Confused about Tesla charging

[FatBluDragon]

Hello. So I’m totally lost when it comes to Tesla charging. We’ve got a Nissan Ariya and use a L2 charger at home, is that the same as Tesla's NACS? When we're on the road, we hit up EA for DC fast charging. What's the Tesla version of that, and how do I even find those chargers on the Tesla app? Also, I keep hearing about “Superchargers” and “Magic Docks” – are those L2 or DCFC? And, if Nissan ever gets the green light to use Tesla chargers with an adapter, would that be for L2 or DCFC? Appreciate any insights, just trying to wrap my head around all this!

 

[maricellynx]

You've already got a Level 2 charger at home, so it's probably the J1772 plug, unless you have an adapter. Tesla uses a different one called NACS, but it works the same way for Level 2. For road trips, Tesla has Superchargers – those are the fast ones. Some have "Magic Docks" for other EVs, but Nissan's access is still up in the air. You usually need a Tesla account to find their chargers, but Nissan will probably show the compatible ones for your Ariya when they can. If Nissan uses Tesla chargers with an adapter, it'll probably be for fast charging. Hope that helps!

 

[D'Troublemaker]

Okay, so, your home L2 charger is not the same as Tesla's NACS connector, though both deliver similar AC charging speeds. Think of it like different plugs for the same appliance.

On the road, Tesla's DC fast charging network is called Superchargers, these are their proprietary chargers, and they're generally faster than Electrify America (EA). You find Superchargers in the Tesla app, it's built-in and navigates you right to them.

"Magic Dock" is Tesla's adapter that allows other EVs (like your Ariya eventually) to use Superchargers. Superchargers are always DCFC (fast charging).

If Nissan gets access, it'll be for both Supercharger DCFC and Tesla's slower destination chargers (which are like L2). So, in short: NACS is the plug, Supercharger is Tesla's DCFC network, and Magic Dock is the adapter that lets non-Teslas use it. Hope that clears things up!

 

[sugbohanon25]

If I remember correctly, we can already use Tesla destination chargers, you just need an adapter.

 

[CuriousDriver4]

Going through the same learning curve with my first EV.
The Tesla app does show non-Tesla chargers too now, not just the Super ones.
You have to enable "show all chargers" in settings.

 

[FatBluDragon]

Got it! So Superchargers are the DC fast ones, Magic Docks let other EVs like mine use them, and the Tesla app can show all chargers with a setting change. Once Nissan gives the green light for the adapter, it sounds like I’ll be all set for road trips. Appreciate the clarity, folks!

 

[Roadrider7021]

You can also get a reputable 3rd party adapter and use Tesla v3 and v4 chargers. Suggest you use the Tesla app and put the Nissan Ariya/Nacs filter into your search and you should only see the appropriate chargers plus magic docks come up.
A Tesla membership will buy down the rate but only about $.12 or so; couple charges to break even.
Side note: the battery heater will only heat the battery to 46-50 F so A) you can leave it on for a while (it’ll shut off) and B) it’s only a help, generally don’t expect summer speeds out of it.