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| Plug a non-Tesla into a Supercharger? It’s not so simple |
From the wiring to the sheet metal to the software, automakers that plan to adopt Tesla’s plug for their own EVs have bigger design and engineering challenges than just changing the receptacle in the charge port.
So far, General Motors, Ford, Rivian and Volvo have committed to adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard plugs. Stellantis and Hyundai have said they are considering making the same move. Those plug receptacles are scheduled to start appearing on non-Tesla EVs in 2025.
While Tesla’s smaller North American Charging Standard receptacle easily fits behind the charge port doors on other brands’ vehicles, engineers have some work to do. And onboard software enabling non-Tesla vehicles to communicate with Tesla chargers has to be created, tested, validated and integrated.
The goal, said Sam Abuelsamid, principal research analyst at Guidehouse Insights, isn’t just to open Tesla’s vast charging network to other brands. Competitors want to replicate the consistently fast and reliable charging that Tesla drivers enjoy and put in the rearview mirror the often frustrating charging imbroglios that early EV adopters are suffering at the patchwork network of often unreliable public charging stations.
Conrad Layson, senior alternative propulsion analyst at AutoForecast Solutions, added: “There are hookups and connections that go beyond the simple handshake signal.” Charging “is seamless to the Tesla user.”
— Richard Truett
What you need to know
Lordstown seeks buyer amid Foxconn fiasco; no takers so far: Lordstown Motors is restructuring and offering its Endurance electric pickup and related assets. It’s a tough sell.
Southern states reaping EV investments lack purchase incentives: In the nation’s emerging electric vehicle and battery assembly belt in Southern states, residents have little incentive to buy the cars many of them will help build.
Mercedes-Benz addresses Level 3 legalities; lawyers say uncertainty lingers: Motorists could face civil and criminal liability risks when using Drive Pilot and other automated driving systems, lawyers say.
Roundup
VW’s Electrify America to add Tesla chargers to vast network.
Tesla turns 20 years old: How Elon Musk transformed the auto industry.
J.D. Power: Tesla chargers more reliable than competitors.
Automaker group says EPA’s proposed vehicle emissions rules are unachievable.
TuSimple considers sale of U.S. business.
Brain food
Porsche said to rethink plan to ditch Macan ICE sales in U.S. by mid-decade.
Last mile
On the bright side, no more gray Fiats.