Summary
Tesla is installing longer cables on Superchargers to accommodate other EV brands
Superchargers now detect when a non-Tesla vehicle is plugged in
Software is updated to consider the location of a vehicle’s charge port
Changes to over 1,500 sites to avoid blocking charging spaces
Migration of major car brands to Tesla’s NACS increasing charger demand
Article
Tesla is making changes to accommodate EVs from other brands at its Supercharger stations. This includes installing longer cables and increasing the number of longer-cable V4 chargers, which are expected to outnumber short-cable chargers within the next 18 months. Additionally, Tesla has modified over 1,500 sites to prevent drivers from blocking charging spaces to reach a charger, and has updated software that tells Tesla drivers which charging stalls are available. The company claims it can now detect when an EV with a charge port located somewhere other than the left rear or right front of the vehicle is plugged in at shorter-cable spots to avoid overpromising on charger availability.
As part of these changes, Tesla has implemented an algorithm that refreshes charger availability about every 15 seconds, allowing the Supercharger to detect what type of vehicle is plugged in. This technology was developed in response to a migration of various car brands to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), which began in May 2023 with Ford. The SAE has formalized NACS as a true standard, and the Biden administration has prioritized funding for expanding public charging infrastructure. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, initially considered shuttering the Supercharger team earlier this year, but later promised a $500 million expansion of the network in anticipation of increased demand from other automakers equipping their EVs to charge at Supercharger stations.
Major brands such as Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Polestar, and Volvo have made adapters available to customers, and the first non-Tesla EVs with built-in NACS ports are expected to appear in 2025. Tesla’s director of charging in North America, Max de Zegher, has stated that the company’s Supercharger stations are now able to detect non-Tesla EVs in order to prevent these vehicles from blocking spaces to plug into chargers with short cables. By making these changes and updates to its Supercharger network, Tesla is preparing for a future where more EVs from different brands will need to utilize its fast-charging stations.
The improvements to Tesla’s Supercharger network are essential as the company continues to expand its infrastructure and adapt to the growing market of electric vehicles. The changes will not only benefit Tesla owners but also EV drivers from various other brands who may need to use the Supercharger stations. By upgrading the software, increasing the number of longer-cable chargers, and implementing technology to detect different types of vehicles plugged in, Tesla is ensuring smoother operations and better accessibility for all EV users. With the adoption of NACS as a standard, Tesla is set to play a significant role in the development and expansion of public charging infrastructure in North America.
In conclusion, Tesla’s efforts to accommodate EVs from other brands at its Supercharger stations through the installation of longer cables and the implementation of an improved charging algorithm demonstrate the company’s commitment to fostering the growth of electric vehicles. As more automakers adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard and develop adapters for their EVs to charge at Supercharger stations, Tesla’s network will need to expand and adapt to meet the increased demand. By staying ahead of these changes and making necessary updates to its infrastructure, Tesla is positioning itself as a leader in the electric vehicle charging market and ensuring seamless charging experiences for all EV drivers.
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