Ford, GM to Use Tesla Supercharger Network

There is a strong consensus in the world of electric vehicles (EVs) that a large-scale public charging network will be vital to the growth of electrification. So, when Ford Motor Company announced that beginning in 2024, Ford EV customers would be able to plug into more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada, it was a big deal. Days later, General Motors Co. (GM) announced a collaboration with Tesla to integrate the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector design (the Tesla connector) into its EVs beginning in 2025. 

 

Electric vehicle charging. Image used courtesy of Ford Motor Company 

 

The collaboration will give GM EV drivers access to 12,000 Tesla Superchargers in North America. In 2025, Ford will also offer its next-generation EVs with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, eliminating the need for an adapter to access Tesla Superchargers.

 

Tesla Coup

The deal is a major coup for Tesla, which has long been criticized for its closed charging network. Tesla owners have been able to use the Supercharger network without problems, but non-Tesla owners have been forced to use other, slower charging stations. The agreement with Ford and GM will give Tesla owners more options and make it easier for non-Tesla owners to switch to EVs.

The deal is also a major victory for Ford and GM, which are both investing heavily in electric vehicles. The companies have announced plans to launch several new electric vehicles in the coming years, and the ability to use Tesla's Supercharger network will help them make their vehicles more appealing to consumers.

Tesla will develop an adapter to provide Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit, and GM EVs currently fitted with the Combined Charging System (CCS) port access to Tesla’s V3 Superchargers. In 2025, the adapter won’t be necessary as both Ford and GM will equip their EVs with the NACS charge port.

 

What the Deal Means for Consumers

The deal between Ford, GM, and Tesla is a major win for consumers. It will make it easier and more convenient to own an electric vehicle. Here are some of the benefits:

• More charging options: Ford and GM electric vehicle owners will now have access to Tesla's Supercharger network, which is the largest and fastest charging network in North America, making it easier for Ford and GM owners to find a place to charge their cars, and reducing the amount of time they spend waiting for their vehicles to charge.
• Faster charging speeds: Tesla Superchargers can charge electric vehicles up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes, much faster than many other charging stations.
• Lower charging costs: Tesla Superchargers are generally less expensive than other charging stations, saving Ford and GM owners money on their electric vehicle charging costs.

 

What the Deal Means for the EV Industry

The deal between Ford, GM, and Tesla is a major step for the electric vehicle industry. It will help to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by making them more convenient and affordable. Here are some of the benefits of the deal for the electric vehicle industry:

• Increased demand for electric vehicles: The deal will likely lead to increased demand because it will make EVs more appealing to consumers by making them more convenient and affordable.
• Improved infrastructure: The deal will also help improve electric vehicle infrastructure by increasing the amount of charging stations available, making the charging process more convenient. Longer distance travel with an EV also becomes more practical thanks to placing the Supercharger network along major travel routes.
• Reduced emissions: Because of zero-tailpipe emissions from EVs, the deal will help to reduce emissions by increasing the number of electric vehicles on the road. 

 

Other Deals Are Still in Place

Ford and GM had prior arrangements with Electrify America and other charging networks. In 2019, Ford and GM agreed to invest $2 billion in Electrify America, a company created by Volkswagen as part of a settlement with the U.S. government over the company's diesel emissions scandal. The investment gave Ford and GM a stake in Electrify America, and it also gave them access to the company's charging network.

In addition to their investment in Electrify America, Ford, and GM also have agreements with other charging networks, such as ChargePoint and EVgo. These agreements give Ford and GM customers access to these networks' charging stations.

The prior arrangements that Ford and GM had with Electrify America and other charging networks will continue to be in effect after the new deal with Tesla goes into effect, meaning Ford and GM customers will still be able to use these networks' charging stations, even though they will now also have access to Tesla's Supercharger network.