GM EV customers with a GM-approved North American Charging Standard (NACS) DC adapter now have access to more than 17,800 Tesla Superchargers throughout the U.S. and Canada to quickly charge their EV when on the road.
The NACS DC adapter helps expand the EV charging infrastructure for all GM EVs equipped with the DC Fast Charging option, including the Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Silverado EV, Bolt EV and EUV, LYRIQ, Sierra EV and other models. Spark EV models are excluded. The NACS DC adapter is designed to plug into a Combined Charging System (CCS) charge port inlet on GM EVs while connecting to a NACS DC Fast Charging station. (Fig. 6)
Fig. 6
NACS DC Adapter
The NACS DC adapter (Fig. 7) can be purchased through the GM vehicle mobile app (myChevrolet, myCadillac and myGMC apps) via the accessories e-commerce experience. Customers can have the adapter shipped to their home or their preferred dealership.
Fig. 7
TIP: At this time, adapters are not available for dealer ordering. Any NACS DC adapter orders placed through Parts Workbench or any other dealer ordering system either for dealer stock or on behalf of a customer will be cancelled. Dealers will be notified later this year when dealer ordering will be available.
Only a GM-approved NACS DC adapter should be used to charge on any NACS DC public charger, including on the Tesla Supercharger network. The GM NACS DC adapters have been specifically designed to protect GM EV batteries while charging. The GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty will not cover damage caused by the installation and use of non-GM parts, including a non-GM NACS DC adapter.
Using the Mobile App
To use the NACS DC adapter and charge on the Tesla Supercharger network, the proper charging settings must be set up in customers’ public charging profile within the GM vehicle mobile app. (Fig. 8)
Note: The mobile app is available on select Apple and Android devices. Service availability, features and functionality vary by vehicle, device, and the plan enrolled in.
Fig. 8
Customers do not need to download the Tesla mobile app to charge on the Tesla Supercharger network.
Using the GM vehicle mobile app, customers can find a Supercharger station or any DC Fast Charging station and get real-time availability, plan routes that pinpoint charging stations, initiate a charge, and pay for the charge. (Fig. 9)
Fig. 9
DC Fast Charging
The NACS DC adapter is designed for use with Generation 3 (V3) and beyond Tesla Superchargers and NACS DC Fast Charging stations. The NACS DC adapter does not work with Level 2 Tesla chargers.
TIP: Some 2019-2020 Bolt models may require a software update to ensure a successful charging experience. Several NACS internal diagnostic functions may be detected by the Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2) software as a vehicle fault. The HPCM2 should be reprogrammed according to the guidelines in Bulletin #24-NA-200. Refer to the bulletin for additional details.
To use the NACS DC adapter at a NACS DC compatible charger, connect the adapter to the charge cord and then plug into the vehicle charge port. (Fig. 10) After charging is complete, remove the NACS DC adapter and the charge cord together from the charge port. Press the latch button on the NACS DC adapter to remove it from the charge cord. Stow the adapter in the vehicle’s glove compartment until needed for the next charge.
Fig. 10
GM recommends:
- Charging the high-voltage battery to 80% or less unless your drive requires a full charge.
- Charging the high-voltage battery before it falls below 20% charged, if possible.
- Setting the battery charge level to 80% or less, especially if your route includes steep mountain terrain or when towing a trailer, to maximize regenerative braking performance.
When charging is active, the DC vehicle plug is locked to the DC charge port and cannot be disconnected. Keep in mind that it is normal to hear fans, pumps, and electrical devices clicking while the vehicle is turned off and charging.
When vehicle charging is complete, charging automatically stops and the plug unlocks. To manually stop charging, use the button on the DC vehicle plug, the controls at the charging station or tap the Stop button on the Charging page on the vehicle’s infotainment screen.
For NACS DC Adapter warranty information, refer to Bulletin #24-NA-202.
– Thanks to Rick Miller
