Ford Dispatches 140,000 Complimentary NACS Charging Adaptors, Now Offered for $200
New and Improved: Ford's Revolutionary Tesla Supercharger Adapters
Last year, automotive giant Ford stunned the industry by partnering with Tesla to enable its electric vehicles to use the Tesla Supercharger network. However, the journey hasn't been smooth sailing, particularly when it came to procuring the necessary adapters.
Originally, Tesla was responsible for manufacturing the adapters that would connect Ford EVs with CCS1 charging ports to Superchargers. But delays in production left many Ford owners twiddling their thumbs, waiting for their adapters. In response, Ford sought alternative suppliers, and in the spring of 2024, partnered with Lectron to produce a more robust and dependable adapter.
The new adapters underwent rigorous testing, designed to withstand extreme cold weather, submersion, drops, and even the weight of an F-150 Lightning. Lectron re-engineered the case, improved sealing, redesigned the latch mechanism, and added a disconnect interlock to ensure durability and safety.
During the testing phase, Ford and Lectron made significant modifications to the adapter's design, such as incorporating a disconnect interlock that prevents the charger cable from detaching while current is flowing. This enhancement offers enhanced safety and stability to the entire charging operation.
While the initial delays were frustrating for Ford owners, they can now rejoice as Lectron has ramped up production, ensuring that all pre-orders have been fulfilled. Ford is on track to deliver 60,000 adapters between March 2024 and January 2025, with numbers reaching 140,000 by March 2025.
With more adapters being distributed, Ford EV drivers are taking full advantage of the Supercharger's convenience and reliability. In fact, 20% of charging sessions on Ford's Blue Oval Charging Network are now being conducted at Superchargers.
These adapters are now available to purchase from Ford's accessories site for $200. They are compatible with any electric vehicle sporting a CCS port and most Superchargers with an NACS/J3400 connector. Note that Tesla V3 Superchargers and above support non-Tesla vehicles.
For those who haven't yet received software updates that allow for Plug&Charge on Superchargers, such as GM, you may need to use either the GM or Tesla app. As more charging point operators install NACS/J3400 connectors this year, cards and displays should work without the need for an app.
- Ford sourced the adapter production from Lectron in the spring of 2024, accomplishing the production of a more dependable adapter to establish a connection between Ford EVs and Tesla Superchargers.
- During the adapter testing phase, Ford and Lectron incorporated a disconnect interlock into the adapter's design, enhancing safety and stability during the charging operation.
- Sales of the adapter, compatible with electric vehicles featuring CCS ports and Superchargers equipped with an NACS/J3400 connector, are now available on Ford's accessories site for $200.