Public Charging Networks

Connector types you need to understand

Adapters every Tesla owner should know about

• J1772-to-Tesla (NACS): Ships free with new Teslas. Lets you use any Level 2 J1772 charger. Keep it in the car.
• CCS1-to-Tesla: $250 from Tesla. Required to use Electrify America, EVgo, and most other DC fast-charging networks. Older Teslas (pre-2020) may need a retrofit to support CCS first.
• NACS-to-CCS1: The reverse direction — for non-Tesla EVs to use Tesla Superchargers. Ford and Hyundai/Kia owners now use this.
• CHAdeMO-to-Tesla: Discontinued by Tesla, but used units exist. Rarely needed since CHAdeMO is fading out except in Japan.

The major networks

Tesla Supercharger

The gold standard. ~2,500 locations in North America. Reliability is famously high. Pricing is per-kWh, varies by location and time of day. Native NACS on Teslas — just plug in, billing handled automatically through your Tesla account.

Open to non-Teslas: Yes at many locations (look for "Magic Dock" or the Tesla app supports your vehicle's brand). Non-Tesla pricing is higher unless you subscribe to the $13/month membership.

Electrify America (EA)

Built by Volkswagen as part of the Dieselgate settlement. ~900 stations in the US, mostly at Walmart and Target. 150kW or 350kW DC fast charging. Reliability has improved but historically had issues — check PlugShare reviews for any specific station before relying on it.

To use with Tesla: Need CCS1-to-Tesla adapter. App-based or RFID card payment. Pricing is per-minute in some states, per-kWh in others.

EVgo

~1,000 stations in the US. Mostly urban locations — supermarkets, malls. Reliability is generally good. Used to be heavily CHAdeMO-focused but is now mostly CCS1 with some NACS rollout.

To use with Tesla: CCS1 adapter. Free EVgo account or pay-as-you-go via app.

ChargePoint

The most extensive network by station count, but most are Level 2 (slower AC) at offices, hotels, and apartments. Their DC fast chargers exist but are less common. Great for "destination charging" while you're somewhere for hours.

To use with Tesla: J1772 adapter for Level 2 (most stations), CCS1 adapter for the rare DC stations.

FLO (Canadian, expanding into US)

Quebec-based, largest network in Canada. Reliable, well-maintained. Both Level 2 and DC fast. Expanding aggressively into the US Northeast.

Shell Recharge (formerly Greenlots / NewMotion)

Shell's EV network, increasingly common at Shell gas stations. Mix of Level 2 and DC fast. Quality varies; newer stations are good.

bp pulse

BP's EV network. Acquired AmpUp. Growing in the US, established in UK/Europe. Often at TravelCenters of America and Pilot Flying J truck stops.

Blink Charging

Older US network. Mixed reputation for reliability. Mostly Level 2 at retail locations.

Mercedes-Benz HPC (High-Power Charging)

Newer network announced 2024, rolling out 2025-2027. Premium charging experience — covered stalls, amenities. Open to all EVs.

Tools that find chargers for you

These are the apps and websites Tesla road-trippers actually use:

Tesla's built-in trip planner

Don't overlook the in-car navigation. When you punch in a destination, the car automatically routes through Superchargers, pre-conditions the battery, and tells you exactly how long to charge at each stop. For Supercharger-only trips it's the easiest tool. For mixed-network trips, ABRP is more capable.

What you need to actually charge at a non-Tesla network

1. The right adapter. CCS1 for DC fast charging (Electrify America, EVgo, etc.), J1772 for Level 2.
2. The network's app installed on your phone, with a payment method set up. Some networks accept any credit card; some require their app.
3. The network's RFID card as backup. Cell coverage at charging stations is hit-or-miss, especially in rural areas. RFID is the fallback.
4. A backup plan. Check PlugShare for the station before you arrive — recent reviews tell you if it's actually working today.
5. Patience. Non-Tesla networks are improving but Tesla has spoiled us. A 20-minute Supercharger stop becomes 35-50 minutes at most CCS networks.

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