The gradual adoption of the Tesla Supercharger network across non-Tesla brands has been a bit of a bumpy road. GM finally got access to the Supercharger network in September 2024 after some delays and uncertainty. Similarly, GM’s cross-town rival Ford has had access to the Tesla Supercharger network since early 2024 for its EVs, such as the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.
Now, our friends at Ford Authority report that Ford is sending new North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters to EV owners. This move comes after the Blue Oval told its EV owners to stop using the official adapter it had shipped from a bad batch previously, which could result in reduced charging speed and charge port damage. These weren’t common problems, but Ford is using caution to make Tesla Supercharger compatibility go smoothly for EV owners.
Like with GM EVs, an adapter is required to make the male charger using the NACS standard work with a female Combined Charging Standard (CCS) charge port, which has been the industry standard outside of Tesla. GM has been selling its own official adapter – which comes from multiple suppliers – that makes GM EVs compatible with NACS chargers.
According to this video from Tom Moloughney of the State of Charge YouTube channel, the new adapter is the same make and model as the old adapter, but apparently doesn’t come with the risks of the bad batch of adapters that Ford owners got previously.
The new adapter that Ford is shipping is an official Ford part, but it’s actually made by Lectron. Specifically, it’s the Lectron Votrex Plug, which can be purchased from Lectron for $199.99. The Ford version is listed for sale on the company’s website as the Ford Fast Charging Adapter for $200, but it’s out of stock as of this writing. It undercuts the GM-approved NACS adapter, which has an MSRP of $225.
GM-approved NACS adapter
Like the official GM-approved adapter, the advantage of using Ford’s official NACS adapter is that there’s no chance of the adapter causing damage that isn’t covered by the vehicle’s warranty. That’s unlikely to happen with aftermarket adapters, but the official one gives owners peace of mind.
The Blue Oval plans on offering native NACS compatibility in its future EVs starting in 2025, which would render an adapter unnecessary. GM plans to do the same on the same timeline. It’s all part of an industry-wide effort to improve the EV ownership experience.
Comments
I’d throw this article out and rewrite it… it is full of incorrect or missing information.
Been waiting for my free adapter for my Mach-E GT since March, it says estimated delivery is now November, but ford just keeps pushing it out further. Luckly I’ve only had to public charged a few times.