Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular as the number of charging stations expands across the country. A larger charging network means that people can travel longer distances using EVs. However, not all EVs can use the same charging networks. Learn how Tesla EV chargers are different from other brands.
How Do EVs Use Charging Stations?
EVs use charging stations similar to the way gas cars use gas stations. At a gas station, you put the pump nozzle into your car’s gas fuel filler hole. The fuel dispenser then fills your car with gas. At an EV charging station, you put the charging connector into your car’s charging port, and the charging station begins to add energy to your car’s battery.
What Kind of Charging Connector Does Tesla Use?
Tesla vehicles are different from EVs that other manufacturers make because they use a different kind of connector. Tesla calls its connector the North American Charging Standard (NACS), though the name is mostly an aspiration. The company hopes that other car manufacturers will start using the NACS connector instead of the current favorite, the Combined Charging System (CCS).
Two Kinds of Level 3 Chargers
Let’s talk about the different types of EV chargers for a second. Most of the public charging stations available in the US are level 3, which means they can add 100–200 miles of charge in just half an hour. Compare that to level 2 chargers, which only charge about 25 miles in one hour. Level 2 chargers are more common in residences, while most public chargers are level 3.
There are two kinds of public level 3 chargers. The first is the DC fast-charging station (DCFC). These are manufacturer-neutral chargers that any EV can use. Tesla brand charging stations are called Superchargers, and they only work with vehicles using the NACS connection system.
The Bottom Line
Tesla EV chargers are different from other brands because the brand doesn’t want other types of EVs using their Supercharger stations. Instead, they want manufacturers to switch to using the NACS system. However, Tesla cars can use regular DCFC chargers if the owners bring a converter. If you’re looking to install EV charging stations on your property, it makes the most sense to install DCFC chargers so that everyone can use them.
