When we talk about tesla charger vs others, people tend to want to use Tesla Superchargers more than other types. It is becausethey are fast and reliable compared to the others.
Also, Tesla is increasing the amount of Superchargers across the USA and other parts of North America, making them easy to find.
The problem now is that can any electric vehicle use a tesla charger? If they do not, is there a Tesla supercharger for other cars? This article will answer all these questions, including the cost of using Tesla’s Superchargers.
Can Any Electric Vehicle Use a Tesla Charger?
Recently, Tesla has shifted to creating a Tesla supercharger for non Tesla EVs.
One of its earliest attempts was including CCS connectors to Superchargers stations. They further introduced the Wall Connector, which has the J1772 connector instead of the proprietary connector.
With the introduction of the Magic Dock, a CCS1 adapter, there are now Tesla compatible chargers for non-Tesla EVs. The adapter can be installed to the top of Tesla’s NACS plug to allow other Electric Vehicles to use the charger.
But, Tesla charger compatibilitymight be a problem when using the charger with non-Tesla EVs.
Tesla chargers have a proprietary connector. This connector does not permit access to Non-tesla vehicles to charge.
Furthermore, there are three types of EV chargers: the trickle, AC, and DC. All EVs, including Tesla, can use all chargers and connectors.
However, Tesla devised the proprietary connector, which makes it easier to plug and unplug the charger efficiently. Its unique design, applicable to its supercharger and home chargers, only works for EVs produced for the North American market.
Can a Non Tesla Car Charge at a Tesla Station?
The question popular among non-Tesla EV users is, “can you use a tesla charger for other cars? The simple answer is yes.
Non-Tesla vehicles can charge at a Tesla station with the help of an adapter called the “Magic Dock.” Because of Tesla’s unique connector, other EV types cannot charge without the adapter.
The magic adapter adopts a Combined Charging System (CCS) charging standard to the connector.
Various EVs come with different connector types depending on where they are produced. For instance, North America EVs come with a standard J1772 connector. It is why most non-Tesla level 1 or level 2 charging stations use the J1772 connector.
European and Asian EVs make use of Type 2 standard chargers. The CCS is the most common type 2, with additional power contact.
On the other hand, Tesla vehicles use a type g (220 -240V) adapter. It has an SAE J1772 connector which includes a standard proprietary supercharger connector.
The proprietary supercharger connector does not allow a vehicle with a standard J1772 or CSS connector to charge. It is when the Magic Dock comes to play.
Now, Non-Tesla EVs can use Tesla charging ports or stations. You can directly connect the Tesla electric car charger to the magic box, and you are good to go.
Are EV Chargers Universal?
The answer is yes. Tesla chargers are universal; you can use them with any EV vehicle with the right adapter.
Generally, EV chargers are universal; what makes these chargers different is their charging speed.
The chargers use the same plugs standard for level 1 and 2 charging. There are three levels of EV chargers, representing the power output or charging speed. Each level has a unique connector type of coping with the output level.
Level 1 and 2 charging will come with applicable adapters. You will need an individual plug for DC charging, which is much faster.
To sum up, EV chargers are universal, but there is a variation: the level 3 charging. It requires a different plug. It makes use of a 10-pin plug normally used in fast-charging stations.
Tesla’s chargers are generally level 3 or DC chargers; this is why they are fast. They are universal, but non-Tesla EVs will have to use Magic Dock.
Do Tesla Chargers Cost Money?
Having your EV charged using aTesla supercharger stationwill cost you. It will cost about 26 cents per KWh. It could be more expensive than other charging methods like 120v or 240v, but it is faster.
Also, the cost of charging your EVs varies with your vehicle type. The reason for this could be a result of the EPA-estimate range and battery capacity.
For instance, the Tesla Model X comes in two trims: the Long Range and the Plaid. Both have a 100 KWh battery but have different EPA-estimated ranges. The Long Range has an EPA-estimated range of 360 miles, while Plaid has 340 miles.
It will cost more to have the Lang Range charged when looking at the cost per mile because of its higher EPA-estimated range.
In addition, it is generally cheaper to charge your Tesla at home, but it will cost you more to have the charger adequately installed.
Getting the wall connector in your home could cost over $1,000. Depending on the work needed, you will spend at least $500 to buy the Wall connector and over $500 to have it installed.
Conclusion
When you drive a non-tesla car at a supercharger station, you must know something before using the charger. The Tesla charging port is different from that used by non-Tesla EVs. However, it would be best to locate a supercharger using a Magic dock. It will allow the vehicle to be compatible with the Tesla charger.