In a groundbreaking move, Tesla has opened up its Supercharger network to third-party electric vehicles in Europe. This pilot program, which began in 2021, has gradually expanded to new countries throughout Europe and has now reached the shores of the US in March 2023. The reason behind starting in Europe is that Tesla Superchargers use the same CCS-2 connector as other charging stations on the continent. However, in the US, Tesla had to design an NACS to CCS adapter called Magic Dock to facilitate charging for non-Tesla EVs.
The Magic Dock is a game-changer as it deploys with the cable when a non-Tesla EV initiates charging. It remains docked in normal operation with Tesla cars. To access the Supercharger network, owners of other EV brands simply need to open a Tesla account and use the Tesla app. This process is similar to using any third-party charging network, where users have to create an account for the respective network’s app. For those who don’t own a Tesla, the Tesla app is just another app in their charging network portfolio.
However, Ford EV owners have a different experience. Ford has cleverly aggregated other networks into its “BlueOval Charging Network,” allowing single-account access to stations from Electrify America, EVgo, Blink, and other providers. This approach gives Ford more flexibility in offering access to the Tesla Supercharger network for its owners. Ford has integrated Tesla’s network into the BlueOval Charging Network, enabling customers to charge without the need for new credentials in the Tesla app.
For Ford owners, this means they can use their FordPass payment account or the in-vehicle touchscreen to pay for charging. They can easily locate and activate Tesla Superchargers from their Ford EV’s infotainment system. This stands in stark contrast to the NACS deals and the use of the Magic Dock at a Supercharger station.
So far, Ford is the only automaker that has confirmed Supercharger access without the need for a Tesla app or account. Ford was also the first to strike a deal with Tesla and the first to provide a free NACS adapter to its EV owners. It is hoped that other EV manufacturers will follow suit and offer a similar experience to their customers. However, this depends on each carmaker’s implementation of Tesla API, so the user experience may vary.
Rivian owners are closely watching Ford’s approach and hoping for a similar treatment, although there are no guarantees. Rivian may choose to utilize the Plug&Charge feature, but it remains unclear if this will work with Tesla Superchargers. The EV startup has not provided much information on this matter, aside from the initial deal in June 2023 and the promise of a complimentary NACS adapter for its customers.
