Adapter theft concern for Tesla NACS > CCS

[bbulkow]

First, NACS to CCS adapters have been in the $350 to $400 range for a long time, if they're $100 now, one suspects subsidies and/or low cost janky providers. But sure, your adapter could get stolen. Usually when I'm fast charging I'm sitting right there, so didn't consider it a likely case. I'd get a disconnected push notification on my phone and be comin' right over with my friendly sports equipment.

Let me answer the question with a question: why can't you buy a NACS to CCS adapter now?

The answer is likely to involve the data exchange. I suspect the adapter has to have a unique ID in it, and not pass along the unique ID of the car because they're incompatible protocols. And/or, the re-use of AC pins requires safety algos in the adapter. Which means a modest power computer (eg, the ESP32 used in a DIY Grid-to-Car system and is really really small physically eg used for bluetooth ear buds), not a big deal, but it does mean complex testing and compatibility work that only Ford and Tesla would realistically be able to do.

If it's It's not going to be a "dumb" adapter, besides having locking like people have said....

You can probably software-lock the adapter to the specific car, so it only works with that car. Anything software-locked can be software-unlocked, sure, but for the benefit of a $100 to $500 adapter, people won't bother.

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[RickMachE]

Thoughts on securing a not-yet-in-existence adapter that we have no idea what it will look like nor how the software will lock it to the vehicle?

I'll pass, thanks.

To think that Ford won't have it lock in some manner, given that they know it's a concern, would be silly.

 

[generaltso]

Side note: Ford has said they will provide the adapters for free to all current Ford owners

The word “free” was not used.

 

[PhillyYa]

The word “free” was not used.

Well, not sure how Ford is just going to proactively send them to all Ford EV owners and then charge you for it?

 

[AllenXS]

Where do you guys live that you worry about this?
Move to Alaska or Canada where we know everyone and there's more bears than people.

 

[kodiakng]

Thoughts on securing a not-yet-in-existence adapter that we have no idea what it will look like nor how the software will lock it to the vehicle?

I'll pass, thanks.

To think that Ford won't have it lock in some manner, given that they know it's a concern, would be silly.

we have a pretty good idea what it will look like since there are at least 10 in existence and being used in public now: Magic Docks. the new adapter will likely be a slimmed down version of that with locking to the supercharger cable when attached.

price normally be a factor but since you're sure it will be sent to us for free i guess that isn't a problem.

 

[generaltso]

Well, not sure how Ford is just going to proactively send them to all Ford EV owners and then charge you for it?

The word “proactively” was not used.

 

[PhillyYa]

The word “proactively” was not used.

Here’s the exact quote. I’ll let others draw their own conclusions. You can go back to cynical keyboard warrioring.

Now, during an interview with CNBC, Farley also revealed that all existing Ford EV owners will receive NACS (North American Charging Standard) adapters, too.

“We’re going to ship an adapter to everyone who’s bought a Ford EV,” Farley said. “This is not just for the future, it’s for all the people who already bought our vehicles. So they’ll get an adapter from Ford, they go on FordPass, they pick the payment option they want, all the billing is the same as it is today, so it’s going to be super easy.”

 

[generaltso]

Here’s the exact quote. I’ll let others draw their own conclusions.

That‘s all I’m asking. I think it’s important not to substitute your own words.

 

[eStang]

Not sure if Ford will address this proactively or retroactively. Currently anyone can stop charging on a Mach-E and remove the DC plug. Ford would need to issue a software update that would only allow the DC plug to unlock in the presence of a valid key.

@Ford Motor Company Here's my suggestion on this... Make the CCS cable lock remain locked any time the doors are locked, even if the stop charging button is pressed. I think this would address adapter theft concerns simply and elegantly.

 

[eastern refugee]

My only concern is how long it is. I do not see Tesla changing EVERY charger cord to be longer. I hope it is long enough so that you can charge from the side.

What I do not understand is how does ford make a profit on this??

 

[generaltso]

What I do not understand is how does ford make a profit on this??

A lot of people say the reason they bought a Tesla was because of the charging network. Now people may buy a Ford for that reason.

 

[Sillybibbles]

Can anyone link an example of the adapter? I only see the other direction to allow Tesla cars in CCS chargers.

 

[generaltso]

Can anyone link an example of the adapter? I only see the other direction to allow Tesla cars in CCS chargers.

No, because they don’t exist yet.

 

[bbulkow]

Can anyone link an example of the adapter? I only see the other direction to allow Tesla cars in CCS chargers.

The adapters people are using for price comparison are the CCS -> Tesla adapters, believing a similar adapter the other way would have similar copper, similar plastic, similar computer inside. It's not a stupid guess.

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