Nine months after the two automakers reached an agreement, owners of Ford electric vehicles now have access to more than 15,000 Tesla Supercharger stations across the United States and Canada. New and existing Ford electric vehicle owners can get a free adapter to use Tesla's fast chargers, but they must join Ford's BlueOval charging network and order the adapter at Ford.com/FastChargingAdapter by June 30, 2024. Future owners of Ford electric vehicles will be able to purchase the adapter for $230.
Less than a year ago, all automakers and electric vehicle charging companies operating in the United States used the Combined Charging System (CCS). Tesla is an outlier, with its own proprietary plugs and connectors and a network of thousands of so-called "Superchargers" dotted along interstates, highways and other major thoroughfares. The charging connector for all Tesla vehicles provides AC charging and DC charging up to 1 megawatt, and its compact design and performance are considered superior to combined charging system connectors.
Tesla proposed in November 2022 that the automaker adopt its charging standard - a move that initially seemed difficult to attract and convince the company's rivals. Tesla has shared the design of its electric vehicle charging connector and is encouraging network operators and automakers to adopt the technology to make it the new standard in North America. Tesla even calls it the "North American Charging Standard" (NACS) and says it's the most common charging standard in North America based on Tesla vehicle sales and the number of chargers at its brand's Supercharger stations.
Six months later, Ford announced a deal to allow owners of Ford electric vehicles to use Tesla Superchargers. However, the agreement goes well beyond using Tesla Superchargers via adapters. Ford also plans to equip its next-generation electric vehicles, whose second-generation electric vehicle portfolio includes an electric truck and a three-row SUV, with Tesla charging ports starting in 2025.
Soon after, Ford joined General Motors in adopting Tesla's charging technology. In the months since, third-party EV charging companies and other automakers have jumped on board, including Hyundai and Kia, Toyota, Volkswagen Group's Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen brands, and finally Stellantis.
Within nine months, all major automakers selling cars in the United States had agreed to Tesla's charging standards, and many have committed to integrating the technology in their next-generation vehicles.
Ford is the first to actually start using Superchargers. Tesla owners have long had exclusive rights to the network, and new entrants could put pressure on an already popular charging network.
Ford executives were quick to point out when briefing reporters that not every Tesla Supercharger station is open to Ford owners. The automaker is taking steps to educate Ford customers on how to find, access and use Superchargers as easily as Tesla owners. Ford said a future software update will allow owners to find Tesla Superchargers via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - technology that allows drivers to cast their smartphones to their car's infotainment system - as well as Ford's built-in navigation.
Tesla owners don’t need to use a credit card or app to pay for electricity when they park and plug in, which is one of the key differentiators from competitors. Ford’s solution is for customers who are signed up to the BlueOval charging network to pay through the FordPass app or the Charging Assist app on the vehicle’s touchscreen.