Tesla to open Supercharger network to non-Tesla vehicles

[rodhx]

Doesn’t Tesla keep breaking the third party CCS adapter with firmware pushes to their vehicles? Tom did a YouTube video about it and basically said Tesla doesn’t want anyone using the adapter and is actively trying to whack-a-mole it. He didn’t recommend anyone spending money on it because it can’t be relied upon.

?‍... I remember those stories from two years ago but stopped following the discussion and don't know who Tom might be. It has surprised me to find on Plugshare several recent instances of the adapter being used. I assume that means there are quite a few in circulation. I believe its called the SETEC adapter.

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[2025R1S]

This isn't even needed. The adapter can have identification built into it, just like the tesla vehicles self identify.

Just register the adapter to your tesla account and then it can be plug and charge just like teslas.

Doesn't make sense to throw in the added step of nfc/chip reading/phone app activation.

Agree. This is why non-Tesla branded adapters (the same adapters that have existed for a while) wouldn't work. This is also why I am watching how fast Tesla can bring these CCS to Tesla adapters to North America. If it takes 12 months for them to bring it to NA, then a Tesla to CCS adapter would presumably take similar amount of time. This is trying to account for supply chain, and manufacturers ability to produce large volumes/quantity of units.

 

[HyperionMark]

Not sure why people think future Tesla Superchargers will require an adapter. Already some strong sources say V4 will be two plugs (CSS and Tesla) just like in Europe.
Other predictions I feel very strongly about:
- plugs will be centered on each parking spot, so people don't have to figure out whose is whose
- only V4 will allow CCS to charge at them, no adapter will ever be made for the old ones (AKA V2 and V3 will remain Tesla exclusive)
- they'll build more trailer friendly stalls with V4
- they'll be 350 kW at least

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

?‍... I remember those stories from two years ago but stopped following the discussion and don't know who Tom might be. It has surprised me to find on Plugshare several recent instances of the adapter being used. I assume that means there are quite a few in circulation. I believe its called the SETEC adapter.

Found the video. It was recent -- June 22, 2022. Timestamp 14:22. He discusses several CCS->Tesla options, including SETEC/Lectron, EVHUB, and the genuine-Tesla adapter (from South Korea).

 

[JayinNJ]

Ideally it will be like Europe where they retrofitted the chargers with a CCS in addition to the Tesla one.

I'd rather it be an adapter. Immediate access everywhere, as opposed to a slow roll out.

 

[2025R1S]

I'd rather it be an adapter. Immediate access everywhere, as opposed to a slow roll out.

Totally agree. Tesla can just keep expanding the network vs. having to redo literally every charger they have ever installed.

Or look at it different; you and I pay for adapters. Tesla pays for rebuilding the superchargers.

Goes without saying; Tesla ain't a charity.

 

[SANZC02]

I would not expect this to happen this year or be a fast network wide implementation. Tesla wants access to the government funds so this will probably start with new locations on new hardware and then slowly roll out to existing sites. If I were a betting man, I would venture to say for the next 3 to 5 years Rivian owners will have access to more Rivian RAN units than Tesla units.

I would love to be wrong but Tesla has very little incentive to fast track this activity.

 

[SANZC02]

It's been accurate for me (you have to refresh it on the map though, because it changes).

example from today, says 6 available, in reality only 1…

 

[R1Sky Business]

Not sure why people think future Tesla Superchargers will require an adapter. Already some strong sources say V4 will be two plugs (CSS and Tesla) just like in Europe.
Other predictions I feel very strongly about:
- plugs will be centered on each parking spot, so people don't have to figure out whose is whose
- only V4 will allow CCS to charge at them, no adapter will ever be made for the old ones (AKA V2 and V3 will remain Tesla exclusive)
- they'll build more trailer friendly stalls with V4
- they'll be 350 kW at least

Clear info, fantastic

 

[pc500]

The proof will be in how it is implemented...
Is it an adapter I have to buy: Sign me up and I'll pay the price to buy the adapter today;
Is it a re-work of the SC stations ie adding a cable with a CCS plug: I'll gladly use their equipment but think that will take a long time to retrofit the some 1,407 locations in just the US.

Given the charge port location on Tesla vs rivian, an adapter might not be enough

 

[emoore]

I also don’t think there will be an adapter. I think only the new superchargers will have CCS plugs. No reason for Tesla to make the existing chargers available to non Tesla’s.

 

[C.R. Rivian]

At some point, interoperability will be mandated or, more likely, subject to incentives. If states and the Feds are serious about electric cars, nothing else makes sense. You don't have to have a special car to get gas at, say, Shell. My guess is that initially the consumer will need an adapter.

 

[bhopkins]

Love it.. These people want to sit here bitch about how unreliable the CCS network is but I am not sure they understand what unreliable means.

I mean it does sound like Tesla does a good job of maintenance and uptime on their network (no experience myself) but like you said I think outside of a connector or two being down at a given station most issues can be attributed to either vehicle issues (as you mentioned) or the fact that the vehicles software doesn’t have the same charger integration into the software that Tesla and the SC network have. A little research goes a long way.

Sorry, I’m calling BS here. I’m coming to Rivian after four years of being a Tesla owner. In four years driving the Tesla, I had to move to a different dispenser at a Supercharger twice. Just on my current 1000 mile trip using EA, I’ve had to move dispensers twice due to slow rates (limited by station) and can personally verify that anywhere from 25 - 50% of dispensers at each station are down (screen says they’re down) or won’t start dispensing power via app or NFC.

Have I been stranded, no. Am I concerned each time I pull up and wondering if this is going to be the time that I have to determine if my backup plan works, yes. Is it frustrating and worrisome, totally. For people new to the EV experience it is going to be especially worrisome.

To me, if I pull into a dispenser and it doesn’t dispense power at the expected rate, then it is unreliable (regardless of cause). I do expect dispensers to become more reliable over time and understand these are growing pains. But, the network operators MUST start investing money into their stations and making sure dispenser work properly.

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