Exciting news for GM EV owners! You can now charge your GM electric vehicle at Tesla Supercharger stations, significantly expanding your charging options on the road. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to leverage Tesla's extensive and reliable Supercharger network.
Step 1: Prepare for the Journey – Getting Your GM EV Ready for Tesla Superchargers
So, you've got a fantastic GM EV, and you're ready to tap into the legendary Tesla Supercharger network for those quick charges on long trips. Excellent choice! Before you hit the road, there are a few essential things you'll need to do to ensure a smooth charging experience. Let's get started!
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| How To Charge Gm At Tesla Supercharger |
Sub-heading 1.1: The All-Important NACS DC Adapter
For most current GM EVs, which utilize the CCS (Combined Charging System) inlet, you'll need a special adapter to connect to Tesla's NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging cable.
Why is this adapter necessary? Tesla developed its own charging connector (NACS), while most other automakers, including GM, traditionally used the CCS standard in North America. To bridge this gap and allow GM EVs to use Superchargers, a NACS DC adapter is required.
Where to get a GM-approved adapter: GM highly discourages the use of third-party adapters, as they can potentially damage your vehicle and may void your warranty. You can purchase a GM-approved NACS DC adapter through:
Your vehicle's brand mobile app (myChevrolet, myGMC, or myCadillac). Look for an "Order Adapter" option in the Public Charging section.
The Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac Accessories websites.
Your local GM dealership's parts department.
Future Compatibility: Keep in mind that GM has announced a transition to native NACS charging inlets for their EVs starting in 2025. For example, the 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ and OPTIQ-V are confirmed to come with built-in NACS ports, meaning these future models won't require an adapter for Supercharging. However, for current models, the adapter is a must!
Sub-heading 1.2: Setting Up Your GM Mobile App
Your GM vehicle's mobile app (myChevrolet, myGMC, or myCadillac) is your control center for accessing the Tesla Supercharger network.
Activate Tesla Supercharger Access:
Open your GM vehicle's mobile app.
Navigate to the Settings section.
Select "Public Charging."
Look for the "Tesla Supercharger" option and select the blue "Activate" text.
Follow the prompts to enter your credit card information and press "Activate" to enroll. This sets up your payment method for future charging sessions.
Finding Superchargers in your App:
From the map screen in your app, select the Charging Stations icon under the search bar.
Use the Filter icon in the Charging Stations list to open its dropdown menu.
Select "Compatible Plugs."
Toggle NACS to "On" next to your desired plug type. Now, your app will include NACS-compatible charge stations in its search results and EV trip plans.
Step 2: The Charging Process – A Step-by-Step Guide at the Supercharger
You've prepared your adapter and your app, and now you've arrived at a Tesla Supercharger. Let's get that charge flowing!
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
Sub-heading 2.1: Locating and Parking at a Supercharger Stall
Use your GM App: Open your myChevrolet, myGMC, or myCadillac app and use the map feature to search for a Tesla public charging station. The app will show you available stalls.
Parking Considerations: While Tesla Supercharger cables are generally long, some GM EVs (like the Chevrolet Bolt EV) have their charging port on the rear right. This might require you to park in a way that allows the cable to reach, potentially occupying two spots if the station isn't busy. Tesla has acknowledged this and recommends parking to maximize access.
Sub-heading 2.2: Connecting the Adapter and Your Vehicle
Retrieve the NACS DC Adapter: Have your GM-approved NACS DC adapter readily available.
Select the Charger in the App: When you arrive at the charging location, select your specific charger (stall number, e.g., 4A) in your GM vehicle's mobile app.
Connect the NACS DC Adapter to the Tesla Cable: Take the Tesla Supercharger cable and securely connect it to your NACS DC Adapter. Ensure it clicks firmly into place.
Plug into Your Vehicle: Plug the combined NACS DC adapter and Tesla charging cable unit into your GM vehicle's CCS inlet. You should hear an audible confirmation message, and your vehicle's infotainment screen will also confirm that charging has begun.
Start Charging in the App: Tap the "Start Charging" button in your GM vehicle's mobile app. Within a few seconds, charging should begin automatically.
Sub-heading 2.3: Monitoring and Ending Your Charging Session
Monitor Progress: You can monitor your charging progress and estimated cost directly within your GM mobile app.
Charging Speed: Remember that the charging rate will start to slow down as your battery fills up, especially after it reaches around 80%. This is normal to optimize battery health and performance.
Ending the Session: To end your charging session:
Tap "Stop Charging" in your GM vehicle's mobile app.
Remove the charging cable and the NACS DC adapter as one unit from your vehicle.
Then, remove the NACS DC adapter from the Tesla cable by clicking the latch on the adapter.
Step 3: Understanding Pricing and Fees – Cost-Effective Charging
Charging at a Tesla Supercharger as a non-Tesla owner comes with its own pricing structure.
Sub-heading 3.1: Pricing and Payment
Pay-Per-Use: Superchargers are typically pay-per-use for non-Tesla vehicles. The pricing per kWh will be displayed in the Tesla app (or your GM app) for each Supercharger site.
Subscription Options: Non-Tesla drivers can often choose between paying each time they use a Supercharger or signing up for a monthly subscription plan. The subscription usually offers reduced rates per kWh, though these rates may still be higher than what Tesla owners pay.
Payment Method: All payments for non-Tesla charging sessions are handled through the Tesla app, which you've linked to your GM vehicle's app. Make sure you have a valid payment method saved in your account. A temporary authorization hold may be placed on your payment method when a session starts.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Sub-heading 3.2: Beware of Idle Fees and Congestion Fees
Tesla implements fees to encourage drivers to move their vehicles once charging is complete, ensuring stalls are available for others.
Idle Fees: These apply if your vehicle remains connected to the Supercharger after charging is complete, especially when the station is at 50% capacity or more. If you move your vehicle within five minutes of charging completion, the fee is usually waived. Idle fees double if the station is at 100% capacity.
Congestion Fees: At certain Supercharging locations, congestion fees might replace idle fees. These apply when the site is busy and your battery is at or above a specific charge level (e.g., 80%).
Always be mindful of your charging status and move your vehicle promptly once finished to avoid unnecessary charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to: Order a GM-approved NACS DC adapter?
You can order a GM-approved NACS DC adapter through your GM vehicle's mobile app, the Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac Accessories websites, or directly from your local GM dealership's parts department.
How to: Set up my GM mobile app for Tesla Supercharging?
Open your GM vehicle's mobile app, go to "Settings," then "Public Charging," and activate "Tesla Supercharger" access. You'll need to add a payment method.
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
How to: Find Tesla Supercharger stations compatible with my GM EV?
In your GM vehicle's mobile app, navigate to the map, select the "Charging Stations" icon, then use the filter to toggle NACS to "On" under "Compatible Plugs."
How to: Connect the NACS DC adapter to my GM EV and the Supercharger?
First, securely connect the Tesla Supercharger cable to your NACS DC adapter, then plug the combined unit into your GM EV's CCS inlet.
How to: Start a charging session at a Tesla Supercharger with my GM EV?
Once connected, select your specific Supercharger stall in your GM mobile app and tap "Start Charging."
How to: Pay for charging at a Tesla Supercharger as a GM EV owner?
All payments are handled through the Tesla app, which integrates with your GM vehicle's app. Ensure a payment method is saved in your Tesla account.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
How to: Avoid idle fees at Tesla Superchargers?
Disconnect your vehicle and move it promptly once your charging session is complete, especially when the station is busy.
How to: Know if my GM EV will eventually have a native NACS port?
GM announced a transition to NACS for their EVs starting in 2025. The 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ and OPTIQ-V are among the first confirmed GM EVs with native NACS ports.
How to: Handle situations where the Supercharger cable is short for my GM EV's charging port?
If your charging port is on the rear right (like some Chevrolet Bolt EVs), you might need to park in a way that allows the cable to reach, potentially taking up two spots if the station isn't busy.
How to: Troubleshoot if charging doesn't start?
Ensure your GM mobile app is updated, your payment method is valid, the adapter is securely connected to both the cable and your vehicle, and you've selected the correct stall in the app. If issues persist, refer to your GM EV's owner's manual or contact GM EV support.
Check out this video for a visual guide on using a NACS adapter with a non-Tesla EV:
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