FYI: General Motors Electric Vehicles Gain Tesla Supercharger Access, With One Exception
General Motors (GM) electric vehicles (EVs) will now have the opportunity to utilize Tesla’s Supercharger network regularly. This recent development follows Tesla’s decision to open up its extensive EV charging infrastructure to GM earlier this week.
### Expanding the EV Supercharging Network
By joining this initiative, GM aligns itself with Ford and Rivian, who already have access to Tesla’s comprehensive network of Superchargers across the United States and Canada. However, it’s important to note that not all GM EVs are included in this advancement.
### The Chevrolet Spark: An Outlier
One notable exception is the Chevrolet Spark. This particular GM EV will not have access to Tesla Superchargers due to incompatibility issues, as confirmed by GM recently. Introduced as an affordable option with a base price of just under $13,000, the Spark saw a decline in sales in 2017, leading GM to discontinue its production in favor of focusing on the expanding SUV market. Other models, such as the Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic, also faced discontinuation as SUVs gained popularity.
### Adapters and Software Updates
In addition to the Spark’s exclusion, another model in GM’s lineup, the Chevrolet Bolt, will require a software update to access the Superchargers. Furthermore, all vehicles will need the GM-approved North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter to connect to Tesla’s network. This adapter will initially be available to U.S. customers, with Canadian drivers set to receive theirs later in the year.
### Conclusion
This development marks a significant step in the collaboration between major automotive manufacturers and Tesla, contributing to the expansion of accessible EV charging infrastructure. As the market continues to lean towards SUVs, the integration of varied vehicle types into advanced charging networks is essential for supporting widespread EV adoption.
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By William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
