Can Non-Tesla Electric Vehicles Charge at Tesla Charging Stations?
You might think you need to have a Tesla to charge your electric vehicle at a Tesla station, but that is not the case. Tesla destination chargers allow charging with most other EV brands, but you’ll need an adaptor. However, Tesla Superchargers are a different story, as it’s impossible to plug in your new Ford Mustang Mach-E or other electric cars into one (for now). Tesla is working on opening up the Tesla supercharger network to make widespread electric car adoption easier.
Can any non-Tesla electric vehicle use Tesla Superchargers?
First things first, this is strictly about North American electric car charging stations. There are different standards for vehicles overseas, so the following information might not apply. So, can other cars use Tesla chargers in North America? According to Inside EVs, electric vehicle owners can use Tesla charging stations, but you can’t just plug your EV in.
You need an adapter, such as the Tesla to J1772 connector. With the Tesla to J1772 connector, you can plug your EV into most Tesla chargers. Most useful for EV drivers and owners will likely be Tesla destination chargers, most commonly found at hotels, parks, shopping centers, and similar destinations. The Tesla high-powered connector, destination charger, and mobile connector will work with the J1772 adapter. You can find the Lectron adapters on Amazon or even at Home Depot. The price for both retailers sits at roughly $160. The J1772 offers a Level 2 charge with 250 volts and 40 amps of current.
Another option is the TeslaTap brand adaptor. This adaptor is offered in 40 amp ($140), 50 amp ($170), and 80 amp ($240) versions. It also comes in a MINI version for easy travel. This option comes in 40 amp ($200) and 60 amp ($260), and 80 amp (($300) versions.
The Tesla Supercharger network is opening up to other EVs soon
The Tesla Supercharger network has been expanding rapidly in recent years, but Tesla EVs have always had better access to the network. It also means that Tesla EVs can generally take longer trips due to the placement of the Supercharger network, creating a large Tesla charger map across the country.
The White House has also been working on the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In a recent press release, The White House confirmed Tesla would be “expanding production capacity of power electronics components that convert alternating current to direct current, charging cabinets, posts, and cables.”
The White House also confirmed that Tesla would add new Supercharger equipment to enable non-Tesla vehicles to charge up at these stations. Tesla has been testing a pilot program in Europe this year that allowed other EVs to use its Supercharger network. The new Tesla V4 Supercharger will allow this technology.
How much does it cost to install an electric car charger in your home?
The prices of home electric charging station installation vary widely depending on your situation at home. The first concern is the age of your residence and the electric and wiring status beneath the walls. A home charger might require a big update if your home has an older electric situation.
If your house is newer and can handle a charger’s additions, you can generally get Level 1 charging with just a standard plug (12 amps). You can usually get enough to drive your car around the next day with an eight-hour charge.
If you drive your EV more and need faster-charging capabilities, Forbes has listed the best options for home charging installations, with Level 2 charging and at least 40 amps being the most popular option. However, be aware that hiring an electrician will often be much more expensive than buying the charger itself, with Consumer Reports estimating the cost of parts and labor to roughly be up to $2,000.
This article was updated on 7/22/2022.
