Tesla is expanding its Supercharger network and is now also giving General Motors (GM) vehicles access to over 17,000 fast-charging stations in North America. This step is part of an agreement that GM signed in June with Tesla Ford a few months earlier. GM wants to make the transition to electric mobility easier for its customers by offering access to one of the largest and most reliable fast-charging networks.
GM vehicles and adapters: The new standard
While the Tesla-vehicles have already integrated the North American Charging Standard (NACS, formerly J3400), GM electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Bolt and the newer Ultium-based models from Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC require an adapter in order to use the Tesla-charging network. This adapter costs $225 and is available through the GM EV app. Drivers can also use the same app to find Supercharger locations and process payment for charging sessions.
Unlike Ford, which provided its customers with the adapter for free for a short time, GM drivers will have to cover this cost themselves. However, GM plans to equip its new EV models directly with the NACS connection from next year, so adapters will no longer be necessary.
Safety concerns with Supercharger extension cables
While the Tesla-Supercharger network is increasingly opening up to third-party brands, warns Tesla continues to warn against certain charging techniques that could jeopardize safety. Wes Morrill, chief engineer of the Tesla Cybertruck, recently warned against the use of NACS extension cables on Superchargers. Although such cables are not safe for drivers of nonTesla-vehicles, such as Rivian's R1T and R1S, may seem practical, their use carries significant risks.
Morrill explained that extension cables can lead to overheating and short circuits as they bypass the Superchargers' built-in safety mechanisms. These charging stations are designed to regulate the flow of electricity based on the temperature of the cable. Extending the cable with an additional element could override these safety measures, which could lead to overheating and, in the worst case, short circuits.
Tesla's commitment to safety
Tesla has highlighted potential charging hazards several times in the past, including the use of wet wipes to increase Supercharger performance. This technique has been used by some users to cool the NACS handles to charge more power in less time. Tesla However, in July, the company explicitly warned against this, as it increases the risk of overheating and possible damage.
The safety precautions that Tesla taken in both its vehicles and its charging infrastructure are a testament to the company's commitment to providing not only a fast, but also a safe charging experience. Tesla's Superchargers are designed to reliably and safely charge millions of vehicles worldwide, and every element, from cable thickness to length, is specifically tuned to meet the highest standards.
Another step towards e-mobility
The opening of the Tesla-Supercharger network to GM vehicles marks an important step towards wider adoption of electric vehicles. Access to one of the best fast-charging networks in the world will make it easier for GM customers to travel long distances in their electric vehicles without having to worry about charging infrastructure. But even with this innovation, safety remains a key issue. Both GM and Tesla-drivers should always follow the recommended charging techniques to avoid risks such as overheating.
With this extension Tesla once again demonstrates that it is not only a pioneer in electromobility, but also in the design of a sustainable and safe charging infrastructure. It remains to be seen how this opening of the Supercharger network will affect competition between the major car manufacturers and the future of electromobility.
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