Question on charging at Tesla superchargers

[mike91tt]

Hi guys - I know this has been asked but I can't find this specific question/answer, so yell at me if you'd like but anyway (long time car forum user here)...I charge at home but for some long trips I want be able to use Tesla's superchargers. So I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DHCQYSCM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1 which connects fine when I get to the supercharger, but it sits there spinning saying "Starting" and never starts. From what I researched it is because the Rivian app doesn't know what you're doing (These superchargers do not come up on the map for Rivian) and Tesla doesn't think you have a tesla? So I opened the Tesla app to set it up, and as you likely know if you choose that you have a Rivian, it also does not recognize these chargers as usable on Tesla's map. So my thought was to just tell the Tesla app that you have a Tesla so that they DO appear on the map so that you can start the charging process, but it won't let you choose Tesla as your EV since I assume you aren't paired with an actual Tesla. So within the Tesla app, the map doesn't show these chargers either. So from this mess of a description, my question is basically, is it stuck on "starting" because there is nothing attached billing wise since it is not recognized by either Rivian or Tesla app as being at a compatible spot? If so, how are you guys actually using these superchargers?

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[ElGuano]

Tesla has older superchargers (designated as "V1" or "V2") that don't support non-Teslas. Only V3s (and I think not all V3s at that) support non-Teslas. Sounds like you're trying to charge at an unsupported supercharger.

That's why you have the Rivian map and the tesla.com/findus. You can filter by supported superchargers.

 

[RivianRiverRat]

early versions of tesla chargers (assuming v1 and v2) do not and will not ever work
v3 are NACS CCS adapter compatible IF enabled by tesla
v4 (magic dock) are enabled and have the adapter built in to the station
see telsa - supercharging - findus on the web

 

[SANZC02]

Hi guys - I know this has been asked but I can't find this specific question/answer, so yell at me if you'd like but anyway (long time car forum user here)...I charge at home but for some long trips I want be able to use Tesla's superchargers. So I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DHCQYSCM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1 which connects fine when I get to the supercharger, but it sits there spinning saying "Starting" and never starts. From what I researched it is because the Rivian app doesn't know what you're doing (These superchargers do not come up on the map for Rivian) and Tesla doesn't think you have a tesla? So I opened the Tesla app to set it up, and as you likely know if you choose that you have a Rivian, it also does not recognize these chargers as usable on Tesla's map. So my thought was to just tell the Tesla app that you have a Tesla so that they DO appear on the map so that you can start the charging process, but it won't let you choose Tesla as your EV since I assume you aren't paired with an actual Tesla. So within the Tesla app, the map doesn't show these chargers either. So from this mess of a description, my question is basically, is it stuck on "starting" because there is nothing attached billing wise since it is not recognized by either Rivian or Tesla app as being at a compatible spot? If so, how are you guys actually using these superchargers?

Not all Superchargers will work with non-Tesla, you need one that is NACS compatible. You can go to the Tesla Supercharger web page and filter to verify the one you are at is compatible.

Pretty sure if it does not show in the Tesla app configured with the Rivian it is not compatible. In that case you would see the waiting to start message.

 

[mike91tt]

I thought it may have been this, but these are relatively newly installed so it was surprising. I am also in the Los Angeles area so I assumed I would find tons of compatible fast chargers (specifically Tesla superchargers) but there are usually nothing nearby surprisingly. Just trying to wrap my head around taking this out to Las Vegas on a 4 1/2 hour drive and figuring out how to manage charging along the way without stopping for hours. Didn't want to get out there and not know this before hand of course.

 

[SANZC02]

I thought it may have been this, but these are relatively newly installed so it was surprising. I am also in the Los Angeles area so I assumed I would find tons of compatible fast chargers (specifically Tesla superchargers) but there are usually nothing nearby surprisingly. Just trying to wrap my head around taking this out to Las Vegas on a 4 1/2 hour drive and figuring out how to manage charging along the way without stopping for hours. Didn't want to get out there and not know this before hand of course.

Even some of the newer sites are not open to NACS. If they are V1/V2 chargers they definitely will not work. If they are V3/V4 they will work if opened by Tesla.

 

[mike91tt]

" Even some of the newer sites are not open to NACS " - Ok that makes sense then. I was under the assumption any new ones would be. So basically just use Rivian's map and my Rivian account and it should be accurate?

 

[2kwik4u]

Hi guys - I know this has been asked but I can't find this specific question/answer, so yell at me if you'd like but anyway (long time car forum user here)...I charge at home but for some long trips I want be able to use Tesla's superchargers. So I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DHCQYSCM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1 which connects fine when I get to the supercharger, but it sits there spinning saying "Starting" and never starts. From what I researched it is because the Rivian app doesn't know what you're doing (These superchargers do not come up on the map for Rivian) and Tesla doesn't think you have a tesla? So I opened the Tesla app to set it up, and as you likely know if you choose that you have a Rivian, it also does not recognize these chargers as usable on Tesla's map. So my thought was to just tell the Tesla app that you have a Tesla so that they DO appear on the map so that you can start the charging process, but it won't let you choose Tesla as your EV since I assume you aren't paired with an actual Tesla. So within the Tesla app, the map doesn't show these chargers either. So from this mess of a description, my question is basically, is it stuck on "starting" because there is nothing attached billing wise since it is not recognized by either Rivian or Tesla app as being at a compatible spot? If so, how are you guys actually using these superchargers?

If the supercharger doesn't show on the Rivian app AND if you select Rivian in the Tesla app, and it doesn't show; that means that supercharger is not open to vehicles that aren't Teslas.

Not all superchargers are open to other EV's. You found a "locked" one.

 

[ElGuano]

If the site doesn't show up on the Rivian app, it probably won't work (there are a few exceptions for new sites that have recently been opened up). But Tesla's site is pretty up to date.

Tldr: if you search for compatible sites (NACS or adapter required) in either Rivian or Tesla app/site, you will find compatible superchargers.

 

[mike91tt]

Thanks for all the replies that straightened this out. Last stupid question - Just moving into a new house that came with a Tesla charger hardwired to box. Should be able to use this adapter I showed you with the Tesla home charger? Or swap it for an outlet and use my current 240v portable? If it works I don't care I'll use it obviously.

 

[RivianRiverRat]

Thanks for all the replies that straightened this out. Last stupid question - Just moving into a new house that came with a Tesla charger hardwired to box. Should be able to use this adapter I showed you with the Tesla home charger? Or swap it for an outlet and use my current 240v portable? If it works I don't care I'll use it obviously.

If it is a Level 2 charger (most likely) and not a new tesla Universal unit you will need a tesla nacs to sae j1772 adapter

EDIT - level 2 is AC and supercharging is DC - two different things so 2 different adapters

 

[mike91tt]

It is level 2. Just so I understand, why wouldn't the existing adapter I showed work?

 

[RivianRiverRat]

It is level 2. Just so I understand, why wouldn't the existing adapter I showed work?

NO not the one in the link

EDIT #1 - what you have is DC only - you will need to get one like this

Amazon.com: 2024 Ecogenix Tesla to J1772 Charging Adapter (Max 80A, 240V) J1772 EVs Adapter to Tesla Charger, Adapter Compatible with Tesla High Powered Connectors, Destination Chargers, Mobile Connectors (Black) : Automotive

that is AC to use on a NACS Level 2

(link is an example only - not endorsing the product)

EDIT #2 - reference material to read

EV charging explained: Here's all the different charger types | Tom's Guide

 

[pricedm]

Hi @mike91 check out this post for at-home charging:

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...ch-brand-of-home-l2-charger-to-go-with.39673/

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

How many posts are there warning against buying random adapters on Amazon, Aliexpress, etc.? Yet here we are. If you care at all about your personal legal liability and risk of damaging your expensive vehicle, throw that adapter away and buy one of these three: 1) the one that is actually approved and made by Tesla from the Rivian Gear Shop, 2) either the A2Z Typhoon Pro or the Lectron Vortex (knowing that if anything goes wrong, you're on the hook because neither of these are officially approved, but they are designed and made to a high specification).

It has never been said or implied that every single Supercharger site is open to non-Teslas. There are two reasons why only select ones are: 1) Equipment compatibility—only V3 and V4 Superchargers are capable of supporting non-Teslas. 2) Business decision by Tesla—If you were them, you wouldn't want to open your busiest locations, and risk pissing off your bread and butter Tesla customer base. Instead you open the under utilized ones to non-Teslas.

Your adapter looks just like the original A2Z Typhoon and under the exterior it may very well be identical. However, A2Z has since discontinued AND recalled that adapter. Plus A2Z is a Canadian business, active on this forum and is actually around to service and honor their warranty policy. That, is another reason not to buy random adapters off of Amazon—because the overseas seller could disappear on you any day at first sign of trouble, create a new name/account and set up shop again to sell to a new group of suckers. Buyer beware... cover your ass.

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