There's a lot of confusion about the recent opening of Tesla's Supercharger network to GM vehicles, in particular the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV. I'm hoping to clear all questions and consolidate all issues into one post so forum members and curious minds don't have to scour pages across multiple threads for answers. Without further ado...
‣ Can Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs charge at Tesla Superchargers?
Yes. As of September 18th 2024, the 18,000 NACS-enabled Supercharger locations in North America can be used by Chevrolet Bolt EV, EUV and other GM manufactured EVs using an NACS DC Adapter. Locations that are equipped with Magic Docks do not need an adapter. You can check these locations using Tesla's online map, the Tesla app, or GM's "myChevrolet" app after enabling Tesla Supercharger integration in the Map settings (this method requires an applicable OnStar subscription, detailed below).
‣ Do I need a software update to use the Supercharger network?
This depends. GM has officially stated that only some Bolt EVs manufactured in the 2019 and 2020 model years may require an update to charge reliably. If you have a Bolt EV 2017-2018, 2021-2023, or Bolt EUV 2022-2023, then you will not need an update.
If you have a Bolt EV year model 2019-2020, you can verify if you need this update by calling your local Chevrolet dealer's service department and inquiring if your VIN has any pending software updates. This can usually be verified by phone and does not require a dealership visit. If they do not see any pending updates, then your vehicle may not require an update. Some owners may have received an email from Chevrolet informing them of an update.
Should you still encounter errors that prevent using Tesla Superchargers, contact your local dealership again and inquire about "Service Bulletin 24-NA-200" for the software update.
If you're found to need an update by the dealer, this is officially stated by GM to be provided complimentary and you should not be charged for this update.
‣ Which app should I use to charge? Do I need OnStar?
You can use either the myChevrolet app, or the Tesla app. If you want to charge using the myChevrolet app, this requires an active OnStar subscription (either paid or complimentary) with a minimum of "Remote Access" enabled, or any plan that gives "Map", "Public Charging" or "Energy Assist" within the app. The names of these functions vary across Bolt models and OnStar plans. You can check your active or available plans here.
These plans give access to the charger navigation features and allow starting charge sessions on compatible Tesla Superchargers from within the myChevrolet app. If you see the "Map" and "Public Charging" sections within the app, then you already have what you need.
If you do not have an active OnStar subscription or do not want to use the myChevrolet app, you can locate and start charge sessions using Tesla's app instead. There are also some V4 Supercharger stalls out there with built-in credit card readers which do not require an app to use.
‣ Where can I get an official NACS adapter?
This has been the most confusing subject, as many online guides, news outlets and YouTubers have described using the myChevrolet app to find the "Public Charging" settings to enable Supercharger access and buy the adapter. However, this method requires one of the previously mentioned OnStar subscriptions.
If you do not have an applicable OnStar subscription, or your complimentary trial has expired, or "Public Charging" is not an option visible in your myChevrolet app, you can still buy the official adapter using the link below on a mobile browser. Desktop browsers do not work at this time.
Official U.S. Adapter link → OEM Supercharger Adapter
Secondary Link (Alternate part #) → OEM Supercharger Adapter
(Links working as of 10/15/24)
If you live in Canada, please feel free to chime in with official links when available!
‣ What about 3rd party adapters? Are they safe?
There are 3rd party NACS adapters available from reputable companies, such as Lectron and A2Z. While this is not an endorsement, it is generally agreed that these adapters are made to high quality standards and should be safe. Both are also being manufactured to be UL2252 compliant, but are not yet UL2252 certified as the certification guidelines are not finalized at this time.
Please keep in mind that GM and Tesla do not endorse the use of unofficial adapters and may not cover warranty claims should an incident arise due to the use of a 3rd party adapter.
‣ Can Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs charge at Tesla Superchargers?
Yes. As of September 18th 2024, the 18,000 NACS-enabled Supercharger locations in North America can be used by Chevrolet Bolt EV, EUV and other GM manufactured EVs using an NACS DC Adapter. Locations that are equipped with Magic Docks do not need an adapter. You can check these locations using Tesla's online map, the Tesla app, or GM's "myChevrolet" app after enabling Tesla Supercharger integration in the Map settings (this method requires an applicable OnStar subscription, detailed below).
‣ Do I need a software update to use the Supercharger network?
This depends. GM has officially stated that only some Bolt EVs manufactured in the 2019 and 2020 model years may require an update to charge reliably. If you have a Bolt EV 2017-2018, 2021-2023, or Bolt EUV 2022-2023, then you will not need an update.
If you have a Bolt EV year model 2019-2020, you can verify if you need this update by calling your local Chevrolet dealer's service department and inquiring if your VIN has any pending software updates. This can usually be verified by phone and does not require a dealership visit. If they do not see any pending updates, then your vehicle may not require an update. Some owners may have received an email from Chevrolet informing them of an update.
Should you still encounter errors that prevent using Tesla Superchargers, contact your local dealership again and inquire about "Service Bulletin 24-NA-200" for the software update.
If you're found to need an update by the dealer, this is officially stated by GM to be provided complimentary and you should not be charged for this update.
‣ Which app should I use to charge? Do I need OnStar?
You can use either the myChevrolet app, or the Tesla app. If you want to charge using the myChevrolet app, this requires an active OnStar subscription (either paid or complimentary) with a minimum of "Remote Access" enabled, or any plan that gives "Map", "Public Charging" or "Energy Assist" within the app. The names of these functions vary across Bolt models and OnStar plans. You can check your active or available plans here.
These plans give access to the charger navigation features and allow starting charge sessions on compatible Tesla Superchargers from within the myChevrolet app. If you see the "Map" and "Public Charging" sections within the app, then you already have what you need.
If you do not have an active OnStar subscription or do not want to use the myChevrolet app, you can locate and start charge sessions using Tesla's app instead. There are also some V4 Supercharger stalls out there with built-in credit card readers which do not require an app to use.
‣ Where can I get an official NACS adapter?
This has been the most confusing subject, as many online guides, news outlets and YouTubers have described using the myChevrolet app to find the "Public Charging" settings to enable Supercharger access and buy the adapter. However, this method requires one of the previously mentioned OnStar subscriptions.
If you do not have an applicable OnStar subscription, or your complimentary trial has expired, or "Public Charging" is not an option visible in your myChevrolet app, you can still buy the official adapter using the link below on a mobile browser. Desktop browsers do not work at this time.
Official U.S. Adapter link → OEM Supercharger Adapter
Secondary Link (Alternate part #) → OEM Supercharger Adapter
(Links working as of 10/15/24)
If you live in Canada, please feel free to chime in with official links when available!
‣ What about 3rd party adapters? Are they safe?
There are 3rd party NACS adapters available from reputable companies, such as Lectron and A2Z. While this is not an endorsement, it is generally agreed that these adapters are made to high quality standards and should be safe. Both are also being manufactured to be UL2252 compliant, but are not yet UL2252 certified as the certification guidelines are not finalized at this time.
Please keep in mind that GM and Tesla do not endorse the use of unofficial adapters and may not cover warranty claims should an incident arise due to the use of a 3rd party adapter.