• by Tanya Gazdik , September 18, 2024

Owners of General Motors electric vehicles now have access to even more public chargers with the addition of over 17,800 Tesla Superchargers.

The drivers will be able to use GM vehicle brand apps to purchase a GM-approved NACS DC adapter, as well as find, charge, and pay for sessions. 

GM EV customers will ultimately have access to more than 231,800 public Level 2 and DC fast chargers and growing throughout the United States and Canada. Level 2 chargers are not as fast as DC fast chargers. Charging speed varies depending on the vehicle. 

In order to access the Tesla Supercharger Network, customers can purchase a GM-approved NACS DC adapter through GM vehicle brand mobile apps for $225. Customers will be able to also use the same apps to locate available Tesla Superchargers, check station status, initiate a charge, and pay for charging sessions.

The deal between GM and Tesla was announced a year ago. Several other automakers have struck similar deals with Tesla, which has an older and more extensive charging network. They include Subaru, Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Mini, Rolls Royce and Ford. 

The charging infrastructure remains a pain point when customers consider the switch from gas-powered to battery electric vehicles. The opening of Tesla's charging network is seen as an important step in improving access to fast chargers. 

To help ensure a positive customer experience, GM plans on leveraging multiple suppliers to produce approved NACS DC adapters, according to the automaker.

“GM’s ongoing efforts to help accelerate the expansion of public charging infrastructure is an integral part of our commitment to an all-electric future,” said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy, in a release. “Enabling access to even more publicly available fast chargers represents yet another way GM is focused on further improving the customer experience and making the transition to electric more seamless.”

Meanwhile, BMW, Ford and Honda are beginning operation of Chargescape, a new company focused on optimizing electric vehicle grid services that was announced last September. 

ChargeScape is a software platform that integrates electric vehicles into the power grid, shoring up grid stability while saving drivers money on their charging. 

Its technology wirelessly connects to electric vehicles and, working with participating utilities, manages home charging efforts when the grid is constrained. it even can send energy back into the power grid when needed.