Tesla Opens Supercharger Network to Non-Tesla EVs: What It Means for Drivers

In a significant development for electric vehicle (EV) owners, Tesla has opened its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs. Currently, nine brands have gained access to select Supercharger stations: Ford, Rivian, General Motors (GM), Polestar, Volvo, Nissan, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, and now Hyundai.

Adapters Required (For Now)
To utilize the Superchargers, most EVs will need an adapter. Hyundai plans to begin shipping adapters on April 7 for all models except the 2025 Ioniq 5, which comes equipped with the Tesla-supported North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. Additional brands, including BMW, Genesis, Jaguar-Land Rover, and Kia, are expected to join the network soon. Major manufacturers like Volkswagen are projected to gain access by summer 2025.

Limited Supercharger Access and Possible Fee Increases
It’s important to note that not all Supercharger stations are accessible to non-Tesla vehicles. Tesla has restricted usage in urban areas and at stations lacking the necessary software or hardware to support other brands. Additionally, while non-Tesla drivers can charge at these stations, Tesla may apply higher fees for them. However, users can avoid these elevated costs by subscribing to a $12.99/month Supercharger membership, which offers Tesla-level pricing.

Access to High-Speed V3 Superchargers
Non-Tesla EVs now have access to approximately 20,000 V3 Superchargers—Tesla’s most advanced and powerful chargers. Until 2025, when automakers will integrate NACS ports directly into their vehicles, drivers will need to rely on adapters, which range in price from $180 for third-party options to around $230 for certified hardware.

Tesla’s Push for NACS Adoption

Tesla has been promoting its NACS connector as the industry standard since November 2022, when it released the port specifications and encouraged other automakers to adopt it. The company claims that its connector is smaller, easier to handle, and more reliable than the Combined Charging System (CCS) currently used by most non-Tesla EVs. According to the US Department of Energy, Tesla’s Superchargers account for about one-third of the 60,000 public fast chargers in the United States.

Although other automakers were initially hesitant to switch to NACS, Ford’s decision to adopt the standard encouraged Mercedes-Benz and others to follow suit, allowing their customers to benefit from broader charging options. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is now working to certify the NACS port under the designation SAE J3400, while charging networks such as Blink, ChargePoint, and Electrify America plan to offer both CCS and NACS connectors at their stations.

Challenges and Future Developments

While this move benefits Tesla and EV drivers alike, the transition hasn’t been entirely seamless. Initially, a limited supply of adapters led to significant delivery delays, although this issue is expected to ease by the end of 2024.

Another concern is Supercharger compatibility with non-Tesla vehicles. Ford, for example, found that its drivers only charged at Tesla stations about 20% of the time. Factors such as adapter availability, wait times, and incompatible port placement may contribute to these low usage rates. The positioning of charging ports on some non-Tesla vehicles, combined with shorter Supercharger cables, can force drivers to maneuver their cars awkwardly—sometimes blocking other charging spots.

Rather than retrofitting existing stations, Tesla is expected to prioritize building future Superchargers with native support for all brands. These upgraded stations will be more accessible to non-Tesla EVs, ensuring a smoother and more inclusive charging experience.