Which Electric Vehicles Can Charge at a Tesla Supercharger?
Many of Tesla's Supercharger stations are now available for electric vehicles built by other automakers, but adapters for those chargers are arriving very slowly.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the first vehicle other than Tesla to have a built-in NACS charging port.
By Keith Barry
Car owners, including those from GM, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar EV, and Volvo, have received adapters that enable them to use Tesla Superchargers, provided they buy an adapter themselves.
Connecting a non-Tesla vehicle to a Tesla Supercharger requires additional hardware and software, which are currently under development by various manufacturers. In the interim, many automakers are providing adapters that enable owners to use Tesla's proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors. Future models are expected to come equipped with built-in NACS outlets as standard.
If you own an electric vehicle (EV) or are thinking of buying one and want to know how more access to Tesla's Superchargers might change the charging situation, Consumer Reports has some answers for you.
“Access to public charging stations is a major obstacle for electric vehicle owners and those thinking about buying one,” says Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development at Consumer Reports. “Being able to use Tesla's Superchargers would be a huge advantage for some current EV drivers right now.”
public fast-charging stations from companies such as EVgo, Electrify America, ChargePoint, and others.
On our Ford and Rivian vehicles.
Why Is Tesla Opening Up Its Supercharger Network to Competitors' Vehicles?
There are at least several reasons: To be eligible for a share of the $7.5 billion allocated in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - which aims to address climate change, healthcare, and taxes - Tesla agreed to make its Supercharger and Destination Charger network chargers available to non-Tesla vehicles by the end of 2024.
Tesla also benefits when other electric vehicles use its Superchargers, and experts say charging could become a significant source of income for the automaker. On its website, Tesla says that it has “always been our goal to make the Supercharger network available to non-Tesla electric vehicles, and by doing so, encourage more drivers to switch to electricity,” and that the company aims to eventually make all Superchargers accessible to all electric vehicles.
Some of these stations are currently operational.
Electric vehicle charge connectors come in various shapes. The DC fast charging Tesla connector is now commonly referred to as the North American Charge Standard (NACS).
Illustration: Chris Philpot
Which Non-Tesla Electric Vehicles Can Charge at Tesla Superchargers?
It depends on the type of Supercharger and whether your car has an NACS charger or an adapter.
Most non-Tesla electric vehicles (EVs), with the exception of the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid, can charge at Tesla Supercharger stations that use a device called Magic Dock. This adapter makes it possible for EVs with a Combined Charging Standard (CCS) plug to charge at Tesla's NACS plug-designed Superchargers. However, only a small number of Superchargers are currently equipped with Magic Docks, with most located in the Northeast. Tesla claims to plan more installations in the future. Users of Magic Docks need to charge through the Tesla app instead of easily paying at the charger. On Tesla's charger map, these compatible stations are listed as "Superchargers Open to Other EVs."
In 2024, many car manufacturers announced that owners of EVs would have access to over 15,000 of Tesla's high-speed charging stations. However, the Tesla chargers will only work with either a adapter provided by Tesla or with cars that are equipped with a built-in charging port that's compatible with the Tesla system. These Tesla charging stations can be found on Tesla's map, listed as "Superchargers Open to NACS." We tested the adapters on a Ford and a Rivian vehicle and found that they were easy to use and allowed for a relatively smooth connection. Nevertheless, the position of the charging port on some vehicles might cause them to need to occupy more than one parking spot to charge.
The following automakers have announced that they will be using Tesla’s NACS charging standard on their upcoming models. This means that owners of these vehicles will be able to charge their cars at many newer Tesla Supercharger stations, without needing the special charging adapter, giving them more convenient charging options when they're away from home.
• BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce will begin using the NACS charging system on their electric vehicles in 2025. That same year, cars from those brands will also be able to use Tesla Superchargers.
They can currently charge at Tesla Superchargers using an adapter, and starting in 2025, new EVs should come with the NACS charging port as standard. Initially, adapters were free for people who already owned EVs, but now they cost $230. In 2024, Ford advised some people not to use the adapters they received initially, as they could potentially damage the vehicle's charging port. The company plans to send replacements to those affected by the problem.
Ford’s fast charging adapter.
Photo: Ford
You can buy a certified adapter for $225 through your vehicle's phone app. The company says that they are using different manufacturers to make the adapters, and they will be available in the U.S. before they become available in Canada.
Hondas that will be released in the U.S. will be equipped with the NACS port, and all future Honda electric vehicles will adopt the NACS standard. Electric models sold in North America before 2025 will come with a CCS port and an NACS adapter.
It is anticipated to be the first vehicle, not made by Tesla, that will have an NACS outlet.
• Jaguar says it will equip all of its new electric vehicles with NACS connectors starting in 2025, and will have adapters available for existing I-Pace models.
• Kia stated that upcoming new Kia EVs will feature a standard NACS connector, and owners of the EV6 and EV9 vehicles will receive free CCS-to-NACS adapters. After a software upgrade, Kia EV owners will have the ability to access and pay for charging at Tesla's Supercharger network via the Kia Connect app
Mazda plans to start using NACS charging ports on all new electric vehicles they launch starting from 2025.
Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in the U.S. will be able to plug in and charge at Supercharger using an adapter as of February 2025. The authorized adapter costs $185 and is available for purchase through Mercedes-Benz dealerships. The automaker remains on track to begin installing NACS charging ports on new cars in the U.S. this year. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz is constructing its own charging stations that will have both NACS and CCS plugs and be accessible to all types of electric vehicles.
A Mercedes-Benz NACS adapter is available at dealerships for one hundred eighty-five dollars.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The Aria already has a CCS charging port.
The company says upcoming Polestar vehicles will come with NACS ports as standard and will receive a CCS adapter to utilize the existing CCS charging network. Polestar owners who already have CCS-equipped cars can also purchase an adapter from the manufacturer.
As of March 18, 2024, you'll be able to charge at Superchargers, while newer 2025 and later vehicles will have NACS charging ports included. You can even order an adapter through a notification on your car.
The company plans to begin using the NACS connector with select models starting in 2025. During the shift, the automaker will provide adapters for vehicles that have a Combined Charging System (CCS) port.
• Toyota states that Toyota and Lexus electric vehicles will be able to utilize Tesla Superchargers and that new Toyota and Lexus models will switch to the NACS charging standard starting in 2025. Existing owners of Toyota and Lexus EVs will also receive NACS adapters at that time.
—to start using the NACS standard on their vehicles in the 2025 model year. The manufacturer has informed CR that they plan to release an adapter that will be available for sale as an accessory at dealerships.
Volvo has stated that adapters are now available for existing EVs, and their cost is $230 (or $310 CAD). Starting with the 2025 model year, Volvo EVs will come equipped with a free NACS adapter, but it will not be a built-in port.
Due to the length of the Supercharger cord for the F-150 Lightning, parking the vehicle at a Supercharger station may necessitate occupying an extra parking space and potentially positioning the vehicle very close to a bollard.
Photo: Keith Barry/Consumer Reports
Can Cars That Are Not Made by Tesla Charge at Any Tesla Supercharger?
Only about 15,000 out of more than 17,000 Tesla Supercharger ports will be accessible to cars that have NACS ports or adapters, which partner with Tesla. This includes V3 Superchargers installed in 2019 or later, as well as upcoming V4 Superchargers. The older Superchargers will not be compatible with non-Tesla vehicles.
A Ford Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning charging at a Tesla Supercharger station.
Photo: Ford
What About Third-Party NACS-to-CCS Adapters?
While it's possible to buy a third-party adapter that converts NACS to CCS, we don't recommend doing so. Several automakers have informed us that using such a device may not be covered by the vehicle's original warranty, which could leave owners liable for any resulting damage or issues.
Additionally, third-party adapters don't always have the capability to connect with Tesla's software. When we tested a third-party adapter on our Ford F-150 Lightning, we had to switch between the car's app and the Tesla app to start and pay for a charge. On some vehicles, you might not be able to start a charge at all. It’s recommended that you wait for the official adapter for your vehicle to become available.
When Will the Partner Companies Have Access to the Superchargers?
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In addition to needing an adapter, automobile manufacturers are also creating new software to enable non-Tesla vehicles to connect with the Supercharger system. "You will require a software update in most of these vehicles for the vehicle to communicate with the Superchargers," says Sam Abuelsamid, a principal research analyst at consulting firm Guidehouse Insights.
"What Will the Experience Be Like When Charging a Non-Tesla Vehicle at a Supercharger?"
In addition to being located in high-traffic areas, Tesla chargers are very convenient to use. “When you plug into a Supercharger you don't need to swipe a card, there's no display screen—you just plug it in and it starts charging, and it charges your account,” Abuelsamid explains.
This system is relatively easy to use. However, we discovered a major physical problem: Tesla's charging ports are located on the driver-side rear corner of all their vehicles. This means that if the charging cord is designed for a different vehicle, it may not reach unless you park the car in an awkward position. According to Tesla's website, owners of non-Tesla EVs "may have to park over the line in order to charge comfortably." To reduce obstruction of charge posts, Tesla suggests parking in a way that minimizes obstruction. Newer Superchargers, version V4, are being designed to reach more EVs from other brands.
Starting in 2025, vehicles from Cadillac will include NACS ports as a standard feature.
Photo: Cadillac
The Cost of Charging a Non-Tesla at a Supercharger
There are two potential costs to consider: the cost of an adapter and the cost of charging. As it stands, most adapters are priced around $200. Looking at charging, Tesla claims that Tesla owners will get the best rate at a Supercharger, while non-Tesla owners will pay Tesla rates if they opt-in to a Supercharging membership for $13 per month.
In reality, costs vary based on the location. As of September 2024, charging a non-Tesla at a Supercharger without a membership is not inexpensive: Areas near CR’s Auto Test Center in Connecticut with Magic Docks tend to cost about 55 cents per kWh. This is roughly the same as Electrify America, which charges 56 cents per kWh without a monthly subscription.
How Quickly Do Cars with CCS Plugs Charge at Superchargers?
It depends on the vehicle. When we tested a Ford and a Rivian, we saw charging speeds similar to those same cars charging at public DC fast chargers from other networks.
We never charged above 76 kilowatts, despite it being capable of handling up to 170 kW. This means it would take more than twice as long—over 45 minutes—to reach from 20 to 80 percent on a Supercharger compared to another DC fast charger.
In addition, owners will be limited to recharging at the speeds their vehicle can handle, even if the charging station can go faster. So, vehicles with slower charging capabilities will take longer to recharge than vehicles with faster ones. For example, a Chevrolet Bolt has a maximum charge rate of 55 kilowatts, even though some charging stations can charge up to 250 kilowatts.
The Lucid Air we tested was capped at a 49-kilowatt charge rate, making it take more than an hour to recharge to an additional 200 miles on the road, rather than the company's claimed 12 minutes at a more powerful charger.
There just aren't as many 800-volt fast chargers available yet as there are Superchargers, so owners of vehicles equipped with 800-volt technology will still see improved charger accessibility.
The NACS charging port on a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Photo: Hyundai
What Does Expanding the Supercharger Network Mean for Tesla Owners?
With hundreds of thousands of EVs now accessing Superchargers, Tesla owners may encounter longer wait times, or possibly have to wait for a vehicle to vacate multiple charging spaces. "It does limit the competitive advantage on charging for Tesla owners," notes Chris Harto, senior transportation and energy policy analyst at CR.
There hasn't been much trouble in countries where Tesla Superchargers already offer CCS access, says Shelley Francis, DrPH, co-founder and managing director of EVNoire, an organization that advises businesses and governments on EV adoption, and co-founder of EVHybridNoire, which represents a diverse group of EV drivers and enthusiasts.
She's concerned about Tesla owners in the U.S., but notes that for Americans, it's become an issue, whereas when speaking to Tesla owners in Europe, where other non-Tesla brands can use CCS charging stations, it doesn't seem to be the problem that folks thought it would be.
Both ChargePoint and Electrify America have announced plans to increase NACS availability at their stations in the future, as well, which will provide current Tesla owners with more options. However, for this to benefit them, those companies must first improve their reliability, according to Abuelsamid. “I hope that competition from Tesla will motivate those other companies to do a better job,” he says.
Do other automakers offer their own charging systems for electric and hybrid vehicles?
BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, the parent company of Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, and Ram, plan to open 30,000 DC fast chargers across the U.S. and Canada by 2030. This is part of a joint venture under the Ionity brand name, with these chargers available to all electric vehicles featuring NACS or CCS ports, regardless of manufacturer.
Charging stations are already open. Automakers involved in the project say that future charging stations will be located in busy areas, have multiple charging points per station, and have both NACS and CCS charging options available. They will be designed to work reliably and without the need for apps or payment cards, similar to Tesla's Superchargers.
Charging your electric vehicle, or EV, varies from one make and model to another. Some electric vehicles, or EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles, can use a charging system called CCS for charging. "CCS stands for Combined Charging System, which is a quick charging system." "You need a CCS charging port in your vehicle to take advantage of it." More expensive DC charging stations can charge a battery up to 80% in about 30 minutes, depending on your vehicle type. "The speed of recharging depends on the car model, battery size, and the current available from the charging station."
Even if you buy a car with a built-in NACS port, you'll still be able to use some Tesla chargers without a special adapter. "It looks like CCS will still be supported for quite some time at most charging stations that already have it," Harto says. "It seems likely that most new, non-Tesla charging stations will have both ports available."
Regardless of manufacturer, Tesla's brand recognition could certainly give a boost to vehicles that have access to Supercharger stations, says Francis. "The perceived ease of the Tesla charging network could be a major selling point for all brands that use the NACS," she says.
Consumer Reports is a non-profit organization that collaborates with consumers to build a more fair, secure, and healthy world. It does not endorse products or services and does not take advertisements. Copyright 2025, Consumer Reports, Inc.
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