With a pilot project in the Netherlands, Tesla, one of the most prestigious automakers in the world, opened its charging network to other electric vehicles. The business declared that non-Tesla vehicle owners would be able to access superchargers at ten different locations throughout the Netherlands via the Tesla app. This indicates that you can use a Tesla charging station to charge your non-Tesla EV. There are a few things you should keep in mind, though.
Tesla’s high-speed superchargers can only be utilized by Tesla vehicles, despite there being charging stations for non-Tesla drivers. Therefore, it is not possible to utilize a Supercharger with a BMW electric vehicle because to the lack of suitable adapters. The truth is that Tesla has thought about allowing other electric vehicles access to its Supercharger network. However, nothing has been officially confirmed by the company, so these are still just rumors.
Tesla’s automobiles need various connectors because European charging standards are different from American ones. Due to the fact that not all Tesla vehicles sold in Europe utilize Tesla’s specialized connector, the charging process is very different from that of other markets, like as North America.
Tesla uses the CCS standard in Europe so that a variety of vehicles can charge at locations without an adapter with a similar plug. Tesla claims that non-Tesla drivers using its charging stations could result in the business spending more money to support a variety of vehicles and make site modifications to accommodate these vehicles. This, it claims, advances Tesla’s objective of accelerating the global switch to sustainable energy.
As rival automakers seek to launch new electric vehicles, Tesla has more than 25,000 Superchargers installed across the world while they have formed alliances or invested in network firms. The Combined Charging System (CCS), which is utilized by BMW, Daimler, Ford, and the Volkswagen Group, which includes Audi and Porsche, allows for the usage of the Superchargers.
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Tesla chargers can be used, but you’ll need to buy an adapter.
Yes, there are restrictions and you must first buy an adaptor before using a non-Tesla charging station to charge your electric car. We go over what you’ll need, what you should be aware of, and a selection of available equipment in the video up above.
1) Using Tesla high-speed Superchargers is not the topic here. Superchargers can only be used by Tesla vehicles, and there are no adapters that would let you use a Supercharger if your EV isn’t a Tesla. There have been reports that Tesla may let other electric vehicles to utilize its Supercharger network, but as of now, these are only hearsay.
2) In this video, we’re focusing primarily on the North American market. Tesla’s vehicles use separate connectors and operate under different charging standards in Europe. The charging process is actually extremely different from what we have in North America because not all Tesla vehicles sold in Europe use Tesla’s proprietary connector any longer.
Tesla HPWC Charging With A BMW i3 – Video
Wouldn’t it be great if other electric vehicles could utilize those charge sites, especially with Tesla destination chargers sprouting up all over the country? (Of course with permission.)
It turns out that different electric vehicles can definitely use the Tesla destination chargers (Tesla HPWC) with the aid of an adapter:
“Using my adaptor, a BMW i3 is charging on a Tesla HPWC EVSE. Additionally, most electric vehicles other than Teslas can now charge in locations where only Tesla HPWC equipment is available thanks to this adapter. It only functions with the Tesla AC charging hardware. CAN’T BE USED WITH THE TESLA DC SUPERCHARGER! With the BMW i3, Nissan Leaf, Toyota RAV4 EV, and Ford C-Max Energi, this adaptor has been utilized with success.”
Of course, the question is: Does having this installed in publicly accessible areas violate the rights of Tesla to use its technology and specified spots? However, having this adapter at home or in private would be useful.
Now, other electric vehicles can use Tesla Superchargers: Here’s How It Works
Other electric vehicle owners are now able to recharge their batteries at Tesla’s Supercharger facilities.
Although now merely a tiny pilot project, Tesla and the electric vehicle industry as a whole will benefit from the Supercharger network’s unlocking. Exclusive access to the Supercharger network has long been one of the biggest advantages of owning a Tesla, even if public charging networks from companies like Ionity and Electrify America are improving.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has long talked about opening up the network and has previously said that other manufacturers have been given the opportunity to use it, but none have. Currently, that is about to alter.
The trial initiative, which is described in a blog post by Tesla that was published today (November 1), would make 10 Supercharger stations in the Netherlands accessible to other EVs. These vehicles’ drivers must utilize the Tesla mobile app. To begin, they select the brand-new “Charge Your Non-Tesla” option and enter a payment method.
Tesla drivers can continue to use the chargers as usual, however the trial project is only open to Dutch residents who own EVs. EV owners from other countries are not yet eligible. Additionally, Tesla owners who own additional EVs can charge those vehicles using the same Tesla app.
All Superchargers that work with non-Tesla vehicles have the CCS connection, which is currently standard on all fast-charging electric vehicles sold in Europe.
The fee for other EV drivers to access Superchargers is not yet known by Tesla. Instead, the business claims: “Pricing for non-Tesla drivers accounts for additional expenses paid to support charging a wide range of vehicles and modifications made to our sites to serve these vehicles. The Tesla app allows you to view charging prices, which change depending on the location. A charging membership can reduce the cost of charging per kWh.”
Are Tesla Charging Stations Capable of Charging Non-Tesla Electric Vehicles?
You might believe that a Tesla is required in order to charge your electric car at a Tesla station, however this is untrue. Most other EV manufacturers can be charged using Tesla destination chargers, but you’ll need an adaptor. The new Ford Mustang Mach-E and other electric vehicles cannot be plugged into Tesla Superchargers, on the other hand. To facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles on a larger scale, Tesla is working to open up its network of superchargers.
BMW i3 UK charging station compatibility
Concerning Tesla charging stations To put it another way, Tesla creates adapters so that its vehicles can charge elsewhere, yet it now prohibits charging from ANY other brand at its superchargers.
Can I use a Tesla station to charge my BMW?
Tesla drivers may, however, use the level 1 (120v) and level 2 (240v) chargers that BMW and all other manufacturers of electric vehicles use because each car comes with an adapter.
Where can I find a BMW i3 charger?
The CCS charging standard, which has a combination AC and DC intake port, is used by the BMW i3 line of electric vehicles. The Type 2 connector, which is used while charging at home or at public slow and fast AC ports, fits into the top portion of the inlet. High power is transported via the upper and lower regions of the intake during rapid DC charging. The CCS charging inlet for the BMW i3 is located where you may anticipate seeing a gas flap on the off-side rear 3/4 panel.
Depending on the network and kind of charge unit, the BMW i3 can be charged at public points in a slow, fast, or quick manner. Fast charging often requires a Type 2-to-Type 2 cable, whereas slow charging typically calls for a 3-pin-to-Type 2. One of these cables is typically included with the vehicle. The vehicle employs a tethered CCS connector, which is a component of the charging unit, for quick charging.
When charging on AC or DC, the EV driver must insert the connections into the proper input. The car then communicates with the charging unit to verify that there is power available, that there are no problems, and that it is safe to begin charging. The vehicle then begins charging automatically if charging at a private home or business charge point.
An activation procedure is needed to start charging on a public charger. Depending on the network provider, this can call for the usage of an RFID card or smartphone app, frequently connected to a previously created account. On more recent devices, contactless pay-as-you-go units are also becoming increasingly prevalent. The devices will do additional connection and account checks after activation before they begin to charge the car.
Can I use a Tesla Supercharger to charge my BMW i4?
Yes, you may use a Tesla charging station to recharge your BMW electric vehicle. It can have some restrictions, though, and you might need to purchase other components like an adaptor. BMW electric cars and other non-Tesla vehicles may use any of the numerous Tesla charging stations located throughout the US thanks to a few available Tesla adapters.
I’m Scott, a huge fan of BMWs and a long-time owner of these incredible vehicles. I’m here to chronicle my encounters with BMWs over the years and, hopefully, to be of use to others.
A Tesla charging station can be utilized by any electric vehicle.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, reportedly stated in July of last year that other EVs would have access to the Tesla Supercharger Network in 2021. Musk made no more mention of the location of this event. Germany, Norway, and Sweden were mentioned as prospective contenders in prior reports. Musk did clarify that Tesla plans to someday allow other electric vehicles from across the world access to its Supercharger network.
Tesla owners are not required to pay a membership fee to access the Tesla charging network. According to local regulations, Tesla owners are charged for “supercharging” by the minute or kilowatt-hour.
While Tesla drivers now only have access to the company’s Level 3 and more recent Supercharger stations, they may charge at virtually any EV charging station that makes use of adaptor cables. For some time, ChargePoint, Volta, Sema, and other automakers have been working with Tesla’s U.S. rivals to develop charging stations that can charge EVs from a variety of automakers.
In the future, Tesla might benefit from additional government financing sources including grants, green energy credits, rebates, and tax credits if it opens up many of its U.S. charging stations, especially those that can charge vehicles using renewable energy sources. These can be sold to businesses who require them to reduce their environmental impact.