Tesla Superchargers: GM, Ford, Rivian, and other EV brands with access

In May 2023, Ford began a revolution when the US automaker locked in a deal to give owners of its EVs access to the Tesla Supercharger network.

In a dramatic twist, automaker after automaker — from GM and Hyundai to Rivian and Mercedes — followed suit. By the end of 2023, almost all major automakers had agreed to use Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) and promised EV owners that adapters would arrive soon.

Many non-Tesla customers are still waiting. However, recent announcements from automakers may offer a glimmer of hope.

TechCrunch is tracking which brands have access to the Tesla Supercharging Network and will update this list.

Switching to the Tesla EV charging standard

In November 2022, Tesla shared the design of an EV charging connector in an effort to encourage network operators and automakers to adopt the technology and help make it the new standard in North America. At the time, all other automakers were using the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) in North America.

Mass adoption seemed unlikely at the time even though Tesla’s charging network was considered superior due to its robust and user-friendly design and the ease of paying for EV juice.

Six months later, Ford was the first to announce that it would be partnering with Tesla in a deal that would give its customers access to more than 12,000 Superchargers across the US and Canada. But it wasn’t just about giving Ford EV owners access to a special adapter. Ford has also committed to fitting its future EVs with NACS ports instead of CCS.

Rivian, GM, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Volkwagen, Porsche, Audi, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, and Stellantis followed.

Tesla charging FAQs

In the US today, there are 36,499 publicly available NACS ports (although some of those may come from other EV charging companies that have modified Tesla’s standard), compared to about 16,925 CCS ports. That’s in addition to the federal dollars that apparently went toward building the CCS chargers.

For EV owners who are stuck with a CCS port, they will have to stick to adapters approved by the manufacturer. While there are some third-party adapters that claim to comply with certain safety and performance standards, such as Lectron’s Vortex Plug for $199, Tesla’s website says such adapters are prohibited.

A GM spokesperson told TechCrunch that its adapters are specifically designed to protect GM EV batteries while charging and that its vehicle warranty does not cover damage to vehicle components due to the use of non-GM adapters.

In late August, Tesla sent X to ramp up production of the adapters. That statement, combined with GM’s announcement, could mean that more non-Tesla EVs will be pulling up to Supercharger stations soon. All will need to download the Tesla app to be able to pay for charging.

Tesla supercharger checklist

Ford

Some Ford customers officially gained access to Tesla Superchargers in February, but ongoing supply issues have delayed the delivery of fast-charging adapters to many customers (although Ford says the delay has affected “some” customers).

Current Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning owners who have not ordered their adapter can do so through their Ford Pass app. The deadline to apply for a free adapter is September 30.

General Motors

As of September 2024, GM has finally updated the software on its Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC EVs so customers can use Tesla’s Superchargers. If they want immediate access, they need to purchase a “GM approved” adapter for their operating system for $225.

GM won’t say how long the shipment will take. A GM spokesperson said the company already has a list of adapters and that it has worked with several suppliers to make NACS DC approved fast charging adapters.

From 2025 onwards, GM’s EVs will be built with a NACS charging port.

Hyundai Motor Group

The South Korean automaker has made several moves to give EV owners access to NACS chargers next year.

Kia announced in September plans to give EV owners access to NACS chargers starting January 15, 2025. They used the announcement as a promotional item, offering customers who purchase a new 2024 EV6 or 2024 or 2025 EV9 SUV starting September 4, 2024 a. a free adapter will be sent to them in early 2025, if there is enough supply. Existing Kia EV6, EV9, and Niro EV customers who took delivery before September 4 will have to purchase an adapter from a dealer at a “later date.”

But for those who don’t want to bother with an adapter, Kia shared the news at the LA Auto Show in November. Both the 2025 EV6 and 2026 EV9 GT will be equipped with a NACS plug. The EV6 is expected to go on sale in the first half of 2025, and the EV9 GT in the latter half of next year.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the 2026 Genesis GV70 Electrified were both introduced with NACS plugs at the LA Auto Show and promise drivers access to Tesla’s Supercharging network.

Nissan

Starting in late 2024, Nissan plans to give Ariya drivers access to Tesla’s network via a NACS adapter. The automaker also said that by 2025, it will start offering EVs in the US and Canadian markets with a NACS port.

Rivian

EV startup Rivian officially gained access to 15,000 Superchargers across North America on March 18, 2024. At the time, Rivian promised to start shipping adapters to customers starting in April. A Rivian spokesperson told TechCrunch that the automaker began deliveries this spring and continues to ship adapters as quickly as they become available.

From September 2024, Rivian said customers ordering a new car will have an adapter automatically sent to them upon delivery. Customers will receive the adapter within seven to 10 business days. The EV maker also promised that those who already own a Rivian and are still waiting for an adapter will receive one free of charge by the end of January 2025.

Volvo (and Polestar)

Two Swedish car brands owned by China’s Geely began offering their EV customers access to Tesla’s Supercharger network at the end of October.

Volvo said it will include a free NACS adapter for any customer who buys a 2025 EX90, EX40, or EC40. Owners of an existing Volvo EV will have to shell out $230 for the adapter, which they can buy at a store or service center.

Polestar also sells the adapter through its service centers. Both brands have given a mid-November date when they will start shipping the adapters. Volvo and Polestar are also updating their Android-based infotainment software so drivers can search for Tesla Superchargers on the go.

TechCrunch will update the list as automakers gain official access.