Charging at NACS Superchargers

[CWedge411]

[pokes my head in the door to find everyone talking about USB cables]

"Excuse me... does anyone know which room I can find the NACS charging discussion?!?"

Quick run down is, Don't use Tesla chargers unless it's an emergency or you get a new Gravity.

 

[Brenna84]

Quick run down is, Don't use Tesla chargers unless it's an emergency or you get a new Gravity.

Agreed.

Just spoke with a Ford lightning user last night--although they can use the Tesla network it's 13.99/mo to plug in! Absurd!

 

[Bobby]

Agreed.

Just spoke with a Ford lightning user last night--although they can use the Tesla network it's 13.99/mo to plug in! Absurd!

There was a time in the past on this forum where people were singing the praises of the Tesla supercharger network and begging Lucid to switch to NACS. Now, reality will set in.

 

[Rutrow]

Agreed.

Just spoke with a Ford lightning user last night--although they can use the Tesla network it's 13.99/mo to plug in! Absurd!

To be fair*... That's if you want to lock in lower per kWh rates. You can charge without the monthly charge but it's at a higher price rate.

*but to be fair, I'd rather not give Elon any of my money.

 

[Tâm]

There was a time in the past on this forum where people were singing the praises of the Tesla supercharger network and begging Lucid to switch to NACS. Now, reality will set in.

I did and I still am value Tesla Supercharger as an expansion to a slower backup charging and not a replacement.

An addition is better than a take away.

It's just like it's better to continue to drive with a slower backup space tire than waiting for a tow in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone reception.

People were terrified as if getting a spare tire means they can no longer drive with their regular tires.

Just like when a spare tire costs something, it's the same with Tesla Supercharger. If you don't want to pay for it then don't get that additional option.

It's better to have more choices than less.

 

[Alex]

Just spoke with a Ford lightning user last night--although they can use the Tesla network it's 13.99/mo to plug in! Absurd!

Grok says:

The statement you mentioned is partially accurate but requires clarification. Ford Lightning users can indeed use the Tesla Supercharger network, but the specifics of the subscription fee and how it applies are nuanced:

- **Membership for Non-Tesla Owners**: Ford EV owners, including those with the Ford F-150 Lightning, can subscribe to Tesla's Supercharger network for a monthly fee to get a reduced rate per kWh when charging. This subscription cost is $13.99 per month, which was mentioned in posts on X. This is not strictly for "plugging in" but rather for accessing a discounted rate for charging sessions.[](https://x.com/GerberKawasaki/status/1661889290937470977)

- **Plug & Charge vs. Subscription**: Without the subscription, Ford EV owners can still use Tesla Superchargers through a "Plug & Charge" method where they pay the standard rate per kWh without any monthly fee. This means they can charge without a subscription, but at a higher cost per session.

- **Adapter Requirement**: To charge at Tesla Superchargers, Ford EV owners need the Ford-provided Tesla charging adapter. These adapters were initially offered for free but are now available for purchase if not obtained during the promotional period.[](https://www.lightningowners.com/threads/ford-ev-access-to-superchargers.5227/)

Therefore, the $13.99 monthly fee is for those who want to benefit from discounted charging rates, not a requirement just to plug in. However, for the most current and detailed information, it's always best to check directly with Ford or Tesla's official communications.

 

[momo3605]

There was a time in the past on this forum where people were singing the praises of the Tesla supercharger network and begging Lucid to switch to NACS. Now, reality will set in.

It’s not even true. EA has a subscription model as well if you want lower rates. Exactly the same system at the superchargers.

 

[Brenna84]

To be fair*... That's if you want to lock in lower per kWh rates. You can charge without the monthly charge but it's at a higher price rate.

*but to be fair, I'd rather not give Elon any of my money.

Ah, the lighting owner may not have known that but was "told she had to" Im sure.... but savings.... what savings? Would rather pay the higher rate then on "emergency fill" vs a monthly...

 

[Bobby]

It’s not even true. EA has a subscription model as well if you want lower rates. Exactly the same system at the superchargers.

Good point, but what I said is still very much true.

 

[CWedge411]

Agreed.

Just spoke with a Ford lightning user last night--although they can use the Tesla network it's 13.99/mo to plug in! Absurd!

No My point of NOT using SC is because Lucid Airs will only do 42 KW on them because of the Wunderbox voltage booster

 

[Alex]

No My point of NOT using SC is because Lucid Airs will only do 42 KW on them because of the Wunderbox voltage booster

50kW

 

[Adnillien]

50kW

The DC to DC up-conversion is 50kW, depending on how much energy is needed for battery cooling, for DC to DC boost cooling plus losses into the battery you will see between 40kW to 48kW into the battery.

 

[hmp10]

I did and I still am value Tesla Supercharger as an expansion to a slower backup charging and not a replacement.

An addition is better than a take away.

Agree entirely.

Once the major automakers got behind NACS, Lucid really had no choice but to go that way, as it was going to pull the CCS suppliers toward that standard, too.

But that doesn't mean I will use Superchargers as anything other than a last resort. Particularly with the Gravity's range being considerably less than the Air's, having backup charging availability on road trips from the most reliable and ubiquitous network does matter -- even if it's from a company I once admired but now want to avoid insofar as possible.

Meanwhile, I'll be hoping that the non-Tesla charge vendors get their acts better together and that their networks continue to grow.

 

[BS8899]

The DC to DC up-conversion is 50kW, depending on how much energy is needed for battery cooling, for DC to DC boost cooling plus losses into the battery you will see between 40kW to 48kW into the battery.

I presume that means, in the near term, while the Tesla NACS network offers more charging locations, charging at NACS chargers will be less efficient, takes longer, with higher "parasitic losses". Is that the correct interpretation??

 

[DeaneG]

I presume that means, in the near term, while the Tesla NACS network offers more charging locations, charging at NACS chargers will be less efficient, takes longer, with higher "parasitic losses". Is that the correct interpretation??

Actually, there are many more CCS locations than Superchargers, but fewer CCS charging ports in total.

 

[BS8899]

Actually, there are many more CCS locations than Superchargers, but fewer CCS charging ports in total.

Good clarification. Since most of my DCFC charging is on road trips, I am more senstive to charging speed, charging session length, and parasitic losses. For my regular road trips, (Phoenix to Marin County), I have plenty of CCS choices.

Rivian sent me a CCS to NACS adapter a few months ago. I haven't used it yet (on my R1S). Mostly, I prefer Rivian's RAN (CCS) chargers. Lower cost, clean, and always work. Nevertheless, I might try NACS charging soon, just for teh experience.

 

[DeaneG]

...Rivian sent me a CCS to NACS adapter a few months ago. I haven't used it yet (on my R1S). Mostly, I prefer Rivian's RAN (CCS) chargers. Lower cost, clean, and always work. Nevertheless, I might try NACS charging soon, just for teh experience.

I'd heard that Rivian has opened at least one location to other CCS vehicles, so last night I installed Rivian's app on my phone to find out if they were visible, as are Tesla's open-to-others locations. Haven't investigated further yet though.

 

[ButMahElectrons]

Maybe I'm just being cynical, but I wouldn't expect Tesla to make charging for Lucid vehicles, easy or friendly, at all.

 

[DeaneG]

Maybe I'm just being cynical, but I wouldn't expect Tesla to make charging for Lucid vehicles, easy or friendly, at all.

The "word on the street" is that the Tesla supercharging team has been very easy to work with. I have high hopes.

 

[BS8899]

I'd heard that Rivian has opened at least one location to other CCS vehicles, so last night I installed Rivian's app on my phone to find out if they were visible, as are Tesla's open-to-others locations. Haven't investigated further yet though.

I am only aware of the Joshua Tree Rivian RAN site currently open to other CCS vehicles. Maybe there are more sites coming on line soon.

Not sure how well the Lucid would charge on the 300kW Rivian RAN chargers. They work great on Rivians. Have not looked at how the Wunderbox plays with the RAN chargers. If you go charge at a RAN charger, plaease post your experience.