Tesla has made a significant move by opening up its Supercharger network in the US to non-Tesla vehicles through the use of CCS-to-NACS adapters. This shift reflects a broader trend in the North American automotive industry towards adopting the Tesla-developed NACS connector, with Ford being the pioneer in shipping adapters for its existing models.
Ford owners now have the opportunity to utilize Tesla’s Supercharger network by obtaining a complimentary adapter. However, there’s a caveat: non-Tesla vehicles incur approximately 30–35% higher Supercharging rates compared to Tesla vehicles.
While specific pricing varies based on factors such as location, time of day, and demand, this discrepancy provides an incentive for non-Tesla vehicle owners to explore alternative solutions.
One such solution is the Supercharging Membership subscription, priced at $12.99 per month. This subscription offers non-Tesla vehicle owners the same charging rates enjoyed by Tesla owners.
Given the price disparity, the subscription quickly becomes cost-effective, typically paying for itself after charging less than 100 kWh. For those intending to utilize Tesla Superchargers frequently, this subscription is likely a worthwhile investment.
Tesla’s strategy of charging higher rates for non-Tesla vehicles while offering a subscription option underscores its business approach. Although the subscription may potentially become more costly in the future, it provides an avenue for non-Tesla vehicle owners to access competitive charging rates.
As a result of this opening up to other brands, Tesla’s Supercharger network in North America is expected to experience increased traffic in the coming years.
Managing this surge in demand will pose challenges, particularly considering that depending on a vehicle’s charging port placement, non-Tesla charging may occupy two Supercharger ports.
