New NACS to CCS1 Adapter

[heyjoel]

Last week, I was informed via email by Lectron about their forthcoming NACS to CCS1 adapter, designed to be compatible with "any electric vehicle that has embraced the Tesla Charging Standard," which includes GM, among other manufacturers. I have a 2022 Bolt EV. I'm curious whether this adapter would be suitable for my vehicle when Lectron releases it next year, or if it's primarily intended for use with 2024 and newer models equipped with a CCS1 receptacle.

 

[robbratton]

I have a Lectron NACS (Level 1-2) to J-1772 adapter. I've been happy with it's build quality and functionality. I don't know if that will predict the quality of the new NACS to CCS adapter.

 

[SparkE]

Info on the NACS -> CCS1 adaptor can be found on Lectron's site (take with a grain of salt) :

https://ev-lectron.com/products/lec...ith-gm-ford-rivian-mercedes-nissan-500a-1000v
Personally, I am wondering how "plug and play" (auto pay) is going to work for legacy vehicles.

I (personally) would probably only pay $200 for one of these if I traveled long distance fairly often.

 

[timc]

My understanding is that the new adapters will allow use of the newer Tesla Superchargers but not the older ones.

 

[user 1340]

This is correct. V3 and newer chargers only. The old V1/2 chargers done have the hardware to communicate with CCS.

As for spending $200 for an adapter, IF I ever go on another trip in my Bolt, it’s cheap insurance to have. Better access to more chargers than risk a tow or huge delay because I didn’t buy an adapter.

I hope GM subsidizes them and we can get them for $100.

 

[SparkE]

According to the " Frequently Asked Questions " at the link I posted above :

Generation 3 and above Superchargers will be enabled for non-Tesla vehicle charging throughout 2024 in a staggered rollout. Generation 1 and 2 Superchargers will not be accessible using the Lectron Vortex Plug.

 

[ClarD]

Personally, I am wondering how "plug and play" (auto pay) is going to work for legacy vehicles.

Maybe it will work as well as Autocharge works anywhere other than EVgo does, today.
The Tesla Magic Dock now requires using the app and an independent adapter should be the same.

 

[timc]

According to the " Frequently Asked Questions " at the link I posted above :

Generation 3 and above Superchargers will be enabled for non-Tesla vehicle charging throughout 2024 in a staggered rollout. Generation 1 and 2 Superchargers will not be accessible using the Lectron Vortex Plug.

Then the question becomes how to distinguish the newer ones from the older. To my eye, they look the same and they have the same 250kw rating.

 

[SparkE]

Then the question becomes how to distinguish the newer ones from the older. To my eye, they look the same and they have the same 250kw rating.

Version Max power
V1 ............ 100 kW
V2 ............ 125 kW–150 kW
Urban ....... 72 kW
V3 ............ 250 kW

Link to photo of V2 SC :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tesla_Supercharger_station,_West_Hillsdale_Blvd,_San_Mateo_4.jpg
Link to photo of V3 SC :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tesla-type-2-supercharger-overview-1002.jpg

Then the question becomes how to distinguish the newer ones from the older. To my eye, they look the same and they have the same 250kw rating.

You can use plugshare and set network to "Supercharger" " , plug to "Tesla fast" and "charge rate" to 200-350. That should eliminate V1 and V2 Superchargers. Or you could use the Tesla app I guess (I have never loaded nor used the app).

 

[SparkE]

Oh, and there are (since early 2023) a few "Magic Dock Superchargers " with CCS plugs + credit card readers:

https://electrek.co/2023/09/26/tesla-expands-superchargers-non-tesla-electric-cars-us/
Magic Dock locations have a an adapter built into the station so you can use the Tesla app, select the stall to charge and it will unlock the adapter so a CCS1 vehicle can charge there.

The easiest way to get only Magic Docks in Plugshare is to filter for Tesla SuperCharger as the network provider and CCS as the plug. It will only show Magic Docks under those filters.

Apparently, 2 in Calif (near Santa Cruz and miles east of Sacramento), 1 (in Phoenix), and 4 in Wash. That's it for the west coast (well, + ARI). What is bizarre is that they didn't put them in high-density population areas. I mean, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and either "near" Lake Tahoe or in Reno would have been better choices. Others sparsely sprinkled around the U.S.

 

[SparkE]

And V3 Superchargers started rolling out in quantity beginning in 2021 (I think) - there are a LOT of them now.

 

[timc]

Version Max power
V1 ............ 100 kW
V2 ............ 125 kW–150 kW
Urban ....... 72 kW
V3 ............ 250 kW

Link to photo of V2 SC :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tesla_Supercharger_station,_West_Hillsdale_Blvd,_San_Mateo_4.jpg
Link to photo of V3 SC :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tesla-type-2-supercharger-overview-1002.jpg



You can use plugshare and set network to "Supercharger" " , plug to "Tesla fast" and "charge rate" to 200-350. That should eliminate V1 and V2 Superchargers. Or you could use the Tesla app I guess (I have never loaded nor used the app).

That's helpful but I'm still confused. This Supercharger closest to me was installed this year: https://www.plugshare.com/location/543292 . According to plugshare, it's 250kw and V3, but according to the photos you linked, it's V2.

 

[SparkE]

Stop by sometime when someone is charging and ask. Maybe wikipedia was wrong.

 

[timc]

I might just try charging at both and see what happens.

 

[like2bike]

You can use plugshare and set network to "Supercharger" " , plug to "Tesla fast" and "charge rate" to 200-350. That should eliminate V1 and V2 Superchargers. Or you could use the Tesla app I guess (I have never loaded nor used the app).

This seems to work to get the V3 Superchargers. I hope my 2019 will be working with the Superchargers.

 

[timc]

On the other Bolt forum I saw this that might be helpful: https://www.chevybolt.org/threads/what-we-know-about-nacs-and-adapters.53945/post-931110

 

[user 1485]

Thanks for this link. Magic! chevybolt . org has the info. We don't need to reproduce all the detail here. My main takeaway is that the older Tesla Superchargers will not work ever, but the newer, Version 3 and Version 4, 250 kW super chargers will work. Some superchargers will work natively as they have an adapter built into the charger, while others require an adapter that may be available from your car's manufacturer in the future. GM seems to be planning to release and adapter before long. Note this is all different from the Tesla 240 v "destination charger" situation, as it is already possible to buy a CCS to Tesla adapter for the 240 volt destination chargers.
I have the Tesla app on my phone which allows me to find compatible supercharges for my wonderful Chevy Bolt EV I have been using the app for my house's Powerwall batteries, but its the same app for car charging. I entered my Chevy Bolt info into the app, and it found the nearest 250 kW superchargers for me, and it excluded nearer older superchargers. I have not yet tried to use a supercharger. I charge at home 100% of the time until I next go on vacation.

 

[timc]

it is already possible to buy a CCS to Tesla adapter for the 240 volt destination chargers.

I think you meant J1772 to Tesla.

 

[ClarD]

If you set Plugshare for a network of only "Tesla Supercharger" and a connector of CCS, you will see that the MagicDock population is now 55 stations nationwide.
Those show "Tesla (Fast), CCS/SAE"
https://www.plugshare.com/location/230745

If you set the connector to Tesla Fast, the number increases to "a lot".
For any individual station, you might see "Tesla Drivers Only". Those will not work with the adapter.
https://www.plugshare.com/location/181304
For some other stations, the listing does not have the banner advising that it won't work.
https://www.plugshare.com/location/230745

(Plugshare should add a "Connector" of "Tesla Fast Adapter".

In the Tesla App, which you would need to be able to charge, you can select Menu, "Charge Your Other EV", "Filters" and select the Bolt, with or without an adapter.

Only Fords will work today, because they are the only manufacturer that has announced that they will work.

In my Tesla app, with a car of "Chevy Bolt + NACS DC Adapter", only the stations equipped with Magic Dock show up. The Plugshare listing says "Tesla (Fast), CCS/SAE"

Changing the Tesla App filter to a Ford Mach-E with adapter shows several Tesla stations near me.

One that doesn't show up in the Tesla App has a banner in Plugshare that says "Tesla Drivers Only". The older model Tesla Superchargers will never work.

 

[user 1485]

I think you meant J1772 to Tesla.

You are absolutely right.