Summary
- GM electric vehicles can use the Tesla Supercharger network with an adapter, but fleet vehicles like the Silverado EV WT and BrightDrop van are excluded.
- The Silverado EV RST can use the Tesla Supercharger network, but the fleet-oriented WT trim cannot. This may impact consumers looking for cheaper options.
- The BrightDrop van is only available for fleet customers and companies like Hertz and FedEx, who purchased them, can install charging stations at their locations.
- The Silverado EV WT has an impressive driving range of up to 450 miles and can go cross-country, but users will need to find DC fast chargers other than Tesla’s.
- GM is working on a commercial and fleet solution for accessing the Tesla Supercharger network for these vehicles in the future.
Article
General Motors Electric Vehicles and Tesla Superchargers
General Motors recently made an announcement that its electric vehicles can now be charged at Tesla Supercharger stations across the United States with the help of an adapter. This new development opens up roughly 18,000 stalls accessible by non-Tesla EVs in the U.S. and Canada, making life easier for road trippers and everyday drivers. However, fleet vehicles such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV WT and BrightDrop van are not included in this change. GM is currently working on a commercial and fleet solution to give these vehicles access to the Tesla Supercharger network in the future.
Impact on Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck and BrightDrop Van
The Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck (WT) and the Chevrolet BrightDrop van do not have access to Tesla Superchargers, affecting those who have purchased the fleet-oriented WT trim. This also impacts non-business consumers who are looking to purchase these vehicles at lower prices. While the Silverado EV WT offers features such as Apple CarPlay, it lacks the ability to use Tesla Superchargers even with an adapter. On the other hand, the retail-oriented RST trim provides native support for commonly used apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and PlugShare.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV WT and 2025 Chevrolet BrightDrop
The Chevrolet Silverado EV WT and BrightDrop van are both fleet-oriented vehicles, with the Silverado EV WT boasting an impressive driving range of up to 450 miles. The BrightDrop van, previously known as the BrightDrop Zevo, is only available for fleet customers as well. Although fleet operators like Hertz, Ryder, FedEx, and DHL have purchased these electric vehicles, they are not currently selling them to the general public. These fleet operators can work with GM Energy to install charging stations at their locations, making access to Tesla Superchargers less crucial for their operations.
Limitations in Using Tesla Superchargers
Even though GM electric vehicles can now use Tesla Superchargers with an adapter, certain models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV WT and BrightDrop van are excluded from this capability. Fleet operators who have purchased these vehicles have the option to work with GM Energy to set up charging infrastructure at their locations, negating the need for access to Tesla Superchargers. While retail versions of GM EVs can benefit from this new feature, fleet-oriented models may have to wait for a commercial and fleet solution from GM in the future.
Considerations for Potential Buyers
Potential buyers of the Chevrolet Silverado EV and BrightDrop van should take into account the limitations in using Tesla Superchargers if they opt for fleet-oriented models like the WT trim. Fleet operators who have acquired these vehicles for commercial use have the option to install charging stations through GM Energy, reducing the reliance on external charging networks. With the increasing availability of EV infrastructure across the country, accessing fast charging options outside of Tesla Superchargers may become more feasible for all types of electric vehicle owners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ability for GM electric vehicles to use Tesla Superchargers with an adapter is a positive step towards expanding charging options for EV drivers. While certain fleet-oriented models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV WT and BrightDrop van currently do not have access to this network, GM is working on a solution to address this issue in the future. As the EV market continues to grow, ensuring accessibility to charging infrastructure for all types of electric vehicles, including fleet models, will be essential for widespread adoption and convenience.
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