Photo: Rivian, u/Fxsx24 via Reddit, Bryan Redcay / FB
Tesla will soon allow third-party EVs to use its Supercharger network as part of the NACS deal. So far, Superchargers equipped with Magic Dock adapters have been limited to 350 amps or about 150 kW of power when charging a CCS EV. However, new reports show that Tesla has unlocked the full 500-amp capability, allowing CCS models to charge at over 200 kW.
Tesla opened its Supercharger network to third-party electric vehicles as part of a pilot program in select European countries more than two years ago. Although this was perceived as a generous move, it also had a mercantile side. By allowing non-Tesla vehicles to use its charging stations, Tesla could access government incentives to expand the Supercharger network. The project has been successful, so Tesla expanded it to more countries and, soon, regions. In March 2023, Tesla opened the Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs in the US.
It's unclear why the project started in Europe and reached the US so late, but one reason might be the connector used in these regions. While European Superchargers share the same CCS2 connector with other charging stations and EV models, Tesla had a proprietary plug in the US then. Thus, opening the Superchargers to non-Tesla EVs was much simpler to implement in Europe. In contrast, in the US, an adapter was necessary. The Magic Dock was a clever solution to this problem, but relatively few Superchargers are fitted with the adapter.
In the meantime, the EV maker open-sourced the plug as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), hoping that many carmakers would adopt it. The US owners will thus be able to charge their EVs across a wide range of charging networks, the same as Europeans. In its efforts to get the NACS standard adopted, Tesla has promised perks that are set to change the charging landscape in the US.
One of these decisions was to allow all CCS EVs to charge at Tesla Supercharger stations using an NACS to CCS adapter come this spring. This differs from using the Magic Docks because owners will not need to create Tesla accounts to charge. Instead, they will rely on their carmaker's charging ecosystem, now integrating the Tesla Superchargers. Payments will also be handled automatically by the carmakers.
Based on the information we have at the moment, Tesla aims to offer the same experience to its NACS partners as it offers to Tesla owners. However, this disadvantages Magic Dock users because the adapter's power capability has been limited compared to the NACS plug. So far, Tesla has capped the current passing through the Magic Dock adapter to 350 amps, equivalent to a maximum power of 150 kW. This is not very much, making CCS EV owners spend more time charging at a Supercharger than other networks.
However, things are already changing. A Rivian owner was surprised to see his EV charging at 212 kW using a Magic-Dock adapter. Bryan Redcay wrote in the Rivian Owners of the Mid Atlantic Facebook group that this was the fastest he's ever seen on a Magic Dock. The power capability confirms that Tesla unlocked the full 500 amps of the Magic Dock adapter.
This is good news for non-Tesla EVs using Tesla Superchargers V3, which can output up to 250 kW. The change will put all EVs on equal footing regarding fast charging and make road trips more enjoyable. It will also keep the current EVs relevant until new models start deliveries with an NACS port in 2025.
It's unclear why the project started in Europe and reached the US so late, but one reason might be the connector used in these regions. While European Superchargers share the same CCS2 connector with other charging stations and EV models, Tesla had a proprietary plug in the US then. Thus, opening the Superchargers to non-Tesla EVs was much simpler to implement in Europe. In contrast, in the US, an adapter was necessary. The Magic Dock was a clever solution to this problem, but relatively few Superchargers are fitted with the adapter.
In the meantime, the EV maker open-sourced the plug as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), hoping that many carmakers would adopt it. The US owners will thus be able to charge their EVs across a wide range of charging networks, the same as Europeans. In its efforts to get the NACS standard adopted, Tesla has promised perks that are set to change the charging landscape in the US.
One of these decisions was to allow all CCS EVs to charge at Tesla Supercharger stations using an NACS to CCS adapter come this spring. This differs from using the Magic Docks because owners will not need to create Tesla accounts to charge. Instead, they will rely on their carmaker's charging ecosystem, now integrating the Tesla Superchargers. Payments will also be handled automatically by the carmakers.
Based on the information we have at the moment, Tesla aims to offer the same experience to its NACS partners as it offers to Tesla owners. However, this disadvantages Magic Dock users because the adapter's power capability has been limited compared to the NACS plug. So far, Tesla has capped the current passing through the Magic Dock adapter to 350 amps, equivalent to a maximum power of 150 kW. This is not very much, making CCS EV owners spend more time charging at a Supercharger than other networks.
However, things are already changing. A Rivian owner was surprised to see his EV charging at 212 kW using a Magic-Dock adapter. Bryan Redcay wrote in the Rivian Owners of the Mid Atlantic Facebook group that this was the fastest he's ever seen on a Magic Dock. The power capability confirms that Tesla unlocked the full 500 amps of the Magic Dock adapter.
This is good news for non-Tesla EVs using Tesla Superchargers V3, which can output up to 250 kW. The change will put all EVs on equal footing regarding fast charging and make road trips more enjoyable. It will also keep the current EVs relevant until new models start deliveries with an NACS port in 2025.
Confirmed that @TeslaCharging magic dock stations were given higher power outputs on the dock! @brandenflasch @itskyleconner @Out_of_Spec @TheAverageEv @B_Energized @MachE_VLOG @macheauto pic.twitter.com/si6aearjWZ
— Arianna (@AriannaChelsea1) February 7, 2024
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