Like so many other automakers making electric vehicles, General Motors signed on to use the Tesla Supercharger network. Now owners of Cadillac Lyriqs, Chevrolet Equinox EVs and more can use the chargers with a new NACS DC adapter from the automaker.
Drivers charging Cadillac EVs at chargers that utilize the North American Charging Standard.
The GM-approved adapter gives owners of the company’s EVs access to more than 17,800 Tesla Superchargers across the United States and Canada. GM EV owners need to purchase the adapter for $225.
“GM’s ongoing efforts to help accelerate the expansion of public charging infrastructure is an integral part of our commitment to an all-electric future,” said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy.
“Enabling access to even more publicly available fast chargers represents yet another way GM is focused on further improving the customer experience and making the transition to electric more seamless.”
More chargers
Driver using GM vehicle brand app to seamlessly locate available Superchargers, check station status, initiate a charge, and pay for charging sessions.
With the new Supercharger access, GM vehicles can also use the same apps other network users do to find available Superchargers, check station status, initiate a charge, and pay for charging sessions.
While the new access is helpful, it’s just part of the company’s charging efforts. Now GM EVs can be charged at more than 231,800 public Level 2 and DC fast chargers in North America. The number will continue to grow as GM continues to help accelerate the deployment of infrastructure in communities and heavily traveled corridors through its various charging collaborations.
“To help ensure a positive customer experience, GM plans on leveraging multiple suppliers to produce approved NACS DC adapters. Each adapter has been developed to ensure customers can charge their GM EVs at chargers that utilize the North American Charging Standard,” GM noted.
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Slower and more expensive
While GM EV owners will likely welcome access to the uber-reliable charging network, some grousing about their experience compared to the owners of other EV brands may be expected.
GM approved NACS DC adapters, which will be available to customers in the United States and Canada.
Crosstown rival Ford was the first automaker to forge the relationship with Tesla to use the network. Thus, they’ve had access to it since the end of February. Not only could they use the network, but also the company didn’t charge for the adapters.
“When we announced @Ford EVs would get access to @Teals Superchargers, I said we’d send customers a Fast Charging Adapter,” CEO Jim Farley said in a tweet on Jan. 31. “I’m pleased to confirm that eligible #MustangMachE & #F150Lightning owners in the U.S. + Canada can reserve a complimentary adapter starting soon. This is our way of saying thank you! We want to make charging more convenient for our Ford EV owners, so we’re excited to add Tesla chargers and will continue growing our BlueOval Charge Network. More details soon.”
The transition
Ford will continue using the old CCS port on its battery-electric vehicles through the end of the 2024 model year, replacing it with the NACS port for 2025. By then, however, there will be several hundred thousand Ford EVs unable to use the Tesla Supercharger network.
Several aftermarket suppliers, such as Lectron, have begun offering adapters, with prices typically running $100 or more. The automakers announcement means “eligible” Ford owners won’t have to shell out any cash to get one.
Ford charges (no pun intended) $0, but GM $225.
Does the $225 go straight to Mary Bara’s bank account?