YouTuber Alex Sibila recently posted a hands-on video with Tesla’s CCS Combo 1 adapter in the U.S., offering a good explanation of what it’s all about. Recent social media discussion online has been all about people sharing pictures of their new CCS adapter.
The adapter allows you to charge your Tesla at third-party DC fast chargers that have CCS1 connectors, like those in the Electrify America network.
Even though Tesla’s Supercharger network is expansive and user-friendly, having the ability to charge at other fast chargers as well can’t hurt. You never know when you’re going to be running low on juice with no Superchargers around, or when you’re going to be in a rush with all the Superchargers near you being occupied.
Tesla’s CCS1 adapter is only available in South Korea. Even though Tesla announced plans back in October 2021 to launch a CCS1 adapter in North America “soon,” we haven’t heard anything since.
If you want the adapter in the U.S. (or anywhere else, for that matter), you can buy one for $309 USD (shipping included) from harum.io, as the site will make the purchase from Tesla in South Korea for you.
Sibila warns, however, that the CCS Combo 1 adapter only works with a Tesla that supports the adapter. To see if your Tesla has CCS adapter support, go into Software > Additional vehicle information, and check for the CCS adapter support entry. If it says Enabled, you’re good to go.
If your Tesla does not support CCS adapters, you’re going to need a charge port ECU upgrade to get the functionality working. This option from Tesla isn’t available yet, but some have been able to accomplish the upgrade themselves.
The YouTuber was able to charge a Model 3 at a 150 kW (350 kW max) Electrify America charger using the adapter. Charging the car from 14% to 44% took 11 minutes, with a peak power output of 167 kW.
Are you using the CCS adapter from Tesla right now?
