Like Tesla, BMW also offers electric vehicles. One of the most popular BMW electric cars is the BMW i3. Even though BMW produces electric cars, it does not have a well-spread supercharger network like Tesla. However, can BMW use the Tesla supercharger?
No, BMW cannot use a Tesla high-speed supercharger. This is because superchargers are only for Tesla. Besides, superchargers use a different connector and a different charging voltage. On top of that, the Tesla supercharger communicates with the car to ensure that it is authorized to charge there.
So, even if you have an adapter that fits in the Tesla supercharger network, it won’t dispense any charge. On the contrary, Tesla can charge at all of the other electric charging stations with the right adapter.
However, you can charge your BMW at a Tesla destination charging station if you have the right adapter. In the US, you will need a J1772 adapter, while in Europe, you will need a CCS adapter.
Even though Tesla does not allow other cars to use the Tesla Supercharger network, this is about to change. Recently, Tesla announced that other cars will start using Tesla Superchargers. At the moment, Tesla has started with a pilot program in the Netherlands.
The new program will be tested in 10 different locations in the Netherlands. So, non-Tesla EVs will start charging their cars fast and conveniently using the Tesla Supercharger network in the Netherlands. Some of the locations include Zwolle, Duiven, Naarden, Meerkek, Hengelo, and many others.
How do non-Tesla cars access a Tesla supercharger?
The new Tesla supercharger program for non-Tesla cars works simply. Interested users will have to download the Tesla App to use the supercharger. Nonetheless, for this service to work for non-Tesla cars, the electric car should have the Combined Charging System (CCS).
The combined charging system is the European standard for charging electric vehicles, which utilizes combo 1 and combo 2 connectors to deliver power at up to 350 kW. Some of the cars with this system include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen (Audi & Porsche), and Ford.
Unlike Tesla destination charging stations, the new program doesn’t require non-Tesla cars to use adapters with similar connectors. As long as the car has a combined charging system, it can charge at a Tesla supercharger network.
How much will non-Tesla EVs be charged for using Tesla Superchargers?
Non-Tesla drivers will be charged an extra cost for using the Tesla supercharger. Nonetheless, the price to charge your EV will be lowered if you acquire a charging membership. Normally, Tesla charges around $0.25 per kW. However, cars bought before January 2017 charge at Tesla Superchargers for free.
Does BMW have its own supercharger network?
No, BMW does not have its own supercharger network. However, it has partnered with several car brands to build supercharger networks around Europe. BMW is one of the initiators and founding members of the IONITY joint venture, which is building supercharger stations around Europe.
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Note that these superchargers stations are being built along Europe’s motorways to deliver high-speed charging. Other car brands that are members of the IONITY joint venture include Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen AG, and Ford.
How many supercharger stations does Tesla have?
Tesla boasts over 30,000 plus superchargers around the globe. This includes North America, Europe, and Asia. North America has the greatest number of superchargers. Besides, Tesla owns and runs the biggest and fast charging network around the globe.
FAQ
Can Tesla chargers be used by other cars?
It depends on the charger. If it’s the high-speed Tesla supercharger network, then this can only charge Tesla cars. On the contrary, if it’s a Tesla destination charger, then this charger can charge non-Tesla cars. Nonetheless, you will require to have an adapter connector that is compatible with the Tesla charger.
Tesla supercharger stations may not support other cars at the moment, but this will change soon. This is because Tesla has started a program to test how other cars can utilize Tesla’s high-speed supercharger stations at an added cost.
What is the difference between CCS and CHAdeMO charging systems?
First and foremost, these are two different charging systems from different regions. CCS is a European standard, while CHAdeMO is a Japanese standard. Secondly, CCS allows AC/DC charging via the same port, while CHAdeMO comes with a separate port for AC charging.
What’s more, these two charging systems also vary in speed. The combined charging system can charge at speeds of up to 350 kW, while CHAdeMO can only charge up to speeds of up to 50 kW. So, CCS charges faster than CHAdeMO.
Is BMW better than Tesla?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want comfort and better handling, then BMW is better than Tesla. But if you want speed and performance, then Tesla has an edge over BMW. In terms of reliability, Tesla is also better.
When it comes to price, BMW is slightly costlier than Tesla. For instance, the BMW i3 costs about $45,400, while the Tesla Model 3 costs about $39,00. On the other hand, the BMW i8 costs about $147,500, while the Tesla Model S costs around $96,500.
Are BMW electric cars as good as Teslas?
No, BMW electric cars are not as good as Tesla electric cars. To begin with, Tesla electric cars have an excellent range than BMW electric cars. Additionally, Tesla EVs come with more advanced technology than BMW electric cars. What’s more, Tesla’s batteries are more durable than BMW’s batteries.
What makes the Tesla Supercharger charge a car so quickly?
This is because of the chemical and physical changes inside of the battery cells. Besides, Tesla’s fast-charge control technology is created to keep the car’s battery safe and to preserve the maximum amount of cell capacity.
Summary
At the moment, a BMW cannot use a Tesla supercharger. However, this will change soon as Tesla has started a program to see how non-Tesla cars can charge from a high-speed Tesla Supercharger. The pilot program is being practiced in the Netherlands.
For non-Tesla EV cars to use a Tesla supercharger, the driver will be required to download the Tesla app. Additionally, using the supercharger will attract an added cost. But people who will desire to have lower charges will have to join Tesla charging membership.
Despite Tesla Superchargers not allowing non-Tesla cars to charge from them, non-Tesla drivers can use Tesla destination chargers to charge their cars. All they need is the right adapter connector.