Charging Adapters Can Make EV Road Life Easier

The Growing EV Charging Network and Its Challenges

The conversation surrounding electric vehicle charging networks in the United States has been heating up recently. With a growing number of manufacturers beginning to implement Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port, the road is looking bright for widespread fast-charging availability in the U.S. But we're not there yet. Even with the growing adoption of the Tesla plug, the national charging infrastructure is far from perfect.

Understanding the Types of EV Charge Ports

When you pull up to a gas station with your car, you don't ever have to ask yourself whether the nozzle at the pump is going to fit in your fuel filler pipe. As things currently stand with the electric vehicle market, that scenario can be a bit more of a reality. This is largely due to the fact that not every automaker uses the same charge port for their EVs, with Tesla representing the largest exception. That said, there are really four main types of charge ports that a new or used electric vehicle owner is going to run into: J1772, NACS, CCS1, and CHAdeMO.

The J1772 port is the quintessential electric vehicle charge point at this point in time. The design has been largely adopted across the industry as standard equipment, allowing for Level 1 and Level 2 charging speeds with a maximum output of 19.2 kW. This should bring around 25 miles of range per hour. The vast majority of public charging stations are going to be outfitted with J1772 plugs, such as units from EVgo, Electrify America, and ChargePoint.

Tesla's NACS system, distinct from the J1772, was originally intended to keep Tesla chargers exclusive to the brand’s owners. Adapters now allow J1772-equipped vehicles to access Tesla’s Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, making charging more flexible for owners of non-Tesla EVs.

Adapters: Bridging the Gap Between EV Charging Standards

An adapter is a simple piece of hardware that plugs directly into the charger, matching the connector pins to the style utilized by your vehicle. These allow J1772-equipped vehicles to use Tesla’s chargers and vice versa. Tesla owners can also use adapters to charge on J1772 plugs, ensuring they’ll never be without a charging option. This versatility is especially useful for households with multiple EV brands, as a single home charger can be adapted to service different vehicles.

Fast Charging with CCS1 and the Decline of CHAdeMO

The Combined Charging Standard 1 (CCS1) setup has become the industry standard for fast charging non-Tesla EVs, offering reliable DC fast charging. Tesla owners can use CCS1 chargers with an adapter, but the reverse is not possible.

CHAdeMO, designed in Japan, has largely lost out to CCS1 in the standardization battle. While it can still be found on older EVs like the Nissan Leaf, newer models have shifted to CCS1. Tesla does offer an adapter for CHAdeMO fast chargers, but these systems are becoming less common at new charging locations.

Planning Your Charging Strategy

When purchasing an EV, it’s crucial to develop a charging plan, especially if you'll rely on public chargers. Research the types of chargers available nearby and consider investing in adapters to expand your options. Tesla products, in particular, benefit from versatile charging solutions, making them a practical choice for those seeking flexibility in their charging routine.