Eating a breakfast quesadilla in your car may not sound appealing, but when it’s from Wawa and you have access to a Tesla Supercharger, it becomes a much more exciting experience. In late September, Tesla unlocked access to its Supercharger network for General Motors cars, including the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, through an NACS/CCS adapter. This move came more than a year after GM announced its switch to NACS and after some internal chaos at Tesla made it seem like a dead deal. With access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, road trips for Bolt owners like myself have become much less worrisome.
Before Tesla’s Supercharger access was available, road trips in my Bolt were a source of stress and uncertainty. As the slowest-charging modern EV, I had to carefully plan my trips based on battery levels, nearby amenities, and the reliability of charging stations. I relied on apps like A Better Route Planner, PlugShare, and Google Maps reviews to find charging stations along my route, but even with all the research, I still encountered numerous challenges.
During the past year, I experienced long lines at highway charging stops, encountered stations with broken plugs or screens, and dealt with unreliable charging spots at outlet malls. There was even a vacation island where only one ChargePoint charger was working out of four. It was frustrating to deal with these issues, especially when there was no immediate solution. Calling the support number for assistance rarely resulted in a quick fix, leaving me stranded without a backup plan.
This is where Tesla’s Supercharger access becomes invaluable for Bolt owners. It provides a robust backup plan for those tired of the uncertainties and frustrations of non-Tesla charging stations. Although it requires a non-too-cheap adapter and finding a way to connect a short cable to the Bolt’s specific charging port location, the convenience and reliability of Tesla’s Superchargers make it worth the investment. Plus, Tesla’s Supercharger network is extensive, with many locations conveniently situated near highways and amenities like restrooms, snacks, and shopping.
Compared to other charging networks, Tesla’s app consistently updates the number of available and working stalls at each Supercharger location. Other networks often leave EV owners guessing whether chargers are available at their desired times. For example, finding a fast charger at a car dealership at 9 am on a Sunday is a gamble, and waiting in line at a Walmart charging station can be time-consuming. Tesla’s Supercharger network eliminates these uncertainties and provides a seamless charging experience.
To put Tesla’s Supercharger access to the test, I purchased an A2Z Typhoon Pro adapter, which received positive reviews and fast shipping. It was also more affordable than GM’s official charger, which was on backorder at the time. On my first attempt at using the adapter, I encountered some challenges finding an available Supercharger spot at a Wawa station. However, a helpful family suggested that I could park sideways behind the Supercharger stations, effectively creating an additional charging spot. With the adapter plugged in, I quickly started charging my Bolt, experiencing the convenience of Tesla’s Supercharger network firsthand.
Access to Tesla’s Supercharger network has significantly improved the road trip experience for Bolt owners like myself. Gone are the days of worrying about unreliable charging stations and long wait times. With Tesla’s extensive network of Superchargers, conveniently located along highways and near amenities, road trips have become much more enjoyable and stress-free. While there is a cost associated with the adapter and Tesla’s charging fees for non-members, the benefits far outweigh the expenses.
In conclusion, Tesla’s decision to unlock Supercharger access to General Motors cars, including the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, has revolutionized the road trip experience for Bolt owners. The convenience and reliability of Tesla’s Supercharger network provide a robust backup plan for those tired of the uncertainties associated with non-Tesla charging stations. With access to more than 17,000 Supercharger spots, located in previously dark zones for road trips, Bolt owners no longer have to rely solely on other charging networks. Tesla’s Superchargers, with their convenient locations and reliable operation, have made road trips in the Bolt much more enjoyable and stress-free.
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