FYI: General Motors EVs Now Compatible with Tesla Supercharger Network in North America
General Motors (GM) electric vehicle owners, rejoice! GM-made EVs, such as the popular Chevrolet Bolt EV, can now access the Tesla Supercharger network across the United States. This news marks a significant development for EV owners planning long road trips, given Tesla’s extensive network of over 17,000 Superchargers in North America.
Accessing the Tesla Supercharger Network
GM’s EV lineup, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV, GMC Hummer EV, and Cadillac Lyriq, can now replenish their batteries at Tesla Supercharger stations. This list also extends to the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV. Although the Bolt EV was once the most cost-effective new battery-powered car in the U.S. before being discontinued, don’t worry – the Bolt EUV is making a comeback with Ultium technology and an enhanced LFP battery.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV remains a cornerstone in the electric vehicle market, with over 200,000 units sold in the U.S. over eight years. Despite it not being the fastest or most luxurious EV, its reputation for affordability and safety makes it an ideal urban vehicle choice.
How to Use Tesla Superchargers with a Chevrolet Bolt EV
Owners of some 2019 and 2020 model-year Chevrolet Bolt EVs need a software update to make their vehicles compatible with Tesla Superchargers. This update can be performed at a GM dealership. Additionally, a CCS to NACS adapter is necessary to connect to NACS-configured stalls. This adapter is available both from General Motors and third-party suppliers like A2Z or Lectron.
However, only V3 Superchargers are accessible for non-Tesla EVs. To locate these compatible stations, users can visit Tesla’s interactive Supercharger map and toggle the “Supercharger open to NACS” option.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to charging your Bolt EV at a Tesla Supercharger:
- Update Software: Ensure your Bolt EV has the necessary software update.
- Get an Adapter: Obtain a CCS to NACS adapter from GM or a third-party supplier.
- Link a Payment Method: Use the MyChevrolet app to link your vehicle to a payment method, ensuring your apps are up to date.
- Locate a Compatible Supercharger: Use Tesla’s online map to find V3 Superchargers.
- Charge Your EV: Park front-first at a compatible Supercharger, plug in the cable, launch the MyChevrolet app, select the correct stall, and hit Charge Now.
Charging Performance and Practical Considerations
In testing carried out by automotive expert Tom Moloughney, the Bolt EV achieved satisfactory results when using third-party adapters, delivering the vehicle’s maximum charging rate of 55 kW without issues. Charging from 20% to 80% state of charge took about 49 minutes, which is typical for the Bolt EV. However, users should be aware of potential minor issues, such as charging stopping abruptly at 70% and requiring a reconnection to reach 80%.
One notable practical concern is the charging port location on the Bolt EV, positioned on the front-left side, as opposed to the rear-left side on Tesla vehicles. This layout makes it necessary for the Bolt EV to occupy two charging stalls, a challenge shared by Rivian EVs and the Ford F-150 Lightning. To mitigate this, aim to use the right-most stall when possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, expanding the compatibility of General Motors’ electric vehicles with Tesla’s Supercharger network significantly benefits EV owners, especially for long-distance travel. By following a few simple steps and being mindful of practical considerations, Bolt EV owners can now enjoy the vast array of charging options available through the Tesla Supercharger network.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
