Can a Chevy Bolt use a Tesla charger?
The short answer is no, a Chevy Bolt cannot directly use a Tesla charger. The Chevy Bolt uses a different charging port and electrical system than Tesla vehicles, making them incompatible. However, there are some workarounds that can allow Bolt owners to charge at Tesla charging stations.
Differences in Charging Systems
The Chevy Bolt uses a Combined Charging System (CCS) port, also known as a SAE J1772 Combo connector. This is the standard charging port for most non-Tesla electric vehicles in North America. In contrast, Tesla vehicles use a proprietary Tesla charging port, which is not compatible with the Bolt's CCS port.
The electrical systems and charging voltages also differ between the Bolt and Tesla vehicles. Tesla uses a higher-voltage 480-volt DC fast charging system, while the Bolt is designed for 240-volt Level 2 charging and 50-160 kW DC fast charging.
Workarounds for Charging at Tesla Stations
- Use a CCS-to-Tesla adapter: There are third-party adapters available that allow non-Tesla EVs to plug into Tesla charging stations. However, these adapters only provide Level 2 charging, not the faster Tesla Supercharging.
- Charge at a Tesla destination charger: Some Tesla destination chargers, which are installed at hotels, restaurants, and other locations, have a standard J1772 plug that can be used by non-Tesla EVs.
- Charge at a public charging station: Many public charging stations, including those operated by companies like ChargePoint and Electrify America, are compatible with the Chevy Bolt's CCS charging port.
While the Chevy Bolt cannot directly use Tesla's Supercharger network, there are still options for Bolt owners to charge their vehicles at various public and private charging stations, including some Tesla destination chargers.
Which chargers can Chevy Bolt use?
Chevy Bolt Charging Port and Connectors
The port supports Level 1 and Level 2 charging through a J1772 connector (the standard plug used across North America). For faster charging, you'll need to use a CCS (Combined Charging System) connector.
Can any electric vehicle use a Tesla supercharger?
Any non-Tesla EV except for the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (which use an incompatible plug standard called CHAdeMO) can currently charge at one of the limited number of Tesla Superchargers that offer a Magic Dock adapter.
Can Chevy EV use a Tesla supercharger?
Yes, Chevrolet (Chevy) EVs can use Tesla Superchargers, but you will need the correct adapter and may need to use the Chevrolet mobile app to start the charging session. For model year 2025 and newer, Chevy EVs will be built with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port that can plug in directly without an adapter.
How to charge your Chevy EV at a Tesla Supercharger
- Use an adapter: For 2024 and older models, you'll need a NACS to CCS adapter (or other approved adapter) to connect to the Tesla Supercharger's NACS plug.
- Order the adapter: Chevrolet has a GM-approved adapter that can be ordered through the myChevrolet app.
- Check for software updates: Some older Chevy Bolt models may require a software update to ensure a secure connection while charging.
- Initiate the charge: Use the myChevrolet app to find an available Supercharger, select your stall, and start the charging session.
- Pay for the session: You will receive an email receipt after the charging session is complete.
- Wait for future models: Starting in 2025, Chevy EVs will come with a NACS port at the factory, eliminating the need for an adapter.
Can a non-Tesla use a Tesla charging point?
In May 2022, Tesla opened up 158 Superchargers across 15 charging stations for non-Tesla EVs. These all-EV Superchargers are compatible with electric cars that have a CCS connector, which is fitted in most modern EVs and allows you to charge your battery up to 200 miles in just 15 minutes.
