In a move that’s been eagerly anticipated by the EV community, General Motors has officially started offering NACS (North American Charging Standard) adapters for their Ultium electric vehicles. This game-changing accessory allows GM EVs to plug into Tesla Supercharger stations, effectively unlocking tens of thousands of new charging points across the country.

Third Time’s the Charm

If this news gives you a sense of déjà vu, you’re not alone. We previously reported that GM was rolling out official NACS adapters, only to find out it was a false alarm. Our follow-up article, aptly titled “Premature Electrification,” set the record straight. But this time, it’s the real deal.

Accelerating Access to Tesla Superchargers

General Motors has officially announced that beginning today, it will open up access to more than 17,800 Tesla Superchargers for its customers using a GM-approved NACS DC adapter. This initiative is a significant leap toward “accelerating fast and convenient charging options for current and future EV drivers,” as stated by Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy. By integrating the Tesla Supercharger network, GM EV owners will have access to over 231,800 public Level 2 and DC fast chargers across North America—a figure that will continue to grow through GM’s ongoing collaborations to expand charging infrastructure in communities and along heavily-traveled corridors.

To make this transition seamless, GM customers can purchase the approved NACS DC adapter for an MSRP of $225 USD directly through their vehicle brand mobile apps, such as myGMC and myChevrolet. These apps will also enable users to locate available Tesla Superchargers, check station statuses, initiate charging sessions, and handle payments—all within a unified platform. GM plans to partner with multiple suppliers to produce these adapters, ensuring reliability and compatibility across the board.

How to Get Your Hands on a NACS Adapter

Starting this morning (Sept 18th, 2024), GM owners can order a Tesla NACS adapter directly through their “my” brand apps—myGMC and myChevrolet. Here’s how:

1. Open your myGMC or myChevrolet app.
2. Tap on your username to access your profile settings.
3. Select “Public Charging” from the menu.
4. Activate your Tesla payment information by linking a payment method.
5. Once your payment is set up, the option to order a NACS adapter will appear.
6. It’s that simple. Well, almost. The adapters are currently back ordered, but patience is a virtue, right?
7. Your adapter will be shipped to your home or dealership when avalaible

Charge Up Right Now

For those who manage to get an adapter—or already have one—the Tesla and GM apps now support vehicle charging. This means you can drive up to a Tesla Supercharger station and juice up your GM EV without any hiccups. Initiating charging is easy. You can use your myGMC, myChevrolet or myCadillac app to start things up using the credit card you supplied while setting up Tesla integration.

OR, and we highly recommend this option, you can just use the Tesla app. Using the Tesla app directly also allows for the purchase and use of a Supercharger “Membership.” For $ 12.99 a month, you get a discount on the per/kW charging rate that is so significant- it just may pay for the monthly fee in one or two charges.

We’ve opted to use the Supercharger Membership in the past when charging at Tesla Superchargers, which supports Magic Dock Adapters. With the huge 212 kWh capacity of our HUMMER EV, getting a discount on the charging fee of one session more than covers the $12.99 monthly fee. Charging twice or more at a Supercharger in a month would start to result in a pretty big discount over public rates.

Some Chevrolet Bolt owners must have a vehicle software update applied for Tesla charging to work correctly.

Why This Matters

This development is a significant leap forward for EV adoption and usability. By accessing Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, GM owners now have thousands more charging stations at their disposal. This reduces range anxiety and makes long-distance travel more feasible.

The Musk Effect: How Tesla’s Internal Shake-Up Delayed GM’s NACS Integration

According to a recent Reuters report, Elon Musk’s decision to implement mass firings within Tesla’s Supercharger team has had ripple effects beyond his own company. GM insiders have revealed  to GM-Trucks.com that this internal upheaval at Tesla significantly delayed GM’s adoption and integration of the NACS (North American Charging Standard). The sudden loss of key personnel at Tesla reportedly slowed down collaborative efforts and technical communications necessary for a smooth integration. This unexpected hurdle underscores how interconnected the EV industry has become, where strategic decisions at one company can have far-reaching implications for others. Despite these challenges, GM has pushed forward, and the release of the NACS adapter marks a pivotal moment in overcoming these obstacles.

Tesla Supercharger Stations – Numbers Don’t Lie

Tesla has over 17,000 Supercharger stations in North America. With the NACS adapter, all of these are now accessible to GM EVs. Combine that with existing CCS (Combined Charging System) stations, and the charging landscape becomes much more robust for GM owners.

GM NACS Adapter – The Fine Print

The NACS adapter is priced at $225 through GM. However, savvy shoppers can apply available discounts and even use accumulated GM rewards points to bring down the cost. While the adapters are backordered for now, placing your order secures your spot in line.

What’s Next for GM NACS Charging?

Here at GM-Trucks.com, we’re not just reporting the news. We’ve ordered a NACS adapter for our GMC HUMMER EV and will be putting it through its paces as soon as it arrives. Stay tuned for our hands-on review and charging experiences.

This is a monumental step for interoperability in the EV industry. By bridging the gap between different charging standards, GM and Tesla are making it easier for consumers to embrace electric vehicles. It’s a win-win for everyone involved—except maybe the gas stations.