Part of the perks of owning a Tesla is exclusive access to its market-leading charging infrastructure. But this advantage will soon become a thing of the past.
In 2021, Tesla took a significant step by opening up its Supercharger Network to non-Tesla electric vehicles in select European countries as part of a limited pilot project. Tesla CEO Elon Musk later announced the company's plans to allow EVs from select carmakers access to 7,500 Tesla Superchargers and Destination Chargers deployed across the county by the end of 2024. This move positions Tesla to tap into a portion of the $7.5 billion federal funds allocated for EV charging network expansion.
If you can't wait until the end of next year to utilize the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for your non-Tesla EV, there are ways you can do so right here, right now.
Can Non-Tesla EV Cars Charge at Tesla Charging Stations?
Until recently, the Tesla Supercharger Network was exclusively reserved for Tesla vehicles, providing Tesla owners with a distinct advantage in terms of access to fast and convenient charging stations. But even before carmakers began retrofitting their new releases with the NACS port, charger adapters have been the longtime heroes championing inclusivity.
All EVs sold in North America - except for Teslas of course - use the J1772 connector for charging. Think of Teslas as the iPhones of the EV world with the proprietary Lightning charger (at least, before the 2023 models), while all non-Tesla vehicles are the Androids using the generic USB-C charger. A Tesla to J1772 adapter allows J1772 vehicles access to Tesla chargers, including the Mobile Connector, Wall Connector, and Tesla Destination Chargers. So, a Chevy Bolt, for example, can pull up at a Destination Charger and use an adapter for up to 48 amps of charging.
Can You Use Tesla Superchargers for Other Cars?
Tesla Superchargers are the equivalent of DC Fast Chargers used by non-Tesla cars. Tesla was the first to build a rapid charging network, which remains as the biggest in the country. Superchargers can produce up to 250kW of charging output, which promises up to 200 miles of range in 15 minutes.
Until last year, this powerful charging network was exclusive to Tesla EVs. But early in 2023, Tesla began introducing "Magic Dock" adapters at select Superchargers across the country. These docks enable certain Superchargers to work seamlessly with any EV equipped with a CCS (Combined Charging System) plug, which is a standard feature in modern EVs.
Charging through CCS can vary in speed, but it's known for its rapid capabilities, often delivering fast charging rates comparable to Tesla Superchargers, ensuring a swift and efficient charging experience for a wide range of electric vehicles.
This now gives owners of EVs made by Volvo, Mercedes, Ford, BMW, and scores of others access to many Supercharger stations, making long-distance travel easier than ever.
The Types of Adapters You Could Use
For non-Tesla owners looking to enjoy fast charging using Tesla's proprietary connector, several Tesla-to-J1772 adapters are available on the market. Lectron offers convenient dongle-like adapters that simplify the process of connecting your J1772 plug to Tesla charging infrastructure.
The Telgeoot Tesla to J1772 EV Adapter | 240V | 48 Amp is unique in the market as it supports a maximum current of 48 Amps and a maximum voltage of 250V. Its high specifications make it an excellent choice for rapid charging.
These Tesla-to-J1772 adapters are compatible with various Tesla charging solutions, including the Tesla Wall Connector, Mobile Connector, and Destination Charger. This compatibility opens up access to more than 15,000 charging stations, extending the convenience of fast charging to non-Tesla EV owners.
