Ford tells some EV customers to stop using its Tesla Supercharger adapter
Ford is asking some of its electric vehicle customers to stop using the adapter that allows them to charge at Tesla Superchargers. The automaker has notified certain Mustang Mach-E owners via email to refrain from utilizing the adapter due to “a potential safety concern,” although specifics about the issue haven’t been shared. This move follows Ford’s recent collaboration with Tesla to allow access to its charging network.
The adapter was initially announced by Ford in March, aiming to expand charging options for Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners. It was anticipated to grant them access to over 12,000 Superchargers across the United States and Canada, making it the largest fast-charging network in North America. The agreement between Ford and Tesla also included the installation of North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors on future Ford EVs, starting with the 2025 model year.
While Ford’s email acknowledges the adapter’s role in increasing accessibility to charging locations, it advises customers to “immediately stop using the Tesla Charging Connector for your Mustang Mach-E until further notice.” The email urges owners to seek out alternative charging methods at present. Ford hasn’t clarified what steps it intends to take to address the safety concerns or whether they affect other EVs equipped with the adapter. The company also refrained from revealing details about the potential safety issues or the number of affected vehicles.
This development comes amid ongoing industry efforts to harmonize EV charging standards. Earlier this year, General Motors announced its transition from the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard to NACS, following a similar move by Ford. The adoption of NACS, popularized by Tesla, has created a split in charging network infrastructure. This transition has generated discussions about a possible merging of charging technologies.
Ford’s latest directive highlights the complexities of interoperability within the electric vehicle sector. As the industry transitions towards new charging standards, it will be essential to ensure the safety and compatibility of chargers and adapters. This incident underscores the importance of ongoing safety checks and quality control in a rapidly evolving automotive market.
