Tesla’s NACS To CCS1 Adapter Works Great, But Has One Flaw

Lower than two years in the past, Tesla introduced in November 2022 that they might be opening their charging protocol to all automakers. They hoped to show their previously proprietary commonplace, now dubbed the North American Charging Normal (NACS), into the default quick charging resolution for electrical automobiles in North America.

Whereas automakers and shoppers initially didn’t appear , we started to see cracks type within the CCS alliance. In early 2023, Ford introduced it will be departing and siding with Group NACS. By the top of the 12 months, most major automakers had abandoned the CCS protocol and adopted the NACS commonplace. 

Now, Tesla has began a gradual rollout of approving new manufacturers to be used with the Supercharging community. Sooner or later, automakers like GM, Ford and Hyundai will ship with NACS ports as commonplace. However for present homeowners, use of the Supercharging community would require a CCS to NACS adapter. 

We’ve already seen the official Tesla adaptor in motion after Ford started transport theirs lower than a month in the past. State of Cost’s Tom Moloughney obtained an earlier take a look at a pre-production model several weeks ago. Now he has gotten his fingers on the ultimate manufacturing model and he’s right here to supply us with a full overview and the way it compares to the pre-production model.

At first look the items seem an identical, proper all the way down to the patented Tesla panel gaps. Whereas we don’t have a teardown of the unit but, Tom predicts that the precise electronics are encased in a second casing beneath the outside shell.

As soon as the adapter is on the market on the market, it’s anticipated to value $230 and it helps a max of 1,000v and 500 amps. The adapter is at present not UL 2252 licensed because the certification just isn’t finalized but. However like his beforehand reviewed Lectron and A2Z merchandise, the official Tesla-made product is designed to adjust to the upcoming UL 2252 specs.

Testing was completed on the identical Allamuchy, NJ Supercharger the place he examined the third occasion Lectron and A2Z adapters. The identical charging stall was additionally used. As earlier than, he charged an F-150 Lightning from 10% to 80%, measuring the temperature of the adapter each 5 minutes. 

To connect the adapter to the Supercharging cable, you merely want to slip it onto the NACS plug. The adapter locks into place mechanically.

Eradicating the adapter is not fairly as seamless. There’s a sliding tab on the decrease half of the adapter beneath the NACS plug. Each the adapter and cable should be straddled awkwardly to launch the lock. Tom prefers the ergonomics of the Lectron adapter which has a extra pure set off launch.

Needless to say neither the Lectron or A2Z adapters are formally accredited to be used with the Tesla Supercharging community. Tom expects that when all of those merchandise are UL 2252 licensed, they may more than likely be accredited to be used on the Supercharging community. However till they’re formally accredited, use different adapters at your personal threat. If some fault happens and causes harm, you might be held liable. 

Tom discovered that the utmost pull for all three adapters was a good 161 kW. That is only some kW decrease than the utmost draw from an EVgo or Electrify America station. Beginning at 10% and going as much as 80%, the cost session added 90 kWh in 45 minutes.

At first of the session, the adapter measured 52.5 levels on a cool, breezy day with an exterior temperature of 55 levels. The temperature peaked at 88 levels 25 minutes into the cost session. 

Total, the official NACS to CCS adapter carried out very equally to the Lectron and A2Z adapters. The one actual destructive is the method of detaching the adapter. After common use, EV homeowners will develop into accustomed to this ritual and it’ll really feel extra pure. However the unlocking of the Lectron adapter is far more instantly intuitive. 

The compact design is good, as is the sturdy metallic tab for locking to your car. The adapter additionally appears to direct warmth away from the perimeters of the unit the place you grip it most often. 

The one actual draw back for homeowners of different EVs? Whereas these adapters shall be transport out to Ford and Rivian prospects over the approaching weeks, it will likely be fairly some time earlier than they’re extensively accessible to different EV drivers for buy.

Have you ever obtained one of many NACS to CCS adapters in your EV but? In that case, what has been your expertise with the Supercharging community thus far? Tell us within the feedback beneath.