step by step using NACS at Tesla Supercharger [help needed]

[dtbaker61]

I got my NACS from Ford a couple weeks ago, and haven't tried it yet. I do not plan to create a Tesla account since I rarely take road trips, but I do have a trip next week so I'm documenting the steps to start using it.....

-last updated 12/5/24, 5pm

Here's what I did, and what I have left to do below :

1. activate your Blue Oval Charge Network from your phone FordPass, so you can pay thru account for Plug&Charge at participating stations without having separate accounts set up on each. For details, depending what version of FordPass you have (4.x or 5.x) see https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...ow-do-i-activate-the-blueoval-charge-network/

In my case, I am still running FP 4.x, so the steps were:

1. Open the FordPass App.
2. Tap the Home screen.
3. Tap Connected Services.
4. scroll down to BlueOvalCharge Network, and tap "manage"
5. enter your credit card info in your Ford Wallet.
6. Tap Confirm Activation.
7. note: I was able to activate, but could NOT view TOU.

This *should* activate Plug&Charge... The idea is to avoide separate accounts on various chargers, but they are not always "in network", so the P&C does not always work.

It's probably a good idea to download/install the Tesla app as well if you have problems with P&C, or decide to subscribe to Tesla membership for lower cost rates if you use it a lot.


============ last updated 12/5/24

I am kicking this thread off as a question, and will continue to edit the top post as I get a complete set of step by step and test it out on the nearest Supercharger. I'll start with:

Q: How can I find a Supercharger online, and tell if my NACS adapter will work there ?



Q: do I need to create a Tesla account to pay, or is there always a way to pay w credit card on site or as a "guest"?

Q: once I pull up to a SuperCharger... what is the order of connecting NACS adapter, to dispenser, to Mache ?

Q: once connected, how do I initiate charge to start ?

Q: Best way to stop charge ? use the "unlock" button on Mach-e ?

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[ack154]

Based on my experience and what I've read/seen.... hopefully others will correct some of this if I'm mistaken.

If you set up Plug & Charge, you do NOT need the Tesla app. You really only need the Tesla app if you want to pay the membership fee for lower charging prices (likely cheaper if you're going to do it a lot) and in that case, you'd want to turn off P&C to do that. Or you may need their app if you have some other issue preventing P&C from working (which usually would just be solved by turning P&C off and back on again).

The app (and website) should show which are non-Tesla compatible (might say "open to other EVs" or "NACS adapter required"). PlugShare has some of this info too, but I find the Tesla/non-Tesla info isn't as accurate.

You only need to create a Tesla account to pay if you can't use Plug & Charge or want to take advantage of their membership for the lower prices I mentioned.

Most instructions I've seen for the adapter have been connect the adapter to the cable, then connect to car. But some people have done it the opposite way - I'd recommend confiming with the adapter manufacturer in each case.

To initiate the charge, if using Plug & Charge - connect everything to the car, wait, ??, profit. If not using P&C, you should be able to initialize the charge either through the car (Public Charging app on the center screen), FordPass, or the Tesla app.

Not sure there's a "best" way to stop the charge - I typically use the button next to the charge port, but unless someone suggests differently, I'd say the most convenient is probably fine.

 

[dtbaker61]

If you set up Plug & Charge, you do NOT need the Tesla app. You really only need the Tesla app if you want to pay the membership fee for lower charging prices (likely cheaper if you're going to do it a lot) and in that case, you'd want to turn off P&C to do that.

ok, lets start with how to set up Plug & Charge.... I have not done that since I have only taken 2 trips over 3 years, and I just used credit card payment at whatever dcfc I found along the way.

Is there a step-by-step on setting up P&C ?

Or you may need their app if you have some other issue preventing P&C from working (which usually would just be solved by turning P&C off and back on again).

The app (and website) should show which are non-Tesla compatible (might say "open to other EVs" or "NACS adapter required"). PlugShare has some of this info too, but I find the Tesla/non-Tesla info isn't as accurate.

I am looking at the nearest station with the Tesla app.... it shows charge rate and cost, but not whether it is NACS enabled.

You only need to create a Tesla account to pay if you can't use Plug & Charge or want to take advantage of their membership for the lower prices I mentioned.

Most instructions I've seen for the adapter have been connect the adapter to the cable, then connect to car. But some people have done it the opposite way - I'd recommend confiming with the adapter manufacturer in each case.

I have the NACS adaptor Ford shipped. Sounds like the order of connection does not matter ?

To initiate the charge, if using Plug & Charge - connect everything to the car, wait, ??, profit. If not using P&C, you should be able to initialize the charge either through the car (Public Charging app on the center screen), FordPass, or the Tesla app.

Not sure there's a "best" way to stop the charge - I typically use the button next to the charge port, but unless someone suggests differently, I'd say the most convenient is probably fine.

I will test on nearest supercharger after I set up P&C I guess.... but I'd really like to know if I can tell whether or not the Supercharger is NACS compatible or not by looking online before I get there!

 

[ack154]

Here's Ford's instructions on P&C: https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/electric-vehicles/public-charging/using-plug-charge/

And I'm now wondering if the Tesla app doesn't show all of the info to "Guest" users because mine looks the same. No NACS detail when browsing charging locations (and I don't have a Tesla account to log in and confirm). The tesla.com/findus definitely shows a difference and so does the Public Charging app built into the car.

 

[Sikkun]

Shows in multiple locations on the Tesla app. If it doesn’t show…it’s because that station is not compatible. Which any 150w isn’t compatible.

https://www.tesla.com/findus?bounds...n_to_all_evs_superchargers,nacs_superchargers

You can also use filters on their website.

 

[ack154]

Shows in multiple locations on the Tesla app. If it doesn’t show…it’s because that station is not compatible. Which any 150w isn’t compatible.

https://www.tesla.com/findus?bounds=36.08324279950345,-83.30491925195314,35.412286352798134,-83.84050274804689&filters=open_to_all_evs_superchargers,nacs_superchargers

You can also use filters on their website.

But is that only if you're logged into the Tesla app? That's the question now. Because I just opened the app as a Guest and it doesn't say anything at NACS/adapters at any of the sites I know 100% are open to non Teslas.

 

[Sikkun]

But is that only if you're logged into the Tesla app? That's the question now. Because I just opened the app as a Guest and it doesn't say anything at NACS/adapters at any of the sites I know 100% are open to non Teslas.

Going to have to make an account if you want to activate/pay using the app anyway. If your trying to avoid that then use Teslas website to search.

 

[Progress]

I did create a Tesla account. It asked me what kind of car I had and I said a Mach-E. I did not put in a credit card. When I search for chargers on the Tesla app it shows me which ones are compatible with my car. When I charge at a Tesla station, both Magic Dock and one requiring the adapter, the bill automatically goes to Ford Pass, which does have my credit card. I have usually had to stop charging by pushing the button in the car next to the charge port.

 

[moog]

If you already have a Ford account, and connected a credit card to it for plug and charge, and have the latest Tesla software update, you are good to go.

All the times that I have used the NACS adaptor at a Tesla charger worked like this:

1) Make sure it is a compatible Tesla supercharger station (older ones do not work)
Use onboard public charging app to search, or use Tesla app to search (add your vehicle type),
or use ABRP.

2) Arrive at charger (make sure you line up your vehicle correctly: Nose over curb, and take up two charging stalls)

3) Exit vehicle with adaptor, take charging cable from Tesla supercharger and insert into adaptor.
Plug connected adaptor into car charge port.

4) Watch for circle/ring of lights to change, and after a couple of seconds, you should see pulsing blue light on charge /ring circle indicating it is charging.

5) Inside vehicle you should see that the vehicle is charging and it should show the time needed to reach 80% SOC. Use FordPass app to see charging speed...why? Because Ford is stupid and for some reason can only put that information in the app, and not on the screens in the vehicle.

6) When reached the SOC you want, push "unlock" button on car's charge port to stop charge. Wait about 1-2 seconds then remove adaptor and cable from car. Release adaptor from Tesla charge cable and return Tesla charge cable to dock.

7) Get back in car with your adaptor. Ford will send you and email with a receipt for the charge cost.


Very simple. It's about as easy as it is going to get. Plug and charge works at Tesla SuperChargers.

 

[Tampamike]

Within the Tesla app,

1)Select the 3 bar hamburger icon at the top right of the screen.
2)Now you’re on the “Menu” page. select “Charging.”
3)That brings you to the “Charging“ page. Select “vehicle Details.”
4) You’ll now see this page, where you select your vehicle and select “yes” to indicate that you have a charger.

You can then go back to the main page and select “Find a Charger.” You will then see a map with red icons for chargers that you can use. If you tap one, and scroll down just a tad, you will see “Adapter or NACS port Reuired.”

 

[kodiakng]

Q: I need the Tesla App on my phone, right ?

Q: I installed Tesla App and opened as guest. explored, and nearest supercharger site info shows there are 8, 150kw max. shows fee of $.38/kwhr. How can I tell if my NACS adapter will work there ?
A: Tesla app doesn't show whether it is non-tesla NACS compaitble or not, but Plugshare.com does if you click on the site info. So, if you are researching a route, check with Plugshare.

Q: do I need to create a Tesla account to pay, or is there always a way to pay w credit card on site or as a "guest"?

as you're finding, if you aren't going to create a tesla account the tesla app is pretty much useless since it won't give you information on NACS availability. if you don't use the tesla app then plugshare or chargeway are good app options that show NACS sites along with most other charging locations. tesla's website is a canonical source of information for tesla charging sites. supercharger.info is another good source of tesla site information.

if you do create an account you can set your vehicle type (menu>charging>vehicle details) and the map will show compatible locations. you can create an account and not put in a credit card if you're concerned about having your credit card stored. this way you can use the map and availability information but not for payment. since you don't DCFC much you probably aren't going to benefit from the discount you'd get with a tesla membership.

i haven't had an issue with ford's plug&charge at tesla locations but have initiated a charge with the app and it works well and having that option setup is worth it for my needs.

Q: once I pull up to a SuperCharger... what is the order of connecting NACS adapter, to dispenser, to Mache ?

pull the supercharger plug off the holder, plug it into the adapter, plug adapter into mach-e. just reverse the process when done. no need to make it complicated.

Q: once connected, how do I initiate charge to start ?

if you're planning on using plug&charge (P&C) just plug it in.

if you want to use the tesla app to initiate the charging session DO NOT plug the car in first if you have P&C enabled for your car since it will immediately negotiate P&C. instead, in the tesla app select the charging site, touch "charge here", choose the stall, touch "start charging", and it will tell you when to plug in.

if you don't have P&C enabled then you can plug in first.

Q: Best way to stop charge ? use the "unlock" button on Mach-e ?

press the "unlock" button. it works great whether you're using P&C, the app, or the in-car public charging app, and you can see when charging is stopped and you can unplug.

i generally use fordpass or OBD/car scanner to monitor charging session progress.

 

[Womps]

I thought we could only charge on Tesla chargers rated at 250 kw or higher.

 

[AhardFSU]

if you don't use the tesla app then plugshare or chargeway are good app options that show NACS sites along with most other charging locations. tesla's website is a canonical source of information for tesla charging sites. supercharger.info is another good source of tesla site information.

Ehhh...I'm gonna say it.....Plugshare and chargeway don't have all of the Tesla stations that are available to non-Tesla vehicles labeled corrected. That's a fact.

I'm going to sound like a broken record, but I keep telling folk on this forum that if you're not going to use the Tesla app, use the Ford Pass app to verify Tesla chargers that are open to non-Tesla evs. Also, unlike the Tesla app, the Ford Pass will show you which stalls at a supercharger are not occupied. You can also initiate the charge from the Ford Pass if you don't have plug and charge setup for some reason.

 

[AhardFSU]

Q: I need the Tesla App on my phone, right ?

A: You don't need the Tesla app on your phone. But having it doesn't hurt. You can use it to see Tesla Supercharger stations that are open to non-Tesla evs as long you let the app know your vehicle type. If you plan to use the Tesla membership plan for cheaper charging rates, you will need the app.

Q: I installed Tesla App and opened as guest. explored, and nearest supercharger site info shows there are 8, 150kw max. shows fee of $.38/kwhr. How can I tell if my NACS adapter will work there ?
A: Tesla app doesn't show whether it is non-tesla NACS compaitble or not, but Plugshare.com does if you click on the site info. So, if you are researching a route, check with Plugshare.

The answer above is wrong. The Tesla app will show you which Tesla Supercharger stations are open to non-Tesla vehicles as long as you have let the app know the type of vehicle you have. Plugshare has inaccurate information on which Tesla Superchargers are open to non-Tesla vehicles. Please use the Ford Pass app, Tesla app, or Tesla website for the most accurate and up to date status of Superchargers that are open to non-Tesla evs.

In addition, the advantage in using the Ford Pass app to check which Tesla Supercharger stations are open to non-Tesla vehicles is that you can see which stalls at a compatible supercharger are not occupied. You can even initiate the charging session from the Ford Pass as long as you have a credit card on your Ford account; this is relevant if you don't have plug and charge activated in the Ford Pass app.

Q: do I need to create a Tesla account to pay, or is there always a way to pay w credit card on site or as a "guest"?

A: You can't pay with a credit card on site at most Supercharger locations. You can pay with the credit you have on file in your Ford account if you activate the charge via the Ford Pass app. If you have plug and charge activated in your Ford Pass app, the credit card you have on file in your Ford account will be charged. If you don't have either of the first two item, you will have to use the Tesla app to initiate a charge. You will need to have created a Tesla account and have a credit card attached to that account.

Q: once I pull up to a SuperCharger... what is the order of connecting NACS adapter, to dispenser, to Mache ?

A: The order is whatever the instructions that came with your adapter says.

Q: once connected, how do I initiate charge to start ?

A: If you don't have plug and charge turned on in the Ford Pass app, which will automatically start the charge session once you plug in, you can initiate the charge from the Ford Pass app. You can also initiate the charge from the Tesla app if you have created a Tesla account and attached a credit card to the account. You can also go into the Public Charging app the car's infotainment screen if the Public Charging app has been installed on your vehicle.

Q: Best way to stop charge ? use the "unlock" button on Mach-e ?

A: Press the unlock button next the charge port on your car.

 

[kodiakng]

Ehhh...I'm gonna say it.....Plugshare and chargeway don't have all of the Tesla stations that are available to non-Tesla vehicles labeled corrected. That's a fact.

whew, so glad you're here so folks aren't led astray by plugshare and chargeway.

I'm going to sound like a broken record, but I keep telling folk on this forum that if you're not going to use the Tesla app, use the Ford Pass app to verify Tesla chargers that are open to non-Tesla evs. Also, unlike the Tesla app, the Ford Pass will show you which stalls at a supercharger are not occupied. You can also initiate the charge from the Ford Pass if you don't have plug and charge setup for some reason.

ah yes, fordpass is another option.

when i'm pulling into a supercharger site i can see with my own eyes which stalls are open. the information i need before i arrive is how full the site is. since tesla's stall numbers are low on the post i won't know stall numbering until i'm close enough to have selected a stall already.

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