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I’ve seen several non-Tesla EV drivers pull up to a V2 Tesla Supercharger station with the expectation to charge, or at least the hope of charging. Some of these people have been in rental cars and really in need of a charge. Unfortunately, non-Tesla EVs can’t charge at V2 Superchargers — they can only use V3 or V4 Superchargers. With the widespread news of automakers getting their electric cars, SUVs, and trucks access to Tesla Superchargers (via NASC ports, or mostly adapters for now), it’s been too infrequently noted and lost on many people that this doesn’t include all Superchargers. Older Superchargers are only for Teslas, and it’s going to remain that way.
One nice thing I saw recently, though, is one automaker trying to help answer questions on this topic and dispel myths. That automaker is Nissan. It put out a press release that was mostly a Q&A document for Ariya drivers.
“Ariya owners can now use a Nissan-provided North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter kit to access more public chargers than ever. This includes 20,000 high-speed Tesla Superchargers — alongside thousands of additional public charging locations– all available through the NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network, a streamlined system that helps drivers locate and activate compatible chargers using the MyNISSAN app,” Nissan wrote. It then provided this Q&A:
What is a NACS adapter kit and how does it work?
The NACS adapter kit allows Ariya’s charging system (known as Combined Charging Standard, or CCS1) to connect to the NACS DC fast charger. The adapter kit features a CCS1 plug and a NACS attachment, making it easy to access a growing number of NACS chargers.
How do I use the adapter kit?
Getting started is simple. This video explains how to begin using the NACS adapter kit.
How much does an adapter kit cost?
The Nissan-compliant NACS adapter kit is available for MSRP $235 and can be ordered at Nissan dealers or online at NissanUSA.com.
What is the main benefit of having a NACS adapter kit?
The NACS adapter kit provides increased charging options for Ariya drivers, including access to more than 20,000 Tesla Superchargers through the NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network. This expanded access makes charging easier and more convenient.
Can I take my Ariya to any Tesla Supercharger?
Ariya is compatible with certain Tesla Superchargers (V3 and V4 models). Customers can easily find compatible chargers using the MyNISSAN app, which provides real-time charger availability and location details.
Click here to watch YouTube video.
Does a NACS adapter kit affect charging speeds?
No. The Nissan-approved NACS adapter kit is designed for seamless performance, providing approximately the same charging speeds as Ariya’s CCS1 port.
Will Nissan EV owners always need an adapter kit to use Tesla Superchargers?
Starting this year, Nissan is planning to equip future EVs in the U.S. and Canadian markets with a NACS port as standard equipment, eliminating the need for an adapter kit to access Tesla Superchargers in the future.
Do I need to use a NACS adapter kit at non-Tesla chargers?
Many non-Tesla fast chargers still use CCS1, but the industry is gradually shifting to NACS. As the transition continues, customers may use the NACS adapter at more locations.
Can I use a third-party adapter to charge my Ariya?
You must only use an adapter kit provided by Nissan or purchased from a U.S. Nissan Dealership or parts.nissanusa.com (“Nissan-Compliant NACS Adapter”). Nissan deems a Nissan-Compliant NACS Adapter as the only compatible adapter for Nissan EVs. Use of an adapter that is not a Compliant Adapter is strictly prohibited. Only U.S. automaker provided adapters are authorized for use on the Tesla Supercharger network. Use of unapproved adapters may result in damage to your vehicle and violate Tesla’s Terms of Use of the Supercharger Network.
It would be great to see other companies publish similar press releases. However, in place of that, you can probably find details on their corporate websites about Supercharger access. Also, no guarantees, but several of the answers provided above are relevant to other companies’ EVs.
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