Tesla’s delay in providing support for other automakers to use its Supercharger network is causing frustration among legacy automakers. The delays are due to the production of CCS-NACS charging adapters and the completion of compatibility software on Tesla’s side. According to The New York Times, Tesla may be dragging its feet on following through with Supercharger licensing deals, potentially sacrificing the exclusivity that made the company appealing in the first place. Legacy automakers impacted by the delay are reluctant to voice their frustration and risk angering Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
General Motors is one of the companies most affected by the delay. Their vehicles were supposed to have access to Superchargers earlier this year. However, the milestone was delayed when Musk downsized Tesla’s charging department and only partially restaffed it. Despite this setback, GM remains confident that it will be able to access Superchargers before 2025.
Ford has also faced difficulties in sourcing CCS adapters, with suppliers unable to keep up with demand. Rivian is reportedly experiencing the same issue, and Tesla’s production of adapters is not sufficiently bridging the gap. While Tesla claims to be producing 8,000 adapters per week, many customers expect them to be provided for free, as Ford offers to its own EV customers.
The issue with charging adapters may only be a glimpse of a larger problem once the software infrastructure is established. Adapters are temporary solutions as automakers transition their cars to NACS infrastructure, replacing CCS in the coming years. However, even with the transition, another problem arises. Tesla’s construction of new chargers has reportedly declined in the second half of 2024, potentially falling short of the number built in 2023. With no software, no hardware, and an inability to keep up with demand, Tesla may be content to burden its competitors with these problems while dealing with its own demand issues.
In conclusion, the delays in Tesla’s support for other automakers to use the Supercharger network have caused frustration among legacy automakers. The production of CCS-NACS charging adapters and compatibility software has been slower than anticipated. This delay may be due to Tesla’s reluctance to follow through with Supercharger licensing deals and the potential loss of exclusivity. General Motors, Ford, and Rivian are among the companies affected by these delays. The shortage of charging adapters and Tesla’s decline in building new chargers further exacerbate the problem. Ultimately, Tesla’s competitors may have to navigate these challenges while Tesla tackles its own demand issues.
