Can Any Electric Car Use A Tesla Charger?
A guide explaining the compatibility of electric cars from other carmakers with the Tesla Supercharging and destination charging network.
Last updated: Apr 24, 2024 • 3 min read
Summary
Electric cars with CCS connectors can use Tesla Superchargers. Electric vehicles (EVs) with Type 2 connectors can also use Tesla’s destination charger network. To access the brand’s charging stations, you’ll need access to the Tesla app.
Can any EV use a Tesla charging station?
Tesla’s charging network continues to grow with more than 40,000 destination chargers and faster 1,100 Superchargers available across the UK. While any EV fitted with a standard Type 2 connector has always been able to use the brand’s destination chargers, only Tesla EVs were able to use their Superchargers, until last year.
In May 2022, Tesla opened up 158 Superchargers across 15 charging stations for non-Tesla EVs. These all-EV Superchargers are compatible with electric cars that have a CCS connector, which is fitted in most modern EVs and allows you to charge your battery up to 200 miles in just 15 minutes. To control charging at a Tesla charging station, you’ll need to download the Tesla app.
Compatibility of Tesla chargers with other EVs
Tesla Supercharger
Currently, non-Tesla EVs can access a portion of Tesla’s Supercharging network if they’re compatible, meaning they meet certain technical criteria:
CCS connector available
Rapid charge enabled up to 150/250kW
Access to the Tesla app on smartphone
There are a few EVs that meet these requirements but reportedly experience issues when using the higher output Tesla Superchargers including the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Initially, Superchargers were only compatible with Tesla models, but the addition of the ‘Magic Dock’ adaptor to rapid chargers in 2022 finally allowed other EVs with CCS compatibility to use them. You’ll find the adaptor pre-fixed to Supercharging stations, meaning you don’t have to bring your own.
Tesla destination charger
To use one of Tesla’s destination chargers, drivers of EVs from other carmakers must have:
A vehicle-side Type 2 connector
Access to the Tesla app on smartphone
If you drive an older EV with a less common Type 1 connector, you’ll need to bring your own adaptor to convert the charger connector from Type 2 to Type 1.
Tips for using Tesla chargers with non-Tesla EVs
Download the Tesla app – Tesla charging stations have no display to allow users to control the charger locally. To access and manage charging, you’ll have to download the Tesla app to your smartphone.
Check Superchargers for compatibility* – Not all Tesla Superchargers are available to non-Tesla EVs. Use the app to check for nearby Supercharging stations that allow other electric cars to use them.
Compare unit prices – Unit (kW) prices for Superchargers can differ from station to station. If you have multiple Supercharging locations on your route, compare unit prices to find the best rate and save when charging.
Bring an adaptor – For EV drivers with Type 1 connectors, it’s essential to bring your own Type 2 to Type 1 connector when using destination chargers.
*Tesla charging station locations available to other EV drivers in the UK: Aviemore, Dundee, Belford, Manchester Trafford Centre, Aberystwyth, Flint Mountain, Thetford, Trumpington, Wyboston, Banbury, Thurrock, Uxbridge, Wokingham, and Folkestone Eurotunnel.