Can I use a Tesla Supercharger for other cars?
Many EV owners want to know if they can charge non-Tesla vehicles at Tesla's Supercharger stations. The answer depends on where you are and how Tesla has opened the network in that region. In short, some regions now allow non-Tesla charging, while others remain Tesla-only or only partially opened.
How Superchargers work and who can use them
Tesla’s Supercharger network is designed to quickly recharge Tesla vehicles, but regional policies and hardware changes have gradually changed who can use them. In Europe and the UK, a retrofit and policy shift has enabled many stations to accept non-Tesla EVs through a CCS2 connection. In North America, access is more restricted and varies by market, with pilots rolling out rather than universal availability. Always check the Tesla app or station signage for current access and pricing at a given location.
Regional access
Europe and the United Kingdom
European and UK Supercharger stations have seen the most progress toward opening to non-Tesla EVs. The network has been adapting to the region’s widespread CCS2 standard, and Tesla has deployed hardware and software updates at many sites to support non-Tesla charging. If you drive a CCS2-equipped EV in these markets, you can often charge at compatible Supercharger stalls, subject to station availability and regional pricing. Below is a practical overview of what to expect.
Key points to know before charging non-Tesla vehicles at European Superchargers:
- Most CCS2-capable EVs can connect to Supercharger stalls that Tesla has opened to non-Tesla users.
- Sessions are typically started via the Tesla app, and payment is handled through the app or your Tesla account where supported.
- Pricing varies by country and location; charging can be billed per kWh or per minute, depending on local regulations and station configuration.
- Not every stall at every station is open to non-Tesla vehicles yet; check the Tesla app for real-time availability.
- Some features available to Tesla owners (like certain pre-conditioning options or peak-time pricing) may differ for non-Tesla users.
In practice, many drivers report a smoother experience at open stations, but you should verify access for your specific car and route before relying on a particular charger. This continuing rollout means coverage can vary by country, city, and even individual station.
United States and Canada
In North America, the progress toward non-Tesla access has been slower and more limited. Tesla has conducted pilots and announced plans to expand access, but universal, nationwide opening is not yet in place. If you’re traveling with a non-Tesla EV, you should plan for continued use of other networks as your primary option, while remaining aware that a growing number of select locations may offer pilot access.
Key points to know about North American access:
- The majority of Superchargers in the US and Canada remain Tesla-only, with pilots in limited markets testing non-Tesla charging.
- Where pilots exist, charging often requires the Tesla app to initiate a session, and payment is processed through Tesla’s system where offered.
- Physical compatibility is a major consideration: in the US, Superchargers use the Tesla NACS plug, while many non-Tesla vehicles use CCS or CHAdeMO connectors; there is no widely available adapter that seamlessly converts these interfaces at most sites, so compatibility may be limited.
- For most non-Tesla owners today, dedicated non-Tesla charging networks (Electrify America, ChargePoint, etc.) remain the more reliable option in the United States and Canada.
If you happen to be in a market where a non-Tesla pilot is active, you’ll still want to verify real-time station status and any regional pricing rules via the Tesla app before planning your charging stop.
What this means for travelers and local drivers
The opening of Superchargers to non-Tesla vehicles is uneven and policy-driven. In Europe and the UK, non-Tesla charging is increasingly common, albeit with regional variations. In North America, expect to encounter more Tesla-only stations and rely on other networks unless you’re in an area with a pilot program. If you’re considering using a Supercharger with a non-Tesla car, confirm access at your intended station in advance and be prepared with alternative charging options in case the site isn’t open to non-Tesla vehicles.
Summary
Yes, in some regions you can charge other EVs at Tesla Superchargers, notably in Europe and the UK where non-Tesla access has been expanding. In the United States and Canada, access remains limited and highly location-dependent, with pilots in place rather than universal availability. Always check the Tesla app for current access, pricing, and stall status, and have backup charging options ready when traveling. The situation is evolving, so staying informed via Tesla’s official channels is essential.
Can you put a supercharger on any car?
No, you cannot put a supercharger on absolutely any car, as it depends on the engine, available space, and compatibility with the car's computer and other components. While it is technically possible to fit one on most internal combustion engines, it is highly impractical or impossible for certain vehicles like electric cars and may require significant modifications for most others. The practicality depends on whether a supercharger kit is available for the specific vehicle and if the engine's internal parts can handle the increased power.
Factors to consider
This video explains how to install a supercharger in your garage: 1mPOWERNATIONYouTube · Dec 22, 2016
- Engine compatibility: The engine needs to be designed to handle the extra air and pressure. Some stock engines, especially those with cast internal components, may not be strong enough for a supercharger without modifications.
- Available space: The engine bay may not have enough physical space for the supercharger and its associated components, like the intercooler and belts.
- Electronic control: The car's engine management system needs to be compatible. Without proper tuning or a compatible ECU, the car could run poorly or even trigger a check engine light.
- Kit availability: For a simpler installation, you need a specific supercharger kit for your vehicle. Without a kit, you would need to custom-fabricate many parts, which is a significant undertaking.
- Vehicle type: Supercharging is not possible on electric or hydrogen vehicles, which do not have the same type of engine.
How much does Tesla supercharging cost for non-Tesla cars?
The cost for a non-Tesla to charge at a Supercharger varies by location and time, but is generally higher than for Tesla owners unless they subscribe to the monthly Supercharging Membership. Without a membership, rates can be around $0.50-$0.68 per kWh, while with the $12.99/month membership, non-Teslas pay the same rates as Tesla owners, which can range from about $0.16 to $0.36 per kWh, but can also include time-of-day pricing. To see the exact, up-to-date price for a specific station, you must check the Tesla app.
Factors that influence the cost
- Membership: The most significant factor is whether or not you have the optional monthly Supercharging Membership, which is currently $12.99.
- Location: Supercharger rates vary by location and are not standardized across the network.
- Time of day: Some stations have peak and off-peak pricing, with higher rates during busy times and lower rates during off-peak hours.
How to find the price
- Use the Tesla app: The Tesla app is the only way to see the current price for a specific Supercharger station, including whether it has time-of-day pricing.
- Non-Tesla users: Even if you don't own a Tesla, you need the Tesla app to initiate and pay for a charging session at a Supercharger with a Magic Dock.
Additional fees
- Idle fees: You may be charged an idle fee of up to $1 per minute if you leave your car at a charging stall after it is fully charged.
Can other cars use a Tesla supercharger?
Supercharging is only accessible for NACS-equipped vehicles and CCS1-equipped vehicles with an NACS DC adapter provided by Tesla or your vehicle's manufacturer. For safety reasons, using third-party adapters is prohibited. Using an AC adapter may result in damage to your vehicle.
How to use a Tesla supercharger on a non-Tesla car?
To use a Tesla Supercharger with a non-Tesla car, you'll need a specific CCS to NACS adapter and the Tesla app. Download the Tesla app, set up a payment method, and find a compatible Supercharger station. At the station, select the stall number in the app, connect the adapter to your car's port, and then plug the Supercharger's NACS cable into the adapter to begin charging.
This video demonstrates how to use a Tesla Supercharger with a non-Tesla car: 1mCarparison LeasingYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Before you go
- Check compatibility: Ensure your vehicle is compatible with the Tesla Supercharger network. Not all non-Tesla vehicles can use the network.
- Get an adapter: Purchase a NACS to CCS adapter, often available from your vehicle manufacturer or third-party sellers.
- Download the Tesla app: Get version 4.2.3 or later from the iOS or Android app store and create a Tesla account.
- Add payment information: Enter your credit card details in the app to pay for charging sessions.
At the Supercharger
This video shows how to use a Tesla Supercharger with the help of the Tesla app: 1mState Of ChargeYouTube · Jul 22, 2025
- Navigate to a compatible site: Open the Tesla app to find a Supercharger location compatible with non-Tesla vehicles, which will have a "Magic Dock" or CCS adapter pre-installed.
- Connect the adapter: Plug the NACS to CCS adapter into your car's charging port first.
- Connect the Supercharger cable: Securely plug the Supercharger's NACS cable into the adapter.
- Start charging:
- In the Tesla app, select the stall number corresponding to your location.
- Tap "Start Charging".
- Monitor and disconnect:
- You can monitor the charging progress in the Tesla app.
- When finished, tap "Stop Charging" in the app before disconnecting the adapter.
- To disconnect, you may need to press a button on the adapter to release it from the car.
You can watch this video to learn how to charge a non-Tesla EV at a Tesla Supercharger: 57sDylan HongYouTube · Aug 6, 2025
