Can Mach-E use Tesla charging stations?
The Mach-E cannot directly use Tesla charging stations. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E uses the CCS charging standard, while Tesla’s Supercharger network relies on Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). There is no widely available official adapter that enables a CCS-equipped vehicle like the Mach-E to plug into a Tesla Supercharger today. For practical charging, Mach-E owners should rely on CCS-compatible networks such as Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint.
What follows provides a fuller look at how charging standards work, where the Mach-E can charge now, what’s happening with Tesla’s network for non-Tesla vehicles, and practical tips for planning charging on long trips.
Understanding charging standards and compatibility
The main barrier to cross-compatibility is the connector standard and the access ecosystem. CCS (the Mach-E’s native standard in North America) and NACS (Tesla’s connector) are physically incompatible. While some chargers offer dual ports or adapters in theory, there is no universal, officially supported solution that lets a Mach-E charge on a Tesla Supercharger in typical use today.
CCS vs NACS: What’s different
CCS is a standardized two-row plug used widely by non-Tesla EVs in North America, including the Mach-E. NACS is Tesla’s exclusive connector and payment ecosystem. The two are not interchangeable at most charging locations, and compatibility depends on the charger’s design and the vehicle’s hardware and software.
Implications for the Mach-E
Practically, Mach-E owners plan charging around CCS networks. Long trips typically rely on Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint stations, whose CCS ports and pricing are designed for non-Tesla EVs. Always verify the station’s compatibility and available power level before starting a charge.
Where Mach-E can charge today
There are several large networks in North America that support CCS and are compatible with the Mach-E. The most common options for long trips are:
- Electrify America — widespread CCS fast charging with many stalls capable of high power (up to 350 kW on select sites) along major corridors.
- EVgo — a large network of CCS DC fast chargers, with strong urban coverage and highway stops.
- ChargePoint — extensive CCS charging availability across many locations; station availability varies by region.
Availability and pricing vary by location and network membership. Always check the station status in real time before you drive there.
Tesla Supercharger access for non-Tesla vehicles: where things stand
Direct, official access to Tesla’s Supercharger network for Mach-E or other non-Tesla vehicles is not generally available. Tesla uses its own connector and app-based payment system, and non-Tesla vehicles do not have universal access.
There have been pilot programs in some markets to let non-Tesla EVs charge at certain Superchargers, but these are limited in scope, location-specific, and require the Tesla app and eligibility checks. These pilots are not equivalent to broad cross-compatibility and should not be relied upon for routine charging. Industry discussions about cross-compatibility continue, but there is no universal solution for existing Mach-E vehicles as of now.
Practical tips for Mach-E charging today
Maximize charging efficiency and minimize trip disruption with these steps:
- Plan trips using CCS networks ( Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint ) and check live station status and pricing with the respective apps.
- Know your Mach-E’s charging curve and typical speeds at different state of charge to estimate charging time accurately.
- Have a backup plan for alternative stations in case your primary chargers are busy or out of service.
Staying flexible and checking real-time data can make long-distance trips smoother for Mach-E owners.
Summary
In short, the Mach-E cannot reliably use Tesla charging stations today due to connector and network differences. CCS-compatible networks remain the practical option for charging. While pilots and industry discussions about cross-compatibility exist, they have not resulted in broad, universal access for non-Tesla vehicles. Mach-E owners should plan primarily around CCS networks and stay informed about future announcements from Ford and Tesla.
How much to charge Mach-E at a Tesla supercharger?
Charging a Mustang Mach-E at a Tesla Supercharger costs between approximately $0.43 and $0.61 per kWh, with prices varying by location and time of day. For cheaper rates, you can pay a monthly membership fee for access to lower pricing. You will need an adapter to connect your Mach-E to the Supercharger.
Factors influencing cost
- Location: Prices vary significantly between different charging stations.
- Time of Day: Some stations have time-of-day pricing, where rates are lower during off-peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning.
- Membership: You can join the Tesla Supercharger network for a monthly fee (around $13) to get a discounted rate, which can be a good option for frequent travelers.
How to find pricing
- Tesla App: You can use the Tesla app to check the current prices at Supercharger stations near you.
- Other apps: Apps like Plugshare can also help you find and compare prices at various charging networks.
Important considerations
- Adapter: You will need to use an adapter to plug your Mach-E into the Supercharger.
- Non-Tesla rates: Non-Tesla vehicles are sometimes charged a higher rate compared to Tesla vehicles at the same station.
- Destination Chargers: You cannot use the adapter at Tesla Destination Chargers (e.g., those at hotels).
Can I use a Tesla charger on my Ford?
Yes, Ford EVs can use Tesla Superchargers by using a special adapter provided by Ford, and starting in 2025, new Ford EVs will come with the necessary port for direct access. Ford drivers must request and use the Ford-branded Fast Charging Adapter (NACS) to connect to compatible Tesla Superchargers in the US and Canada. Some Tesla stations also have a built-in adapter called a Magic Dock, which can be used without the separate Ford adapter.
This video demonstrates how to charge a Ford EV at a Tesla Supercharger using an adapter: 54sRose BabyYouTube · Feb 2, 2025
For current Ford EV owners
- Request an adapter: Request a complimentary Fast Charging Adapter (NACS) from Ford.
- Find compatible chargers: Use the Ford app to find and navigate to designated Tesla Superchargers that are compatible with your adapter.
- Use the adapter: Connect the Fast Charging Adapter to your vehicle's charging port, and then plug the Tesla Supercharger cable into the adapter.
- Park with care: Be mindful of how you park, as Ford vehicles may require more space to reach a Supercharger cable.
- Check for compatibility: Not all Tesla Superchargers are compatible with non-Tesla EVs. Not all early adapters were safe, so ensure you have a current adapter and follow the instructions from Ford.
For new Ford EVs (starting in 2025)
- Direct access: New Ford models built starting in 2025 will come with the Tesla-designed North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing direct charging at most Superchargers without an adapter.
- Supercharger network access: These new EVs will be able to access over 12,000 Tesla Supercharger stations in the US and Canada.
- Payment experience: The charging experience for Ford drivers will be similar to that of Tesla owners, with payments handled through the Ford mobile app.
You can watch this video to learn how to use an adapter and charge a Ford Mustang Mach-E at a Tesla Supercharger: 59sThe Electric Duo (Patrick & Liv)YouTube · Mar 5, 2024
Can I charge my Mach-E at any charging station?
The Ford Mustang Mach-E uses two charging standards for its inlets – Type 2 and CCS. The Type 2 inlet is used when charging at home or at public slow and fast AC points. The CCS inlet is used to carry high power during rapid DC charging from a CCS connector.
Can I charge a Mustang Mach-E at a Tesla station?
Yes, you can charge a Mustang Mach-E at a Tesla station, but you will need a NACS to CCS adapter for most locations, or you can use a "Magic Dock" adapter that is built into some stations. You'll also need to use the Tesla app to start the charging session.
How to charge at a Tesla station
- Get the adapter: A NACS to CCS Fast Charging Adapter is required for most Tesla Superchargers. Ford provides these to Mach-E owners, or you can purchase one from a third-party seller like Lectron.
- Check for "Magic Dock" stations: Some newer Tesla Superchargers have a built-in "Magic Dock" adapter. If you see this, you can charge without your own adapter.
- Download the Tesla app: Create a Tesla account in the app and add your payment information.
- Find a compatible station: Use the Tesla app to locate a compatible Supercharger. Some stations are marked "Tesla only" and are not compatible with non-Tesla EVs. Look for stations that are listed as "with Adapter".
- Plug in and charge: Plug the adapter into your Mach-E and then connect the Tesla Supercharger cable to the adapter. The charging session should start automatically.
- Stop charging: When you're finished, stop the charging session via the Tesla app.
Important considerations
- Check compatibility: Not all Tesla Supercharger stations are compatible with non-Tesla EVs. Check the Tesla app or a third-party app like PlugShare to make sure a station is compatible before you arrive.
- Adapter requirements: You will need a different adapter for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging than you do for DC fast charging.
- Ford's adapter program: Ford offers a Fast Charging Adapter to eligible owners to access Tesla Superchargers. Check the Ford support website for details.
