Charging your Tesla at a CCS (Combined Charging System) station is a fantastic way to expand your charging options beyond the Tesla Supercharger network. Whether you're on a long road trip or just need a quick top-up in an area without Superchargers, knowing how to use a CCS station can be incredibly beneficial. Let's dive into a step-by-step guide to get you powered up!
Step 1: Confirming Your Tesla's CCS Compatibility
Before you even think about heading to a CCS station, the first and most crucial step is to ensure your Tesla is compatible. Not all Teslas are created equal when it comes to CCS charging.
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| How To Charge Tesla At Ccs Station |
Newer Models vs. Older Models
Newer Models (Generally Model 3 and Model Y post-2019): Many newer Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles come with built-in CCS compatibility. This means they're ready to go with just an adapter.
Older Models (Model S and Model X, and some early Model 3/Y): For these vehicles, CCS compatibility might not be native. You'll likely need a hardware retrofit from Tesla in addition to the adapter.
How to Check Your Tesla's Compatibility
The easiest way to check if your Tesla supports CCS charging is directly from your car's touchscreen:
Go to Controls.
Tap on Software.
Select Additional Vehicle Information.
Look for "CCS Adapter Support." If it says "Enabled," you're good to go with just an adapter! If it says "Not installed," you might need a retrofit.
Alternatively, you can sign into the Tesla app or check the Tesla shop online to see if the CCS adapter is compatible with your specific vehicle.
Step 2: Acquiring the CCS Adapter
Once you've confirmed your Tesla's compatibility, the next step is to get your hands on a CCS adapter. This little device is your bridge to the wider CCS charging world.
Where to Buy Your Adapter
Tesla Shop: Tesla offers its official CCS Combo 1 Adapter. This is often the most reliable option as it's designed specifically for your vehicle. For some older Model S and X vehicles, purchasing the adapter might even include a service appointment for the necessary retrofit.
Third-Party Retailers: Several third-party manufacturers, like Lectron and Rexing, also offer CCS to Tesla adapters. These can sometimes be more affordable, but ensure you purchase from a reputable brand and check reviews for reliability and safety. Look for adapters that support up to 250 kW charging speeds, although actual speeds will depend on the station and your car's battery status.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Choosing the Right Adapter
CCS Combo 1 (CCS1) for North America: If you're in North America, you'll need a CCS Combo 1 adapter.
CCS Combo 2 (CCS2) for Europe and other regions: If you're in Europe or other regions that use the CCS2 standard, you'll need a CCS Combo 2 adapter.
Remember: The adapter is a crucial component, so invest in a quality one to ensure safe and efficient charging.
Step 3: Locating a CCS Charging Station
With your adapter in hand, it's time to find a CCS charging station. The good news is that CCS stations are becoming increasingly widespread, complementing Tesla's own Supercharger network.
Using Charging Station Apps
There are many apps available that can help you locate public EV charging stations. Popular ones include:
PlugShare: A community-driven app that shows all types of charging stations, including CCS, and often includes user reviews and real-time availability.
ChargePoint, Electrify America, EVgo: These are major charging networks, and their respective apps will show their station locations.
Your Tesla Navigation: While your Tesla's navigation system primarily shows Superchargers, some newer software versions or third-party apps integrated with your Tesla might show other charging options.
What to Look For
When searching for a CCS station, ensure it's a DC fast charger (Level 3). These are the ones that provide rapid charging, similar to a Supercharger. Level 2 (AC) chargers are much slower and typically use a J1772 connector, for which your Tesla likely already has a standard adapter.
Step 4: Initiating the Charge ⚡
Now that you're at a CCS station, it's time to plug in and charge! The process is fairly straightforward, but there might be slight variations depending on the charging network.
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
Connecting the Adapter and Charger
Open your Tesla's charging port.
Connect the CCS adapter to the CCS charging cable from the station. The adapter is designed to fit snugly onto the large CCS connector.
Connect the adapter (with the CCS cable attached) to your Tesla's charging port. Make sure it's fully seated and locked in. You should hear a click or feel it firmly connect.
Activating the Charging Session
This is where the process can vary slightly by charging network.
Using an App: Most public CCS networks require you to use their mobile app.
Open the network's app (e.g., Electrify America, ChargePoint, EVgo).
Select the correct charging station and connector number (usually found on the station itself).
Follow the prompts in the app to initiate the charge. You'll typically need to confirm your payment method.
Using an RFID Card: Some networks provide RFID cards that you can tap on the station's reader to start charging.
Credit Card Reader: A few stations might have a credit card reader directly on the unit.
Plug-and-Charge (Less Common for Teslas with Adapters): While some newer EVs support "Plug-and-Charge" (where you just plug in and it automatically authorizes payment), this is generally less common when using an adapter, but not impossible depending on future integrations.
Monitoring Your Charge
Once charging begins, you can monitor the charging progress on your Tesla's screen, through the charging network's app, or sometimes on the charging station's display. Keep an eye on:
Current charging speed (kW): This will fluctuate based on your battery's state of charge and the station's capability.
Estimated time to completion.
State of charge (SOC).
Step 5: Ending the Charging Session
When you're ready to disconnect, the process is simple and safe.
Stop the charging session:
Through the charging network's app.
By pressing the "Stop" button on the charging station's screen.
In some cases, you might be able to stop it from your Tesla's screen.
Disconnect the adapter and cable:
On most CCS adapters, there's a button or lever to release the lock on the charging cable. Press this, then carefully pull the CCS connector and adapter out of your Tesla's charging port.
Return the CCS cable to the charging station.
Store your adapter: Safely store your CCS adapter in your car, perhaps in the frunk or glove compartment, so it's ready for your next adventure. Many adapters come with a protective case.
FAQ: Charging Tesla at CCS Stations
How to check if my Tesla has CCS compatibility?
You can check in your Tesla by going to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information and looking for "CCS Adapter Support." If it says "Enabled," your car is compatible.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
How to purchase a CCS adapter for my Tesla?
You can purchase the official CCS Combo 1 (or Combo 2, depending on your region) adapter directly from the Tesla Shop, or from reputable third-party retailers online.
How to know if my older Tesla Model S or X needs a retrofit for CCS?
If your older Model S or X does not show "CCS Adapter Support: Enabled" in your vehicle's software information, it likely requires a hardware retrofit from Tesla in addition to the adapter to enable CCS charging.
How to find CCS charging stations near me?
Use popular EV charging station apps like PlugShare, or the dedicated apps for major charging networks like Electrify America, ChargePoint, or EVgo, to locate CCS fast chargers.
How to start charging at a CCS station with my Tesla adapter?
First, connect the CCS adapter to the CCS cable, then plug the combined unit into your Tesla. Then, use the charging network's mobile app, an RFID card, or a credit card reader on the station to initiate the charge.
How to monitor my charging progress at a CCS station?
You can monitor the charging speed and progress on your Tesla's touchscreen, through the charging network's mobile app, or on the charging station's display.
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
How to stop charging at a CCS station?
You can stop the charging session using the charging network's mobile app, the "Stop" button on the charging station, or sometimes directly from your Tesla's screen.
How to safely remove the CCS adapter after charging?
Once the charging session has stopped, release the lock on the CCS cable (usually a button or lever on the adapter itself), then carefully pull the adapter and cable out of your Tesla's charging port.
How to determine the maximum charging speed I can get from a CCS station?
The maximum charging speed will depend on the specific CCS station's power output and your Tesla's battery state of charge and maximum charging rate. Your adapter might also have a maximum power rating.
How to troubleshoot common issues when charging a Tesla at a CCS station?
If you encounter issues, first ensure the adapter and cable are securely connected. Try restarting the charging session via the app or station. If problems persist, check the charging network's customer support or consider trying a different charging stall or station.
For a visual guide on using a CCS adapter, check out this video:
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