Breaking News: GM, Ford, Rivian, and More Automakers Join Tesla's Supercharger Network!
In a groundbreaking move, Ford set off a chain reaction 18 months ago by securing a deal to grant Tesla Supercharger access to its EV owners. This move was quickly followed by other major automakers like GM, Hyundai, Rivian, and Mercedes, all committing to adopt Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) by the end of 2023.
The latest development comes from GM, who announced that EV owners of GM vehicles such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac Lyriq can now officially charge at Tesla Superchargers. All they need is to purchase GM-approved adapters to enable their cars to charge on Tesla's ports.
The shift to Tesla's EV charging standard began in November 2022 when Tesla shared its charging connector design, aiming to make it the new standard in North America. This move was a game-changer, as every other automaker was using the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) at the time.
Currently, there are more NACS ports publicly available in the US than CCS ports, despite federal funding directed towards CCS chargers. For EV owners with CCS ports, they will need manufacturer-approved adapters, as third-party adapters are prohibited by Tesla.
GM has already updated its software to allow Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC EVs to use Tesla Superchargers. Customers can purchase GM-approved adapters through their app for $225. From 2025 onwards, GM's EVs will come built with NACS charge ports.
Ford and Rivian have also gained access to Tesla Superchargers, with Ford customers facing delays in receiving free fast-charging adapters due to supply constraints. Rivian promises to begin sending adapters to customers starting in April.
In conclusion, the adoption of Tesla's Supercharger network by major automakers is a significant development in the EV industry. This move will make charging more convenient and accessible for EV owners and could potentially accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. Keep an eye on TechCrunch for updates on automakers gaining access to the Tesla Supercharger network.