GM Adopts Tesla Charging Standard, Gets Access to Supercharger Network

General Motors is now following Ford's footsteps in charging standards.

The company recently announced its collaboration with Tesla to adopt its charging standard, allowing its cars to access the latter's 12,000 Tesla superchargers sometime in 2024.

Canada previously announced it is collaborating with Tesla for a similar outcome; it wants to install nearly 3,000 EV chargers in various public and private locations to diversify and further encourage the use of EVs in the country.

GM - Tesla Collaboration Details

GM mentioned in its announcement that its adoption of Tesla's EV charging standard, called the North American Charging Standard (NACS), complements its ongoing investments in charging and reinforces its focus on expanding charging access across public and private spaces. The company also said it builds on the more than 134,000 chargers available to GM EV drivers through its Ultium Charge 360 initiative and mobile apps.

Thanks to the company's decision to adopt Tesla's NACS, GM EV customers can access 12,000 Tesla Superchargers starting in 2024, though they would require using an adapter in the meantime. By 2025, GM will build its EVs with a NACS inlet for direct access to Tesla Superchargers, allowing GM customers to use them without an adapter.

For those unaware, Tesla's Superchargers, also known as the Tesla V3 Supercharger, support peak charging rates of up to 250kW per car, allowing drivers to charge a Tesla Model 3 Long Range to reach as far as 75 miles in only five minutes, per Tesla. The Superchargers could even charge EV batteries up to 1,000 miles per hour if applicable - a boon for any EV driver to capitalize on.

Additionally, GM will integrate the Tesa Supercharger Network into its vehicle and mobile apps, allowing drivers to quickly and easily locate, pay for, and initiate charging at available Tesla Superchargers. The company stated that this integration would complement the charging experience at the growing Ultium Charge 360 Network of charging stations and additional charging stations GM makes available through existing integrations with other charging networks.

GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra described GM's collaboration with Tesla as a "key part" of its strategy and an important next step in quickly expanding access to fast chargers to its customers.

"Not only will it help make the transition to electric vehicles more seamless for our customers, but it could help move the industry toward a single North American charging standard," Barra added.

The Latest Trend In EV Charging

GM's collaboration with Tesla solidifies Tesla's position as one of the top EV charger providers in the US following its decision to open up its proprietary charging connector to try to make it the industry standard in North America, per Electrek.

Aside from GM, Ford has also decided to integrate Tesla's NACS with its EVs, allowing its EV owners to have better access to Tesla's Supercharger Network in the foreseeable future and access it without an adapter by 2025.

Canada is also adopting Tesla's Supercharger network for many of its public and private spaces, especially in a Supercharging route for EV drivers between Sudbury and Ottawa.