Why This New Tesla Adapter Does—and Doesn’t—Fix EV Charging | WSJ

Summary

The video explores the new adapter that enables non-Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) to charge at Tesla Supercharger stations in the US and Canada. The adapter's setup, compatibility issues, and charging speed are tested with a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Despite some parking and software glitches, the adapter offers a significant advantage in charging speed and network accessibility, albeit at a higher cost without a Tesla subscription. The video highlights the potential of this adapter as a 'big leap' for EV charging inclusivity.

Takeaways

• 🔌 The adapter allows non-Tesla EVs to charge at Tesla Superchargers, addressing a significant challenge in the EV industry.
• 🛠️ The adapter is somewhat difficult to remove and has durability issues, as evidenced by plastic breaking off when dropped.
• 🚗 The Ford Mustang Mach-E and other EVs from manufacturers like GM and Hyundai will gain access to over 15,000 Tesla Supercharger stalls in the US and Canada.
• 🔋 The 1.6-pound adapter enables the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug to fit into a non-Tesla CCS port, with a simple plug-and-charge setup.
• 🔄 A software update to the vehicle and setting up payment information in the FordPass app are required steps before using the adapter.
• 🆓 Adapters are free until the end of June 2024, after which they will be available for purchase at a cost of $230.
• 📍 Parking and spot usage can be problematic due to the design of Supercharger stations and the location of charging ports on non-Tesla EVs.
• 🚫 Not all Superchargers are compatible with non-Tesla EVs; only V3 and newer stations with updated software will work.
• 📱 The Ford Charge Assist dashboard app intended to help navigate to compatible chargers is described as slow and buggy.
• ⏱️ Charging speeds at Tesla Superchargers are competitive, but non-Tesla EVs may experience higher rates unless a subscription is purchased.
• 🌐 Despite initial concerns, Tesla owners did not express resentment towards non-Tesla EVs using the Superchargers, emphasizing inclusivity in EV charging.

Q & A

What is the adapter mentioned in the script designed to do?

The adapter is designed to enable non-Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) to charge at Tesla Supercharger stations, solving a significant issue in the EV industry regarding charging compatibility.

What issue did the user encounter when trying to remove the adapter?

The user found it difficult to remove the adapter and mentioned that when they dropped the dongle, plastic came off, indicating a potential durability issue with the adapter.

Which vehicles are initially able to use Tesla Superchargers with the adapter?

The Ford Mustang Mach-E and EVs from other manufacturers like GM and Hyundai will be able to use the Tesla Superchargers with the help of the adapter.

What is the user's experience with the charging setup at Tesla Superchargers?

The user found the setup process to be easy, involving a software update to their car and setting up payment information in the FordPass app.

How does the physical design of Tesla Superchargers and the Mach-E affect charging?

The physical design of the Tesla Superchargers and the Mach-E's charging port location can lead to parking issues, as the user had to park in a way that could block access to other chargers.

What is Ford's response to the issue of charging port location on their EVs?

Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, stated that they are committing to the standard and like the Supercharger solution technically, implying that they may consider moving the port location in future EV models.

Are all Tesla Superchargers compatible with non-Tesla EVs using the adapter?

No, only V3 and newer Superchargers that have been updated with the right software are compatible with non-Tesla EVs using the adapter.

What is the user's experience with the speed of charging at a Tesla Supercharger compared to an EVgo station?

The user found that charging their Mach-E from 20% to 80% at a Tesla Supercharger took 36 minutes and cost $25.20, which is slightly faster and cheaper than at an EVgo station.

How can non-Tesla EV owners find Superchargers that support their vehicles?

Non-Tesla EV owners can use Tesla's smartphone app to find Ford supported Superchargers and then input the address into their in-car navigation system.

What is the cost difference between charging a non-Tesla EV and a Tesla at a Supercharger?

Non-Tesla EV owners pay higher rates at Superchargers, but they can get the same price as Tesla owners by subscribing to a $13 per month Supercharger subscription.

What is the user's overall impression of the adapter and Tesla's charging network?

Despite some issues with parking and compatibility, the user considers the adapter a good deal and appreciates the speed, breadth, and ease of use of Tesla's charging network.

Outlines

00:00

🔌 Tesla Supercharger Adapter Test

This paragraph discusses the introduction of an adapter that enables non-Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) to charge at Tesla Supercharger stations. The author tests the adapter with a Ford Mustang Mach-E at various Supercharger locations in New Jersey. The adapter allows Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug to fit into a non-Tesla CCS port. The setup involves a software update and payment setup in the FordPass app. The adapter is free until the end of June 2024, after which it will cost $230. The author also highlights parking and compatibility issues with the current Supercharger infrastructure and suggests that future Ford EVs will have the NACS port built-in. The Ford CEO, Jim Farley, is quoted discussing the commitment to the standard and the technical advantages of Tesla's Supercharger solution.

05:00

🚗 Evaluating the Tesla Supercharger Experience for Non-Tesla EVs

The second paragraph focuses on the author's experience using the Tesla Supercharger network with a non-Tesla EV. Despite the parking challenges and the fact that not all Superchargers are compatible with non-Tesla vehicles, the author finds the speed, breadth, and ease of use of Tesla's network to be a significant advantage. The author also addresses concerns about potential backlash from Tesla owners but finds that such issues were not encountered early on. The author emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in EV charging, drawing parallels to social diversity and the need to avoid division based on brand or nationality. The paragraph concludes by highlighting the adapter as a significant step forward in EV charging, symbolizing a 'big leap' for the industry.

Keywords

💡Adapter

An adapter in this context refers to a device that allows a non-Tesla electric vehicle (EV) to utilize Tesla's Supercharger network. It is a crucial element in the script as it addresses compatibility issues between different EV charging standards. The script mentions the adapter as a solution to a significant problem in the EV industry, enabling the charging of non-Tesla vehicles at over 15,000 Tesla Supercharger stalls in the US and Canada.

💡EV (Electric Vehicle)

EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which is a vehicle powered by an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The script discusses the challenges and developments in the EV industry, particularly focusing on charging infrastructure. The video script uses the term to describe various types of vehicles, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, that are part of the growing EV market.

💡Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger is a brand of electric vehicle charging station developed by Tesla, Inc. The script highlights the Supercharger as a key part of the EV charging infrastructure, with the introduction of an adapter allowing non-Tesla EVs to charge at these stations. The script also discusses the potential impact of this development on the accessibility and convenience of EV charging.

💡NACS (North American Charging Standard)

NACS, or North American Charging Standard, is a type of charging plug used by Tesla vehicles. The script explains that the adapter allows this plug to fit into a non-Tesla CCS (Combined Charging System) port, demonstrating an effort to standardize charging solutions across different EV manufacturers.

💡CCS (Combined Charging System)

CCS, or Combined Charging System, is a universal standard for charging electric vehicles, used by many manufacturers other than Tesla. The script mentions the CCS port as the type of charging port on non-Tesla EVs, which the adapter is designed to make compatible with Tesla's Supercharger network.

💡Software Update

A software update in the context of the script refers to the necessary changes made to the vehicle's system to enable compatibility with the Tesla Supercharger network using the adapter. The script describes the process of installing a software update to the car as one of the steps required to use the new charging solution.

💡FordPass App

The FordPass App is a mobile application designed by Ford to provide services and information to Ford vehicle owners. In the script, it is mentioned as the platform where payment information is set up for charging at Tesla Superchargers, indicating a level of integration between Ford's services and the new charging adapter.

💡V3 Supercharger

V3 Supercharger refers to the third generation of Tesla's Supercharger stations, which are capable of faster charging speeds. The script notes that only V3 and newer Superchargers updated with the appropriate software are compatible with non-Tesla EVs using the adapter, highlighting the need for specific infrastructure upgrades.

💡Charge Assist Dashboard App

The Charge Assist Dashboard App is mentioned in the script as a tool intended to help navigate to supported chargers while in the car. However, the script also points out that the app is slow and buggy, indicating that there may be room for improvement in the user experience for finding compatible charging stations.

💡Charging Speed

Charging speed in the script refers to the time it takes to charge an EV from a certain percentage to another. The script compares the charging times and costs at different charging stations, such as EVgo and Tesla Supercharger, to evaluate the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the new adapter for non-Tesla EVs.

💡Subscription

In the context of the script, a subscription refers to a monthly payment plan that Tesla offers for Supercharger access. The script explains that non-Tesla EV owners can opt for this subscription to get the same charging rates as Tesla owners, providing an example of how the charging costs can be adjusted for different users.

Highlights

Introduction of an adapter that enables non-Tesla electric vehicles to charge at Tesla Superchargers.

The adapter addresses a significant problem in the EV industry by providing access to a widespread charging network.

The adapter's installation process is cumbersome and can cause damage to the vehicle.

The adapter allows Ford Mustang Mach-E and other EVs to charge at over 15,000 Tesla Supercharger locations in the US and Canada.

The charging process is simple with the adapter, involving a plug-in action.

A software update and payment setup in the FordPass app are required for the adapter to work.

The adapter is available for free until the end of June 2024, after which it will cost $230.

Supercharger sites are designed for Teslas, causing parking and charging spot issues for non-Tesla EVs.

Only V3 and newer Superchargers with updated software are compatible with non-Tesla EVs.

Ford's Charge Assist dashboard app is recommended for finding compatible chargers but is reported to be slow and buggy.

Tesla's smartphone app can be used as an alternative to find Ford supported Superchargers.

Charging speed comparison shows that charging a Mach-E at a Tesla Supercharger is faster and slightly cheaper than at an EVgo station.

Non-Tesla EV owners can subscribe to Tesla's Supercharger for a monthly fee to get the same charging rates as Tesla owners.

The adapter's introduction is considered a game changer for EV charging due to Tesla's network speed and ease of use.

No significant backlash from Tesla owners regarding the use of Superchargers by non-Tesla EVs was observed.

The adapter represents a significant step forward in EV charging inclusivity and convenience.

Transcripts

- This is it.

The adapter that will charge non-Teslas

at Tesla Superchargers.

It solves one of the EV industry's

biggest problems.

Kinda.

Getting this thing off is a pain.

I dropped the dongle,

there's plastic coming off.

So basically no one likes me here.

Yes, I can now charge my Ford Mustang Mach-E

at over 15,000 Tesla Supercharger stalls

in the US and Canada.

And EVs from GM, Hyundai and more,

will soon have the same access

to Tesla stations.

But is it really the dream?

Does it work?

Is it fast?

Am I gonna have to pay more?

To get the answers,

Charger number one.

Number two

I attempted to charge my 2023 Mach-E

at 10 different Tesla Supercharger locations

in my fine home state.

It's beautiful morning in New Jersey.

(funky music)

All right everyone, let's do this.

I gotta blend in somehow.

Test number one, the setup.

All right, this is it.

Ah, it's kinda heavy.

The 1.6 pound adapter

allows Tesla's North American Charging Standard plug

or NACS,

to fit into a non-Tesla CCS port

And dongle on

and moment of truth.

That blue is blinking.

Looks like we're charging!

It's just that easy.

Plug in and charge.

To set that up, I had to do two things.

First, install a software update to my car.

"During the update,

you may not be able to lock, unlock,

or enter the vehicle."

(horror music)

Second, set up my payment info

in the FordPass app.

As soon as I plug in the charger,

it knows it's my account.

These adapters are free until the end

of June, 2024.

You just have to register on Ford's website.

After that, they'll cost $230.

Test two, the spots.

Now, obviously Supercharger sites were designed

for Teslas,

which have their Charging ports

on the rear driver's side.

Tesla drivers always back into the spots

and use the plug on the right.

The Tesla charging cord is fairly short

and doesn't stretch,

and the Mach-E's port is

on the front driver's side.

So that means I have to pull in

like so.

This causes a problem.

See, this charger belongs to this Tesla

in this spot.

This one belongs to this spot,

but I had to park here to use it.

That means that middle spot

can't be used at all.

Same deal here.

If I park here, I need to use this charger.

So this charger is useless.

I'm effectively hogging two chargers.

It was a problem when this white Tesla next

to me couldn't charge.

And, there's a line.

Somebody else is waiting to charge right now.

Ford's next generation of EVs will have

that NACS port.

So I asked Ford's CEO, Jim Farley

if the company would consider moving

the port location.

- [Jim] We are committing to the standard,

not just an adapter.

We really like the Supercharger solution

and Tesla solution technically.

And that would obviously provoke the question of,

"Where do we physically put the port?"

- [Joanna] The good news is

that Tesla's V4 charging stations

already have longer cables.

There's another issue I encountered.

Not every Supercharger is compatible

with non-Teslas.

Lemme check the car

and it says," Charging station fault

See manual".

Good times.

Only V3 and newer Superchargers

that have been updated

with the right software will work.

The most straightforward way to navigate

to these supported chargers

while in the car would be using

Ford's Charge Assist dashboard app.

Except the app is slow and buggy.

We are at this location right now,

but it says we are 15 miles away.

When I asked Farley about Ford's lagging software,

he said

- [Jim] There are certain things

like charging, where we have

to do really well ourselves.

We have to do better.

- [Joanna] Until then, your best bet is

to use Tesla's smartphone app

to find Ford supported Superchargers

and then punch in the address to Google

or Apple Maps in the car.

Test three, the speed.

When I charged my Mach-E,

which has an extended range battery option,

from 20% to 80% at an EVgo,

it took 43 and a half minutes.

It cost $39 and 27 cents.

At a Tesla Supercharger,

it took 36 minutes and cost $25 and 20 cents.

Well, it's not an apples to apples comparison

in terms of charge time.

Charging a Tesla Model Y long range

from 20% to 80%,

took 32 minutes and cost $19 and 20 cents.

Yes, rates are higher

to charge a non-Tesla at a Supercharger.

If you wanna get the same price as Tesla owners,

you need to pay Tesla $13 a month

for a Supercharger subscription.

So what did we learn from all

of this charging today?

We learned that this dongle

is a pretty good deal.

Even with the parking issues

and the inability to charge at all Superchargers-

fingers crossed.

Nope.

The speed, the breadth and ease of use

of Tesla's network is a game changer.

We're charging.

And one of my biggest worries

that Tesla owners would be pissed

about my arrival, wasn't a thing.

At least not this early.

- Nothing should make us to feel like,

"No, you are Tesla, you this and that-"

Same thing as a person.

"You are an American, I am not.

"Or you are Muslim,

"you're Christian,

you are black, you're white."

No, nothing should be matter.

- [Joanna] So yes,

one not so small dongle,

one big leap for EV Charging.

Now it's accurate.

(playful music)