Tesla’s breaking down barriers by opening its Supercharger network to electric vehicles from competing brands. The company’s charging stations were once exclusive to Tesla owners, but that’s changing fast as more automakers join the network.
Ford led the charge with Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners already using adapters to access Tesla’s charging stations. Rivian R1S and R1T drivers also have adapter access now. GM, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, and Volvo owners can buy adapters to connect their cars to Superchargers too. Some new Hyundai and Kia models don’t even need adapters – they come with built-in NACS outlets that work directly with Tesla’s system.
More brands are coming soon. BMW electric vehicles will work with Tesla Superchargers starting in 2025. VW Group EVs won’t get access until September 2025. Hyundai and Kia plan to complete their transition to Tesla charging by mid-January. Mercedes-Benz and Rivian are designing future vehicles with built-in NACS compatibility. By the end of 2025, nearly all EVs should have access to Tesla’s network. Acura, Audi, Mini, and Rolls-Royce are also planning to offer NACS adapters or integrate NACS ports into their upcoming models.
The technical side isn’t simple. BMW’s adapter acts like a translator between Tesla’s proprietary connector and the CCS standard that most non-Tesla EVs use. BMW owners will plug the adapter into the CCS port of their vehicles to connect to Tesla’s charging infrastructure. Automakers need to develop new hardware and software to make their cars work with Tesla’s system. Tesla Superchargers use the CCS protocol, which works with existing EV technology. VW Group cars will need Tesla’s authorization for charging sessions at stations without Magic Dock equipment.
This change affects the entire EV industry. Non-Tesla owners previously had limited charging options based on their car’s standards. Now they’ll have more places to charge, especially in areas like New Hampshire’s White Mountains where CCS chargers are scarce but Tesla stations exist. The shift should reduce pressure on competing networks like Electrify America.
Tesla’s opening its network in areas with lots of non-Tesla EV drivers. The company’s expanding coverage helps fill charging gaps in rural and underserved regions. This industry cooperation is pushing charging infrastructure toward standardization, making EVs more practical for everyone. The alteration could convince more drivers to switch to electric vehicles as charging becomes easier and more accessible.