I explore the EVDANCE NACS to CCS1 adapter with a 2024 Subaru Solterra at a Tesla Supercharger. The adapter allows supported AND some non-supported vehicles to utilize Tesla’s charging infrastructure. I detail the setup process, charging performance, and a giveaway opportunity.
The EVDANCE NACS to CCS1 adapter is a cost-effective solution for EV owners looking to charge their vehicles at Tesla stations. The 2024 Subaru Solterra, while a promising electric vehicle, is currently not listed as a supported vehicle for Tesla’s charging network. However, anecdotal evidence suggested that some users have successfully charged their non-supported vehicles using adapters like the Lectron brand adapter. This prompted the testing of the EVDANCE adapter, which boasts a sturdy build quality and a more affordable price point.
Preparing for the Test
Before heading to the charging station, the Subaru Solterra was discharged to 48% – getting it below 80% was key to see higher change rates. The initial setup involved pulling into the charging station and positioning the vehicle close to the charger. I had to ensure that the car was aligned correctly to ensure the short cable reached.
Setting Up the Charging App
To use the adapter, I needed to configure the Tesla app to recognize the Subaru Solterra as a supported vehicle. This involved:
- Opening the Tesla app and selecting the option to find a charger.
- Adding vehicle details by selecting a supported model, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
- Indicating that the vehicle has a DC adapter for NACS and saving the settings.
Once this setup was complete, the app displayed available charging stations, including the Broadway station in Bangor, Maine, where the test was conducted.
Charging Process
Upon arriving at the charging station, there were eight available stalls, with a maximum charging capacity of 250 kW. The cost of charging was 56 cents per kWh, compared to 30 cents at home. I paked and initiated the charging process.
Plugging in the Adapter
The first step was to plug the EVDANCE adapter into the vehicle. The adapter fit securely, and the Tesla cable reached without yanking hard on the car, showing just how close you need to be to reach. After plugging in, the charging process began, and the car displayed an initial charging rate of 8 kW, which quickly increased to 60 kW.
Performance Observations
The charging performance was promising, with the rate reaching 60 kW at 48% battery capacity. While some vehicles might achieve higher rates between 15% and 40%, the Subaru Solterra’s performance was consistent with what was achieved at Charge Point stations at that battery level. The charging rate did fluctuate slightly, dropping to 59 kW as the battery went above 60% capacity.
Conclusion of the Test
The charging session was successful, with the adapter functioning as intended. The user experienced no initialization failures, which are common with other charging stations. The key takeaway was that positioning the vehicle correctly was crucial for a successful charging experience.
Final Thoughts
The EVDANCE NACS to CCS1 adapter proved to be a reliable solution for charging a non-supported vehicle at a Tesla Supercharger. This test highlights the potential for greater accessibility to charging infrastructure for all EV owners. As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, innovations like this adapter will play a crucial role in enhancing the charging experience.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights on electric vehicles and charging technology!
