What’s helping rival car companies charge their electric vehicles at Tesla’s network? The answer is Magic Dock technology and adapter shortages that’ve forced Tesla to open its charging stations to non-Tesla vehicles.
Magic Dock technology and adapter shortages are opening Tesla’s Supercharger network to rival electric vehicles.
Tesla’s Supercharger network is undergoing a major shift. For years, it was exclusively for Tesla owners. Now, the company’s allowing other automakers’ vehicles to charge at these stations. This change happened partly because certified adapters aren’t available fast enough for all the companies that want access.
Magic Dock technology is playing a key role in this evolution. These special charging stations accept both NACS connectors and CCS connectors without requiring physical adapters. This means non-Tesla electric vehicles can charge immediately at compatible stations. No adapter certification process is needed for these charging sessions. Tesla’s Magic Dock stations effectively bypass potential adapter shortage problems.
However, not all Supercharger locations are open to rival brands. Only V3 and newer Superchargers accept non-Tesla vehicles in North America. Tesla’s older Version 2 Superchargers aren’t included in this interoperability plan. Moreover, not all charging stalls at compatible stations are available to other manufacturers. Geographic limitations also exist for non-Tesla access. The V3 Superchargers can deliver up to 250-300kW of power compared to the 150kW maximum of V2 stations.
The adapter shortage has created delays for some automakers. Volkswagen Group postponed Supercharger access from March to June 2025 due to adapter availability issues. MINI is developing its own certified NACS adapters for 2025 implementation. BMW Group is working with high priority to enable full Supercharger network access. Manufacturers, not Tesla, are responsible for creating certified adapters. VW Group vehicles are scheduled to gain Tesla Supercharger access on September 9, 2025.
Several requirements still must be met for full compatibility. Taycan models already have the necessary firmware for Supercharger access. However, Tesla must add authorization protocols for non-Tesla charging sessions. Vehicle identification systems must be integrated between Tesla and partner automakers. MINI is developing a Supercharger compatibility app for this purpose.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s network expansion is slowing. The company added only 156 new stations in Q1 2025, down 47.5% compared to the previous year. Despite slower growth, network throughput increased 26% year-over-year. The Supercharger network now comprises three out of four fast chargers in North America, making it the dominant charging infrastructure in the region.