Nissan Ariya Now Compatible with Tesla Superchargers

Nissan Ariya Now Compatible with Tesla Superchargers – But with an Extra Plastic Piece

By Rick Wilson December 17th, 2024 0 reviews

Nissan Ariya Joins Tesla’s Supercharger Network

Starting from December 17, 2024, Nissan Ariya owners in the U.S. will have access to approximately 17,800 Tesla Supercharger stations, dramatically expanding their fast-charging options. This development is a major milestone for Nissan and marks the Ariya as one of the latest electric vehicles (EVs) to join Tesla’s Supercharger network, which is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and fast-growing EV charging networks in the world.

The Nissan Ariya, a Japanese electric crossover, will join the ranks of other automakers who have signed agreements with Tesla to enable their vehicles to charge on the Supercharger network. However, there is one key difference for Ariya owners when compared to other manufacturers: the design of the Ariya's charging port.

The Unique Adapter Requirement for Nissan Ariya

Unlike other EVs that can use Tesla Superchargers with a simple adapter, Nissan Ariya owners will need an additional plastic piece to ensure compatibility. The Ariya’s CCS1 charging port has a small gap between the two DC pins at the bottom of the port, which prevents the Tesla NACS connector from fitting securely. To solve this issue, a T-shaped black plastic piece is included in the official Nissan adapter kit.

According to The Verge, this plastic piece, which is included in the $235 adapter kit, needs to be installed by the user before using a Tesla Supercharger. Once installed, the piece remains in place and is not removed, ensuring that the charging process works smoothly. Nissan has clarified that the adapter does not interfere with the overall functionality of the Ariya’s CCS1 port or the ability to charge on CCS stations.

How the Adapter Works

Nissan's official NACS to CCS adapter for the Ariya contains the essential locking mechanism that activates when the vehicle is plugged into a Tesla Supercharger. The additional plastic piece inside the adapter kit ensures that the connector locks securely into the port, allowing for smooth and efficient charging. Nissan confirmed to InsideEVs that this locking mechanism is specifically designed to work with Tesla’s Supercharger network, but will not affect the charging experience at CCS stations.

The image below shows the Ariya’s CCS1 port and the extra space between the bottom two DC pins, where the plastic piece fits. For comparison, Rivian’s R1T and Ford’s F-150 Lightning have a solid piece of plastic between the DC pins, allowing them to use the same adapters without the need for additional components.

In the video below, Nissan demonstrates how the entire process works, explaining how the adapter and the extra plastic piece fit into the charging port.

Different CCS Design for International Markets

Interestingly, Nissan Ariya models sold in the U.K. and Australia have a different CCS design. These models use the CCS2 standard instead of CCS1, and the bottom of the charging port does not have the empty space between the DC pins. Instead, a solid piece of plastic fills that gap. Additionally, in these right-hand-drive markets, the charging port is located on the left side of the vehicle, as opposed to the right side on U.S. models.

This design difference is attributed to variations in manufacturing processes, with the CCS1 port on U.S. Ariya models having a slight gap due to how the port is constructed. Nissan has taken steps to modify the port design to ensure compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network for U.S. customers, but this modification only works when using the official NACS to CCS adapter.

Third-Party Adapters and Other Options

While Nissan’s official adapter kit ensures compatibility with Tesla Superchargers, some owners may choose to use third-party NACS to CCS adapters. These adapters, including those offered by various suppliers, may not require the extra plastic piece to connect the Ariya to Tesla’s Supercharger network. As long as the third-party adapter works with the locking mechanism, owners can bypass the need for the additional plastic component.

Interestingly, this has opened up options for those who want a more cost-effective solution. Some third-party adapters may even offer a better price point, along with warranties to ensure quality and durability. If you're in a hurry to get your hands on an adapter, there are options available with quicker shipping times than the official Nissan version, and some come with up to a year-long warranty.

Why This is Important for Nissan Ariya Owners

With the ability to access Tesla's Supercharger network, Nissan Ariya owners in the U.S. will enjoy the convenience of charging at one of the most expansive and fast-growing networks of EV chargers. The Tesla Supercharger network is known for its reliability and speed, making it an attractive charging option for EV owners who want to maximize their range while on the go.

However, Nissan’s unique approach with the additional plastic piece means that Ariya owners will need to take a few extra steps to get started with Supercharging. While the official adapter kit from Nissan ensures that the charging process works smoothly, owners may find third-party solutions to be more convenient or cost-effective, depending on their preferences.

Nissan Ariya Supercharging Compatibility

Nissan’s integration of the Ariya with the Tesla Supercharger network is a significant step in making EV charging more accessible and convenient for owners of non-Tesla vehicles. While the need for an additional plastic component may be a bit of an inconvenience for some, the overall benefit of having access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network makes it a worthwhile investment.

As more automakers transition to NACS (North American Charging Standard), the number of EVs capable of using Tesla’s Superchargers is expected to grow rapidly. For now, Nissan Ariya owners can rest easy knowing that they can charge their vehicle at one of the best and most reliable EV networks in the world.