Tesla has significantly reduced the price of the CCS Combo 1 (CCS1) charging adapter in the United States and Canada. This adapter allows Tesla drivers to charge their cars at CCS1 chargers operated by third-party charging networks.
The adapter was launched in September 2022 in the US (and in October 2021 in South Korea), priced at $250. However, Tesla has now lowered the price to $175, a 30% reduction that will likely prompt more Tesla drivers to order one as a backup for using CCS1 chargers.
The adapter is capable of recharging Tesla cars at up to 250 kilowatts (kW), but not all Tesla vehicles are compatible with it. Older models, produced before 2020 (and some in 2020), may require a retrofit to be compatible with CCS1 chargers, as they lack the required hardware, such as the Power Line Communication (PLC) chip.
Tesla has stated that it will add retrofit eligibility for Model S and Model X vehicles, as well as older Model 3 and Model Y vehicles currently requiring a retrofit, with the retrofit expected to be available in early 2023. To check if a Tesla car is compatible with the adapter, drivers can check the Controls/Software/Additional Vehicle Information menu.
The adapter price reduction is also reflected in Canada, where the price has been reduced from $340 to $240, according to Drive Tesla Canada.
See also: Tesla Superchargers Must Meet CCS Standard to Qualify for Biden’s $7.5B Subsidy
Tesla’s move to reduce the adapter price is not only to promote the use of third-party charging networks but also part of its broader plan to open its Supercharging network to non-Tesla electric cars. However, for this to happen, chargers or electric cars would need to be equipped with an opposite adapter that could convert between CCS1 and Tesla’s proprietary charging plug (NACS).
Furthermore, the company is reportedly expecting to unlock federal funds for Tesla’s charging infrastructure, which could accelerate the expansion of its charging network.
