NACS Tesla CCS Adapter to Allow Non-Supercharger Fast Charging

Tesla Motors Offers CCS Charge Adapter to Allow Non-Supercharger Fast Charging

Tesla Motors has introduced a new item in its online shop for customers, and it is interesting to us because it is a CCS Combo 1 Adapter. Currently available just for American customers, the adapter in question allows users of compatible vehicles to fast charge their Teslas from third-party charging networks.

From the start, it does come with a big downside, which is the fact that it cannot charge with more than 250 kW. The 250kW in question is more than what many budget EVs are capable of “pulling” from a fast charge plug, but less than the most powerful EV charging stations in the world. The latter are rare today, but will become commonplace in years to come. Hopefully.

Before jumping the gun and ordering this adapter as if it’s nobody’s business, be sure to verify that your Tesla vehicle is compatible with the $250 adapter. It is just a bit pricier than the standard one, which makes it a good deal.

To do so, you must get inside your Tesla, open up the Software menu, select Additional Vehicle Information, and then look if it says Enabled or Not Installed. If your car displays “Enabled” in the described menu, you can use the adapter right now, but if it says Not Installed, you must wait for Tesla to develop a retrofit for it.

As it is already mentioned on the Tesla website, the retrofit package is being developed for early 2023 availability. In other words, by next summer, you should be able to order a suitable CCS Combo 1 Adapter to help your Tesla get a fast charge from a third-party network.

Not all older Tesla models will be eligible for the retrofit, so do not get so happy if you have an early Model S or a Roadster. Retrofit eligibility will happen for Model S and X vehicles, as well as early Model 3 and Y vehicles, and that’s it.

It is important to note that the charging experience at third-party plugs, as well as the cost, is not something that Tesla has any relation or control over, so you are on your own if you stray outside the Supercharger network using this adapter.

It may be more expensive to use than a Supercharger, or it may be cheaper. Not only that, but it may take less time to charge, but it may also take longer, and that does not matter as much as the fact that you can now fast charge from a third-party network, which was just not possible for a Tesla.

Oh, by the way, it will be your job to remember to remove the CCS Combo 1 Adapter from the charging station’s plug. Otherwise, someone else might take it after you leave, and that will be a $250 mistake on your part.

NACS Tesla CCS Combo 1 Adapter
xpand your fast charging options with the Tesla CCS Combo 1 Adapter. The adapter offers charging speeds up to 250 kW and can be used at third-party charging stations.

The CCS Combo 1 Adapter is compatible with most Tesla vehicles, though some vehicles may require additional hardware. Sign in to the Tesla app to check your vehicle’s compatibility and schedule a Service retrofit if needed.

If a retrofit is required, the service visit will include installation at your preferred Tesla Service Center and one CCS Combo 1 Adapter.

Note: For Model 3 and Model Y vehicles requiring a retrofit, please check back in late 2023 for availability.

Maximum charge rates may vary from those advertised by third-party stations. Most third-party stations are not capable of charging Tesla vehicles at 250kW. Tesla does not regulate the pricing or charging experience at third-party charging stations. For more information on charging practices, please contact third-party network providers directly.