Starting today, owners of General Motors electric vehicles (EVs) can use Tesla’s nationwide EV charging network. They’ll need to purchase an adapter to do it. But the move gives GM EV drivers access to almost all of America’s EV public EV chargers.
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Industry Converging on One Plug Shape
Nearly every automaker now builds at least one EV. GM, parent company of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, could have a dozen models on sales lots late next year. Prices range from the low $30,000 range (the Chevrolet Equinox EV) to over $300,000 (the ultra-luxury Cadillac Celestiq).
But they can’t all charge from every public charger. Tesla has its own plug shape, the North American Charging Standard (NACS), and operates a nationwide network of what it calls Superchargers. Most other manufacturers use a second plug shape, the Combined Charging System (CCS). Multiple companies operate CCS-equipped charging networks.
A third system, CHAdeMo, is found only on the Nissan Leaf and some older EVs.
Most EV drivers do most of their charging at home. But the three-shape problem can leave EV owners hunting for a public charger that fits their car.
Last year, the auto industry finally came to its senses about the issue. Tesla agreed to let everyone use the NACS plug shape, and nearly every automaker agreed to switch to it.
It’s Taking Time
The agreement doesn’t mean everyone can use every plug instantly.
Most manufacturers won’t build the plug into their EVs until 2025. This year, they’ll start issuing adapters with every sale.
Some, like Ford, are providing adapters free of charge to everyone who has already bought one of their EVs. GM has chosen to charge for the adapter. In a press release, the company says, “To access the Tesla Supercharger Network, U.S. customers will be able to purchase a GM-approved NACS DC adapter through GM vehicle brand mobile apps for an MSRP of $225.”
Tesla must also program its Superchargers to work with each brand’s vehicles. That process is going slowly, analysts say. The company has now opened its network to Ford, GM, and Rivian owners. Others will come gradually as Tesla’s programmers add more capabilities to the Supercharger system.
