What just happened? General Motors’ electric vehicles can now juice up at Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network across the United States. This collaboration has been in the works for over a year after GM announced plans in early 2023 to adopt Tesla’s proprietary charging connector and software for its upcoming EVs.
While the integration missed GM’s initial “early spring” 2024 target due to production issues and workforce cuts at Tesla, the capability is finally here. GM owners simply need to purchase a $225 adapter to access Tesla’s nationwide network of around 17,800 Supercharger stalls.
Not everyone may be pleased about the decision to sell adapters. Ford and Rivian offer free Tesla adapters for a limited time before charging for them, but GM isn’t offering a free period.
There is another limitation: certain older Tesla chargers may not be compatible with the GM adapter, so drivers will need to check vehicle app maps to locate compatible stations. Besides new map information, the app will now also help order an NACS DC Adapter, initiate a charge, pay for charging sessions, and check station status.
However, even after taking these snags into account, the partnership is a win for customers since it dramatically expands GM’s overall public charging access to an estimated 231,800 fast chargers nationwide when combined with other networks.
GM is also involved with the IONNA charging venture alongside seven other major automakers that aim to build at least 30,000 high-powered charging locations nationwide.
This move makes GM one of the first legacy automakers to directly integrate with Tesla’s proprietary charging tech and connector, which Elon Musk’s company has been opening up to rivals. Ford and Rivian have already started rolling out Tesla adapter programs, while brands like BMW, Honda, Hyundai, and Mercedes are set to follow suit this year or next.
The big push for a unified charging standard comes at an uncertain time for the EV market. With all-electric vehicle sales slowing over the past year, some automakers have started prioritizing hybrid models over pure electric ones. Even so, GM managed to deliver over 38,000 EVs in the first half of 2024 alone.
By tapping into Tesla’s expansive Supercharger infrastructure, GM is giving its EV owners a major convenience upgrade while future-proofing its electrification plans.
