compatible Tesla Superchargers
When Tesla opened its proprietary charger design in 2022, it was part of a broader plan to make it the charging standard in North America. While major automakers are joining the shift, the Tesla connector hasn’t been officially recognized yet, despite the EV industry referring to it as the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Once standardized, the NACS will be formally called the SAE J3400.
What is SAE J3400?
Contrary to popular belief, the SAE J3400 is not the same as current Tesla connectors; it is more of an upgraded version in that it uses a different protocol. Like the CCS (Combined Charging Standard), the SAE J3400 connectors use the ISO 15118 protocol, making them electrically compatible with CCS-enabled EVs. Existing Tesla chargers, on the other hand, use the CAN bus to control charging.
Upon standardization, the SAE J3400 connector will become accessible for utilization, manufacturing, or deployment by any supplier or manufacturer. This will enable the integration of the connector into EVs and charging stations throughout North America, providing drivers access to an interoperable national charging network. While the industry awaits SAE International’s formal endorsement, Tesla looks to make the transition seamless for early adopters by slowly opening its upgraded Superchargers to NACS-enabled EVs.
Tesla on the Move
In May of last year, leading automakers Ford and GM announced they were adopting the NACS starting in 2025, a month before the SAE J3400 Task Force was formed. As more brands joined the NACS Alliance in the following months, SAE International was quick on its feet, publishing the SAE J3400 North American Charging Standard (NACS) Electric Vehicle Coupler Technical Information Report (TIR) less than six months later, signaling a significant milestone in the deployment and commercialization of the connector.
As part of its bid to promote NACS, Tesla began fitting its Superchargers with the Magic Dock, giving CCS-enabled EVs a trial run of what’s to come once the first batch of non-Tesla, NACS-compatible models hit the market in 2025. Similarly, third-party manufacturers like Lectron have released their own version of a NACS-to-CCS1 adapter. While the Magic Dock rollout encountered delays in its early stages, it seems like the company has upgraded enough existing and new Superchargers to warrant its own filter in the Supercharger map.
Beginning this March, non-Tesla EV drivers can now access more than 15,000 Supercharger stalls across North America, with “one new stall opening every hour”. However, it is exclusive to Ford in the meantime, but will gradually open to Rivian, GM, Volvo, and Polestar in Spring 2024. These upgraded Superchargers will be compatible with the dedicated adapters provided by automakers.
Ford has opened registration for free NACS adapters until July 1st for the first 15,000 customers in the US and Canada. Afterward, the adapter will retail for $230, plus taxes and shipping. However, some users have been reporting an overwhelming number of registrants just within a day of Ford’s announcement. Meanwhile, brands waiting for their adapters could still access Superchargers with Magic Docks.
So, how can you locate these upgraded chargers?
Public Charging Apps
- Tap on the Home icon on your vehicle’s touchscreen.
- Select Public Charging.
- The app will show the nearest charging stations to your vehicle's current location.
- Tesla Superchargers will be identified with a label indicating the need for an adapter.
- Stations that are incompatible will be marked with a red alert stating "Station not compatible."
If you haven't received your Ford NACS adapter or don't have it with you, you can opt to hide stations requiring the adapter. To do this, select the Filters button in the Public Charging App.
Tesla App
- Download the Tesla App on your phone.
- Register your vehicle details to automatically see which NACS Superchargers you can charge at.
- Enter your location.
Tesla Website
- Open Tesla’s “Find Us” page.
- Enter your current location.
- Select “Superchargers Open to NACS” from the filter options.
- This will refine your search, displaying only the upgraded Tesla Superchargers near you that are compatible with non-Tesla EVs.
