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Tesla owners have just doubled their available fast charging options. A Tesla-branded Combined Charging System 1 adapter (CCS1) has just appeared on Tesla’s own “Shop Tesla Website. The price is $250. Jump to the Tesla site by clicking this link.
The upshot of this is that Tesla owners can now charge their vehicles at Electrify America, EVgo, and other DC fast charging locations. No longer will Tesla owners be limited to just Superchargers and Tesla-compatible Level 2 chargers.
This is a significant move, and it may foreshadow Tesla opening up its Supercharger network to the U.S. public. Supercharging has long been listed by Tesla fans and owners as one of the company’s primary competitive advantages (there are others).
The bad news for owners of EVs from other brands is that those hard-to-find DCFCs are about to be a lot more crowded. Maybe. Tesla owners are an independent lot. They may prefer Superchargers. Time will tell.
Tesla’s description of the product is as follows:
“Expand your fast charging options with the Tesla CCS Combo 1 Adapter. The adapter offers charging speeds up to 250kW and can be used at third-party charging networks.
The CCS Combo 1 Adapter is compatible with most newer Tesla vehicles, while some vehicles may require a retrofit to ensure functionality with third-party CCS stations. We recommend checking that your vehicle is on the latest available software prior to signing in to your Tesla Account to verify vehicle compatibility.”
In addition, Tesla adds this information:
“Note: Maximum charge rates may vary from charge rates advertised by third-party stations. Most third-party stations are not capable of charging Tesla vehicles at 250kW. Tesla does not regulate the pricing or charging experience at third-party charging stations. Network membership is typically required at third-party charging stations. For more details on charging practices, please consult the third-party network providers directly.
CCS Combo 1 Adapter will begin shipping within two weeks of order placement.
Tesla will be adding retrofit eligibility for Model S and Model X vehicles and older Model 3 and Model Y vehicles currently designated as requiring a retrofit. Please check back in early 2023 for availability.”
You can find the Tesla CCS1 adapter owner’s manual at our Tesla link above.
If you purchase and use a Tesla CCS1 adapter, please tell us in the comments section how it works.
Image of Tesla CCS1 courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's interest in EVs goes back to 1990 when he designed the thermal control system for an EV battery as part of an academic team. After earning his mechanical engineering degree, John completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers, in the semiconductor industry, and in biotech. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American news outlets and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on TikTok @ToknCars, on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin
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