⚡ Ready to supercharge your GM EV? ⚡
Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to seamlessly use a GM-approved Tesla NACS (North American Charging Standard) adapter to power up your electric vehicle at Tesla Supercharger stations. This adapter is a game-changer, opening up access to one of the most extensive and reliable fast-charging networks in North America. Let's get you charging!
Step 1: Acquiring Your GM-Approved NACS Adapter and Setting Up Your App
The first and most crucial step is to get your hands on an official GM-approved NACS DC adapter. Do not use third-party adapters, as GM strongly discourages them, and using non-approved parts may void your vehicle's warranty.
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| How To Use Gm Tesla Adapter |
Where to Purchase Your Adapter:
There are a few convenient ways to acquire your adapter:
GM Vehicle Mobile App: This is often the most straightforward method. Navigate to the "Public Charging" section within your myChevrolet, myGMC, or myCadillac mobile app, select "Tesla Supercharger," and you'll find an option to order the adapter. You can choose to have it shipped to your home or pick it up at your local dealership.
GM Accessories Websites: You can purchase the adapter directly from the Chevrolet Accessories, GMC Accessories, or Cadillac Accessories websites.
Local GM Dealer: Visit the parts department at your nearest GM dealership to purchase the adapter in person.
Cost: As of recent information, the GM-approved NACS adapter typically costs around $225 USD. For Canadian customers, it's approximately $310 CAD.
Setting Up Your Mobile App:
Once you have your adapter ordered, you need to prepare your vehicle's mobile app for charging on the Tesla network.
Download and Update: Ensure your GM vehicle mobile app (myChevrolet, myGMC, or myCadillac) is updated to the latest version on your iOS or Android device.
Activate Public Charging: From your app's home screen, go to the "Settings" section and select "Public Charging."
Enroll in Tesla Supercharger: In the Public Charging screen, look for the "Tesla Supercharger" option and select the blue "Activate" text.
Payment Method: Follow the prompts to enter your credit card information and press "Activate" to enroll in GM Tesla Charging. This will enable seamless payment for your charging sessions.
Step 2: Locating a Tesla Supercharger Station
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
Now that you're equipped with your adapter and your app is ready, it's time to find a Supercharger!
Using Your GM Mobile App:
Navigate to Maps: Open your GM vehicle mobile app and go to the "Maps" tab.
Search for Public Charging: Search for "public charging" or specifically "Tesla public charging station" in the map's search bar.
Filter for NACS: Use the "Filter" icon in the Charging Stations list to open its dropdown menu. Select "Compatible Plugs" and toggle NACS to "On." This will ensure your search results only show compatible Tesla Supercharger stations.
In-Vehicle Navigation (Google built-in): If your GM vehicle has Google built-in, you can also add Tesla Supercharger stations to your navigation. From the map screen, select the "Charging Stations" icon and then use the filter to enable NACS plug types. EV trip plans will then be shown on your center display.
Arriving at the Station:
When you arrive at the Supercharger location, choose an available charger. Tesla's Supercharger network is known for its reliability and extensive coverage, so you should have a good experience.
Step 3: Connecting and Initiating the Charge
This is where the adapter comes into play!
Connecting the Adapter and Cable:
Exit Your Vehicle: Safely park and exit your GM EV.
Connect Adapter to Tesla Cable: Take your GM-approved NACS DC adapter. Connect it securely to the Tesla Supercharger cable's handle. Be sure to press down until a single click can be heard to ensure it's fully inserted and latched.
Plug into Your Vehicle: Now, with the adapter attached to the Tesla cable, plug the entire unit (cable + adapter) into your GM vehicle's CCS charge port. Wait for an audible confirmation message from your vehicle, and your infotainment screen should also provide confirmation that charging has begun.
Starting the Charging Session:
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
Select Charger in App: Back in your GM mobile app, select the specific charger you are connected to.
Tap "Start Charging": Tap the "Start Charging" button within the "Charge Management" section of your app.
Automatic Charging: Within a few seconds, charging should begin automatically. Your vehicle and the app will display the charging status, including estimated time to full charge and current charging rate.
Step 4: Monitoring and Completing Your Charge
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Keep an eye on your charging progress, just as you would with any other charging session.
Monitoring:
Your vehicle's infotainment system will show charging status.
Your GM mobile app will provide real-time updates on your charge status, remaining range, and charging speed.
Ending the Session:
Stop Charging in App: Once you've reached your desired charge level, tap "Stop Charging" in your GM mobile app.
Remove Cable and Adapter: Press the unlock button on your vehicle to release the charging handle. Remove the charging cable and the NACS DC adapter as one combined unit from your vehicle's charge port.
Detach Adapter from Cable: To detach the NACS DC adapter from the Tesla charging cable, press and hold the button on top of the adapter to unlatch it, then simply pull the adapter back.
Store Adapter: It's recommended to store your NACS adapter inside your vehicle in a safe and accessible place when not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to obtain a GM-approved NACS adapter?
You can order a GM-approved NACS adapter through your vehicle's mobile app (myChevrolet, myGMC, myCadillac), on the respective GM accessories websites, or by visiting the parts department at your local GM dealership.
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
How much does the GM Tesla adapter cost?
The GM-approved NACS DC adapter typically costs around $225 USD in the United States and approximately $310 CAD in Canada.
How to find Tesla Supercharger stations compatible with my GM EV?
Use your GM vehicle mobile app's map feature and apply the "NACS" filter under "Compatible Plugs" to see Supercharger locations accessible with your adapter.
How to start a charging session at a Tesla Supercharger with the adapter?
Connect the GM-approved NACS adapter to the Tesla Supercharger cable, then plug the combined unit into your GM EV. Open your GM mobile app, select the charger, and tap "Start Charging."
How to pay for charging at a Tesla Supercharger with a GM EV?
Payment is handled seamlessly through your GM mobile app, using the payment method you've linked in the "Public Charging" section when you activated Tesla Supercharger access.
How to disconnect the adapter after charging?
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
First, stop the charging session in your app. Then, unlock your vehicle, remove the Tesla cable and adapter together from your vehicle's port, and finally, press the latch button on the adapter to separate it from the Tesla cable.
How do I know if my GM EV is compatible with the Tesla NACS adapter?
All GM electric vehicles with a CCS inlet are generally compatible. Some older Chevrolet Bolt EVs (19MY and 20MY) may require a software update, and owners will be contacted if this is the case.
How important is it to use a GM-approved adapter?
It is highly recommended to use only a GM-approved adapter. Using third-party adapters is discouraged by GM and could potentially lead to issues not covered by your vehicle's warranty.
How fast can my GM EV charge using the Tesla Supercharger network with an adapter?
The charging speed will depend on your GM vehicle's maximum DC fast charging rate and the specific Supercharger station's capabilities (V3 and V4 Superchargers are generally faster).
How will the NACS adapter impact future GM EVs?
Starting in 2025, many new GM EVs will begin to come equipped with a native NACS charging inlet, eliminating the need for an adapter for those newer models to access the Tesla Supercharger network.
For more information, you can check out this video from Genesis USA about using a NACS adapter:
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