Why are EV charging adapters needed? In North America, electric vehicles fall into two camps: ones with a NACS (also known as Tesla) port and most of the others have CCS (Combined Charging System) port.
In short, we had two competing standards. Tesla cars & Tesla infrastructure vs. all other EV makers and very fragmented CCS charging infrastructure. But by 2023/2024, it became clear that Tesla’s charging infrastructure and port were superior to CCS, so one by one, all the major automakers announced plans to ship their future EVs with NACS ports, giving their customers seamless access to the Tesla Supercharger Network.
We are in the middle of this messy transition now. Eventually, CCS will be largely phased out in North America. But in 2025, we still have new cars shipping with CCS and new CCS infrastructure going into the ground. For this reason, having some extra adapters will ensure you can always get a charge.
For Teslas and Other NACS Port Cars
CCS1 to NACS (DC fast) – Check Price on Amazon
This adapter allows Tesla/NACS port cars to charge from CCS fast charging stations. Like those found at Electrify America, EVgo, etc..
When is this usefu?
While most Tesla drivers prefer to go to Supercharger stations, having a CCS to NACS adapters allows you to go to virtually all DC fast charging stations with your Tesla car.
J1772 to NACS (AC slow) – Check Price on Amazon
These adapters allow Tesla drivers (and other cars with NACS/Tesla ports) to charge on J1772 Level 2 AC chargers.
When is this useful?
Many home EV charging stations come with J1772 connectors. As well as many destination chargers in parking lots, and street side chargers often use J1772. These are exclusively for slow AC (typically 6 to 11kW).
For CCS Port Cars
NACS to CCS (DC Supercharger) – Check Price on Amazon
These popular adapters allow drivers of CCS port cars to charger at Tesla Supercharger stations as well as other DC fast charging stations with NACS connectors.
When is it useful?
Charging non-Tesla vehicles at Tesla Superchargers. Note though, not all Supercharger locations are open to non-Teslas. Check with the Tesla app.
NACS to J1772 (AC slow) – Check Price on Amazon
This type of NACS to J1772 adapter is for charging non-Tesla EVs at Tesla destination charger on AC Level 2 speeds. This will not work at a Supercharger because it doesn’t have the two large DC pins like CCS ports.
When is it useful?
Many hotels and parking lots offer chargers with NACS/Tesla connectors, because historically, Tesla EVs were by far the most popular. With this adapter, you can charge your non-Tesla J1772 port vehicle from AC chargers designed for Teslas. Charging speeds are typically between 6 and 11 kW.