As the EV sector embarks on a new chapter with Tesla opening its Supercharger network to other EV manufacturers, starting with Ford this month, a significant challenge has come to light affecting many non-Tesla EVs at Superchargers. The problem? Tesla’s charging cables are often too short to reach the charging ports on numerous vehicles, including Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. This issue isn’t the fault of these vehicles’ manufacturers, as the cars were designed with Combined Charging System (CCS) compatible DC Fast Chargers in mind, not Tesla Superchargers, which typically have cables that easily reach all vehicles charging ports. However, Tesla’s Superchargers were engineered specifically with only Tesla’s in mind, whose charging ports are located on the rear driver’s side, unlike many other EVs that feature their ports on the front driver’s side.
This discrepancy leads to an issue where a non-Tesla EV has to occupy two parking spaces to connect to a Supercharger, thus blocking access to another charging stall. Despite recognizing the problem, Tesla has not yet indicated a move to address it directly. Suggestions for retrofitting Superchargers with longer cables have surfaced, but there has been no indication from Tesla that this will take place any time soon. Tesla has stated the development of an extension cable is in the works as a potential workaround, though specifics regarding its availability and cost remain limited.
Suggestions have been made for Ford and other manufacturers to relocate their charging ports to the front passenger side to create universal compatibility with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) set to become widespread in 2025, easing the integration of non-Tesla vehicles with Superchargers. Seemingly, this suggestion had not been warmly received by most automakers until a pivotal moment recently.
In a recent interview with Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, conducted by Tom Moloughney, a YouTuber known as State of Charge, Farley was questioned on whether the adoption of NACS would prompt Ford to reconsider the placement of their charge ports. Farley’s immediate and emphatic “Absolutely” signals a promising shift. This adaptation would significantly enhance the charging experience for future Ford EV owners at Tesla Superchargers, marking a critical step toward universal charging compatibility.
Ford’s initiative to engage with Tesla’s Supercharger network was a pioneering move, setting off a chain reaction with nearly all major U.S. EV manufacturers committing to the NACS transition. We hope this move by Ford opens the door to a more unified future for EV charging infrastructure, potentially setting a new standard for vehicle design and compatibility across the board.
