Original Post Date: December 24, 2024
Source: TechCrunch
Read the full article here

Hyundai is the latest automaker to join the list

In May 2023, Ford triggered a transformation when the U.S. automaker locked in a deal to give owners of its EVs access to the Tesla Supercharger network. 

In a stunning shift, automaker after automaker — from GM and Hyundai to Rivian and Mercedes — followed suit. By the end of 2023, nearly every major automaker had agreed to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) and promised EV owners that adapters would soon be on their way.

Most non-Tesla customers are still waiting. However, recent announcements from automakers may provide an electric lining of optimism.

TechCrunch is tracking which brands have access to the Tesla Supercharging Network and will be updating this list.

The shift to the Tesla EV charging standard

In November 2022, Tesla shared its EV charging connector design in an effort to encourage network operators and automakers to adopt the technology and help make it the new standard in North America. At the time, every other automaker was using the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) in North America. 

Mass adoption seemed unlikely at the time even though Tesla’s charging network was considered far superior thanks to its robust and user-friendly design and the ease of paying for the EV juice.

Six months later, Ford became the first to announce it would work with Tesla in a deal that would give its customers access to more than 12,000 Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada. But it wasn’t just about giving Ford EV owners access to a special adapter. Ford also committed to integrating its future EVs with NACS ports instead of CCS. 

Rivian, GM, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, and Stellantis followed. 

Tesla charging FAQs

In the U.S. today, there are 36,499 NACS ports available publicly (although some of those might be from other EV charging companies that have adapted Tesla’s standard), compared to around 16,925 CCS ports. That’s despite federal dollars that have gone explicitly to the buildout of CCS chargers. 

For EV owners stuck with a CCS port, they’ll have to hold out for manufacturer-approved adapters. While there are some third-party adapters that claim to be compliant with certain safety and performance standards, like Lectron’s Vortex Plug for $199, Tesla’s website says such adapters are prohibited.

A GM spokesperson told TechCrunch its adapters have been specifically designed to protect GM EV batteries while charging and that its vehicle warranty doesn’t cover damage to vehicle parts resulting from the use of non-GM approved adapters. 

In late August, Tesla posted on X that it had ramped up production of adapters. That statement, combined with GM’s announcement, could mean that even more non-Tesla EVs will be pulling up to Supercharger stations soon. They’ll all have to download the Tesla app so they can pay for charging. 

Tesla supercharging access checklist

Ford

Certain Ford customers officially gained access to Tesla Superchargers in February, but ongoing supply constraints have delayed the delivery of free fast-charging adapters for most customers (although Ford says the delays have affected “some” customers). 

As of September 2024, Rivian said that customers who order a new vehicle will have an adapter shipped to them automatically when they take delivery. Customers will receive the adapter within seven to 10 business days. The EV-maker also promised that those who already own a Rivian and are still awaiting an adapter will receive one at no cost by the end of January 2025.

Volvo (and Polestar)

The two Swedish car brands owned by China’s Geely began offering their EV customers access to Tesla’s Supercharger network at the end of October.

Volvo said it will include a free NACS adapter for any customer who buys a 2025 EX90, EX40, or EC40. Existing Volvo EV owners will have to shell out $230 for an adapter, which they can buy from a dealership or service center.

Polestar is also selling the adapter through its service centers. Both brands gave a mid-November date when they’ll start shipping adapters. Volvo and Polestar are also updating their Android-powered infotainment software so drivers can search for Tesla Superchargers in the vehicle’s navigation.

TechCrunch will update the list as automakers gain official access.