Tesla Cars Will Soon Be Able To Charge On Non-Tesla Chargers

Teslas built for the UK and Europe will be compatible with the wider non-Tesla charging network, it has been confirmed.

Starting with the Model 3, which is finally due to make it to this side of the Atlantic in early 2019, new EU-spec models will have a Combined Charging System (CCS) port instead of the usual Supercharger one. Supercharger stations will be retro-fitted with CCS plugs before the Model 3 arrives.

All this will allow Model 3s to access both the Tesla-built network already up and running in key places around the road network, and the ever-growing but as yet unreliable third-party chargers from the likes of Polar and Ionity.

Model S and Model X owners will be able to enjoy the same access courtesy of an adapter that plugs into the car’s charging port and then fits a CCS plug. These are expected to cost around £435, but the extra network access will make it worth people’s investment, according to Tesla.

Speaking to Auto Express magazine, Tesla’s head of global charging infrastructure, Drew Bennett, said:

“There’s a lot of excitement about Model 3 coming to Europe and charging is always part of that conversation. We’ll be continuing to invest in our network – that’s a huge part of the ownership experience.

“But we’ll be enabling our owners to have access to the CCS networks that are starting to grow in Europe, so the Model 3 will have a charge port for the CCS standard and we’ll also have an adapter for Model S and X.

“All existing Tesla customers will be able to use the Supercharger network still, but these changes will allow people to venture outside the network – this is something that could really help our owners and is really exciting for us to be able to say that about the infrastructure in Europe.”

Mainland Europe will receive Model 3 deliveries first; before summer as we understand it. The UK and other right-hand drive markets will have to wait until the second half of the year.

Source: Auto Express