Eighteen months ago, Ford initiated a transformation by securing a deal that allows its electric vehicle (EV) owners access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Following this significant shift, numerous automakers—including GM, Hyundai, Rivian, and Mercedes—quickly followed suit. By the end of 2023, nearly all major automakers had agreed to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), assuring EV owners that adapters would soon be available.

While most non-Tesla customers are still waiting, GM’s recent announcement brings a glimmer of hope. Owners of GM EVs, such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac Lyriq, will now have official access to Tesla’s Superchargers. To charge at Tesla ports, GM EV owners will need to purchase and wait for GM-approved adapters.

More brands may soon follow suit, and TechCrunch is actively tracking which brands have access to the Tesla Supercharging Network, with plans to update the list.

**The Shift to Tesla's EV Charging Standard**

In November 2022, Tesla shared its EV charging connector design to encourage network operators and automakers to adopt the technology, aiming to establish it as the new standard in North America. At that time, other automakers primarily used the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) in the region.

Despite doubts about mass adoption, Tesla’s charging network was recognized as superior due to its robust, user-friendly design and the simplicity of its payment process.

In May 2023, Ford became the first automaker to announce a partnership with Tesla, granting its customers access to over 12,000 Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada. Ford also committed to integrating NACS ports in its future EVs instead of CCS.

Following Ford, Rivian, GM, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Kia, Lucid, and Stellantis also signed on to adopt NACS.

**Tesla Charging FAQs**

As of today, there are 36,499 NACS ports publicly available in the U.S., compared to around 16,925 CCS ports, despite federal funding aimed at building out CCS chargers.

For EV owners with a CCS port, waiting for manufacturer-approved adapters is necessary. While some third-party adapters claim compliance with safety and performance standards, Tesla’s website states that such adapters are prohibited.

A GM spokesperson informed TechCrunch that their adapters are specifically designed to protect GM EV batteries during charging and that damage from non-GM approved adapters is not covered by the vehicle warranty.

In late August, Tesla announced it had increased production of adapters. Combined with GM’s announcement, this could mean that more non-Tesla EVs will soon be able to charge at Supercharger stations, although users must download the Tesla app to pay for charging.

**Tesla Supercharging Access Checklist**

- **Ford:** Certain Ford customers gained access to Tesla Superchargers in February 2024, but supply constraints have delayed free fast-charging adapters for some customers. Current Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning owners can order their adapters through the Ford Pass app, with the deadline for free adapters being September 30, 2024.

- **General Motors:** As of September 2024, GM has updated the software for its Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC EVs, enabling access to Tesla’s Superchargers. To use the service, customers need to purchase a GM-approved adapter for $225 through their app. GM has an inventory of these adapters and has collaborated with multiple suppliers for manufacturing. From 2025 onward, GM EVs will come equipped with NACS charge ports.

- **Kia:** Kia announced in September its plans to provide EV owners access to NACS chargers starting January 15, 2025. Customers purchasing a new 2024 EV6 or 2024 or 2025 EV9 SUV from September 4, 2024, will receive a free adapter by early 2025, subject to supply availability. Existing EV6, EV9, and Niro EV customers who received their vehicles before this date will need to buy an adapter from a dealer later.

- **Rivian:** Rivian officially gained access to 15,000 Superchargers across North America on March 18, 2024. The company began shipping adapters to customers in April and continues to do so as they receive them. As of September 2024, new vehicle orders will include an adapter upon delivery, which will arrive within seven to ten business days. Rivian has also committed to providing existing customers awaiting an adapter at no cost by the end of January 2025.