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Ford EV drivers fought for Tesla Supercharger access. Now they have it… and most aren’t using it. New data shows that 80% of charging still happens elsewhere. Are adapters too much of a hassle? Are Ford drivers boycotting Tesla? Or is there something about Tesla Superchargers that isn’t as “super” as it seems?

Turns out, using Tesla chargers isn’t as simple as plugging in. Ford EVs still have CCS ports, while Superchargers use Tesla’s NACS connector. That means every Ford owner needs an adapter. Ford gave away 140,000 free adapters, yet most drivers still charge elsewhere.

Convenience matters. Tesla Supercharger locations aren’t always where Ford owners need them. Tesla has about 20,000 open chargers, but not all work with non-Teslas. Many Ford drivers charge at home or use stations from Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVgo. Those networks may have more chargers near work, home, or along their routes.

Then there’s Tesla itself. Some Ford owners just don’t trust a charging network run by Tesla’s Elon Musk. When Musk fired Tesla’s entire Supercharger team, it raised eyebrows. He later rehired some of them, but the damage was done. Why rely on Tesla if other networks work just fine?

Ford is also playing the long game. Its next-gen EVs will switch to NACS ports, eliminating adapters. That’s when Supercharger use might actually take off. Until then, Ford drivers are sticking with what’s easy.

Ford EV drivers skipping Superchargers might be a good thing. It means Tesla isn’t the only game in town, and competition is alive. If brands like Electrify America and EVgo keep improving, Ford owners might never need Tesla’s network at all.

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