Using Tesla Destination Chargers with an adapter for your i3?

[MarkNo]

We often see Teslas plugged into free chargers that we could be using, but what about our using Tesla's free chargers?

Tesla Destination Chargers are basically level 2 chargers which Tesla distributes to businesses such as hotels, malls, restaurants etc for them to manage. This helps Tesla widen its charging network. The catch is that Tesla uses a different plug and so unless you have an adapter you cannot plug an i3 into a Tesla Destination Charger (BTW regardless of adapters you cannot use Tesla's Superchargers (level 3 chargers) as they require VIN number authentication, whereas the Tesla Destination Chargers do not).

The good news is that there are several adapters on the market which would make it possible to charge an i3 at a Tesla Destination Charger:

http://www.bmwblog.com/2017/11/02/new-adapter-allows-bmw-plug-ins-use-tesla-destination-chargers/

http://www.umc-j1772.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAuP7UBRDiARIsAFpxiRItAdW6hr5JSypQ1wuNwckaxuc0iv9qsUSejbQrdzSpROI9kZszohAaAh1gEALw_wcB

https://shop.quickchargepower.com/JDapter-Stub-Tesla-Charge-Station-Adaptor-JDPTRSTB.htm;jsessionid=BC88214C0BBE33B74577705CCC9D2297.p3plqscsfapp004;jsessionid=18F3CAAC801E28A3E933081690A93ED8.p3plqscsfapp003

Does anyone have any experience to share about using adapters to tap into Tesla's Destination Chargers? Are these adapters worth having, and if so, do you favour a particular model?

 

[OzRob]

I just picked up my new 2018 i3s and will mainly charge it overnight at home, for use around the city of Sydney.
However for longer journeys, the best infrastructure in Australia is that of Tesla Superchargers and my supplying BMW dealer tells me I can use them. 2018 i3 has a compatible connector with Tesla but I wonder if anyone has tried this and whether if, for example VIN entry is required, Tesla will recognize a BMW one!

 

[sylvang]

I own an adapter and it works great but it is not for the supercharger.(maybe n Australia you have different system? not sure) In the states its only for Tesla class 2 destination charging stations but I love it and works well.

 

[alohart]

However for longer journeys, the best infrastructure in Australia is that of Tesla Superchargers and my supplying BMW dealer tells me I can use them. 2018 i3 has a compatible connector with Tesla but I wonder if anyone has tried this and whether if, for example VIN entry is required, Tesla will recognize a BMW one!

I think that you got bad advice because, at least in the U.S., Tesla is charging for the use of Superchargers if one doesn't have the free Supercharger use for life option. A Supercharger knows the VIN of the car being charged and can charge the account of the owner of that car. This would not work for any car brand other than Tesla.

Anywhere that uses the Mennekes Type 2 connector for charging (e.g., Europe) can physically plug in a Supercharger cable to an EV's charging port because in these markets, Tesla's charging port is physically the same as a Mennekes Type 2 port. However, I think that the signals used on the various port pins are incompatible.

 

[AlexDP]

I just picked up my new 2018 i3s and will mainly charge it overnight at home, for use around the city of Sydney.
However for longer journeys, the best infrastructure in Australia is that of Tesla Superchargers and my supplying BMW dealer tells me I can use them. 2018 i3 has a compatible connector with Tesla but I wonder if anyone has tried this and whether if, for example VIN entry is required, Tesla will recognize a BMW one!

It just cant work...
Tesla sends DC over the Type 2 plug , where the i3 expects AC

 

[OzRob]

On the question of AC vs DC my owner’s handbook specifically describes DC fast charging as recommended for quickest charging, AC if you’re at home/overnight domestic charging.
My dealer just confirmed I can use Tesla chargers here - I’ll try it but maybe not in front of my local Tesla showroom!

 

[I33t]

Do you know if the cable from the Tesla system in Australia would fit the i3?

There are a list of EV charger cables for Aussies here: http://www.gelcoservices.com.au/gelco_electric_vehicle.htm

 

[jadnashuanh]

Depending on the market, the DC fast charging capability may or may not be standard equipment. None of the Tesla superchargers will work on anything but a Tesla. Any Tesla destination charger should be able to work on the i3 IF you have a compatible adapter assembly, but they are AC.

On acv (level 1 or 2) charging, the i3 can handle somewhere between 3.7 and 7.4Kw, with some that have 3-phase inputs, able to handle a bit more. The Tesla superchargers (DC) can supply up to 125Kw. The input to the i3 can handle up to 50Kw, but the signaling is different between the two, as well as the plug and a converter cable won't fix that. The existing CCS standard tops out at 50Kw, but there are some updates in the works to support up to 350Kw, but there are no vehicles for sale right now that could utilize that, the standard has not been finalized, and there are no units deployed except for a few used by the manufacturers to test their prototypes. Audi has one capable of 150Kw ready to be sold probably next year, and Porsche has one the following year with a 350Kw input capacity.

 

[theothertom]

Good info, Jim. Thanks

 

[salocin411]

Granted this is not for the SUPERCHARGERS, but I found this interesting. Still even if it worked... how TESLA bill you for it?
:mrgreen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFEJyqGErag

 

[weajd]

Granted this is not for the SUPERCHARGERS, but I found this interesting. Still even if it worked... how TESLA bill you for it?
:mrgreen:

I have not used these.
But as I understand it, TESLA offers free charging on these Level 2 chargers.
I can imagine others adding some sort of charging mechanism to the power supply so you can use their electricity.

 

[pfrichtl]

You need to have a Tesla account to use Tesla chargers. Download Tesla app and register with credit card info and info Tesla will use to confirm "handshake" with car when connected. NOT FREE!

 

[3pete]

None of the Tesla superchargers will work on anything but a Tesla. Any Tesla destination charger should be able to work on the i3 IF you have a compatible adapter assembly, but they are AC.

As a point of clarification, both of these statements are generally true, but not necessarily 100% of the time.

Tesla has opened some of their superchargers to other brands. This is easier and more prevalent in non-US countries where all EVs use the same plug. In the US, only Superchargers with magicdock adapters are open to other brands right now.

If this link works, here's the map of Australian Superchargers where your i3 *should* be able to charge
https://www.tesla.com/en_au/findus?...24138,122.75475196268769&zoom=6&filters=party
You will need to activate the charge via the Tesla app, which is also how you'll pay for it.

For destination chargers, most of them are free and therefore require no payment or authentication but my understanding is that there is a way for a site operator to configure the destination so that only Telsas can charge on it. Under certain conditions they can also require payment to start a charge. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any way to tell if this is the case other than trial and error.

 

[Lura Beaumont]

it's 2024, is no one talking about the A2Z converter for Tesla Stations?
These A2Z converters/Adapters are being shipped by Ford to EV existing owners free of charge, but wonder about BMW i3 compatibility or any conflicts?

https://a2zevshop.com/

 

[EvanstonI3]

it's 2024, is no one talking about the A2Z converter for Tesla Stations?
These A2Z converters/Adapters are being shipped by Ford to EV existing owners free of charge, but wonder about BMW i3 compatibility or any conflicts?

https://a2zevshop.com/

No compatibility with i3. Period.
We have to use SuperChargers that have MagicDocks installed.
You want to waste your money and buy one and try it? Go ahead.

 

[JohnnyCakes]

No compatibility with i3. Period.
We have to use SuperChargers that have MagicDocks installed.

Agree with this post.

If we use the SuperCharger with MagicDock installed, what charging level is that comparable to?
110v -- like home
220v -- like ChargePoint
DC Fast (like Electricy America?)

 

[EvanstonI3]

Agree with this post.

If we use the SuperCharger with MagicDock installed, what charging level is that comparable to?
110v -- like home
220v -- like ChargePoint
DC Fast (like Electricy America?)

DC Fast

 

[duanew]

No compatibility with i3. Period.
We have to use SuperChargers that have MagicDocks installed.
You want to waste your money and buy one and try it? Go ahead.

I agree but that might change. It is not a physical problem but a software problem. There is currently no way to initiate the charge because of the plug and charge system that tesla has set up. I hope they change it to something more universally compatible.

 

[tob1as]

I agree but that might change. It is not a physical problem but a software problem. There is currently no way to initiate the charge because of the plug and charge system that tesla has set up. I hope they change it to something more universally compatible.

I bought one, but know it won’t work until Tesla unlocks the software capability. Technically it shouldn’t be difficult, because what is a “magic dock “ other than a physical adapter to fit the CCS1 plug? I don’t need plug-in charge, which I believe is why it’s taking such a long time for other car makes to get access to the full supercharger network.

 

[ksnax]

I agree but that might change. It is not a physical problem but a software problem. There is currently no way to initiate the charge because of the plug and charge system that tesla has set up. I hope they change it to something more universally compatible.

My understanding is that it still requires a phone app to communicate with Tesla - and that the adapter itself provides no data communication about the vehicle being charged. I.e., it is 100% a software issue they are slow walking, same as MagicDock - which they only developed to collect a federal subsidy on. They are doing the BARE MINIMUM possible to offer that option and keep the cash - all while trying to wrangle OEMs into their network.

I honestly don't understand their math on why they are going about the legacy adoption that way, but it has been over a year since MagicDock started rolling out - and the closest one to me on the major transportation corridor of I-5 is ~300 miles away. They've put in complete Supercharger stations in less time. They don't give a f--k about converting the rest.