A2Z NACS To CCS1 Adapter Review
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- Опубликовано: 1 июн 2024
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My initial review of the A2Z Typhoon adapter which allows non-Tesla vehicles with a CCS1 charging inlet to charge at Tesla Superchargers, provided the vehicle is authorized to do so.
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:48 Background info on approved and non-approved NACS adapters
07:12 Ford's policy on 3rd party adapters
07:42 Tesla's policy on 3rd party adapters
08:13 A2Z's statement on 3rd party adapters
11:53 My Lightning's 10% to 80% charge recording using the A2Z adapter
12:38 The A2Z adapter's temperature during the charging session
13:35 UL 2252's maximum surface temperature limits
16:17 The A2Z Typhoon adapter's key features
17:49 My initial thoughts after using it 5 times
25:45 Outro
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Tom hit all the key points on this review! Great, thorough analysis and comparison to current anticipated UL requirements. While Tesla continues ramping up production of the official adapter, the A2Z adapter seems like a great product for those who heavily rely on L3 charging. Inventory will continue to be constrained as other manufacturers gain access to the Super Charger Network. Kudos to the Ford CEO and Elon for making this happen as it will truly accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.
To be honest I didn't even notice they even did reviews like this.
@@AwesomeBlackDude "They" don't. I do.
Tom is on fire with these videos at the moment. I think a lot of adapters will be sold purely because Tesla (well, Tesla's supplier) are maxed out making them for all the OEMs. The next step is surely to open them up alongside an electronics expert and compare the engineering. From the guidance offered by Ford, the official adapter is entirely passive. ie there's nothing in there which authenticates the adapter on either vehicle or charger side, so it does seem there's no way for anyone to enforce these being blocked.
“On fire” is not a descriptor I’d use for this video or Tom. 😂
@@davemayo70- But it has sparked a lot of debate. 😅
😂
now i need to see the cursed test of a tesla using the J3400 to CCS adapter, plugging the CCS to J3400 adapter from A2Z into that and then plugging the supercharger into it to see if it charges, you know, for science.
Kyle has tested that on a magic dock and it worked fine
Tom already did that on the initial video with his interview of A2Z’s CEO.
Great review Tom. Fantastic that you provided all sides of the argument for the viewer to make a very well informed decision. I can't see any of these other auto manufacturers getting Supercharger access next, as early as by the end of this month, that their customers will have their official adapters any time soon. So better that they select the proper 3th party adapter than just anything they come across in Amazon.
I appreciate the videos you’ve done about/with A2Z. I drive a Hyundai Ioniq 5, so no need for a NACS adapter at this point. However, I’m impressed with A2Z and I was happy to see that the discount code also worked on a V2L adapter for my car. Thanks!
Thanks so much for all your review and informational videos. I've learned an incredible amount about charging and EV's from you.
Thank you Tom! I did go ahead and purchase the Lectron adapter because of the auto NACS lock... Cannot wait for that video!
Thanks Tom! going to pick up my lightning Thursday, and this video haa giving me some great insight for my first EV.
Thanks for the review Tom and the coupon code! Great as usual!
A thoughtful and informative piece. Thanks again.
Thank you Tom for this review. Great job , very informative.👍
Thanks for the discount code Tom - should have mine this week!
I hope that when tesla does make the cable extension, it comes with the CCS end already on it. Mainly to keep it with the least amount of connections as possible.
Great review as always Tom! I'm excited to test the A2Z adapter once Hyundai/Kia vehicles get access. It does feel like it's made very well.
Nice job Tom! Great content!
Thanks Tom! I've ordered the Lectron - and looking forward to your review. They tell me, despite having 5 Start reviews on their site, they won't be shipping until late March. Better than what Ford told me in my request for their adapter "August Shipping Date".... I hope the review will be as good as the A2Z when you put it out!
I got the same email from Lectron. Hopefully they can start shipping soon.
Thanks for all your reviews, I’ve learned so much from you watching these videos. I currently own a Rivian R1S and it looks like their adapter will not be shipped for quite some time. I’ve decided I am going to order one of the third party adapters that you have reviewed. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
Hi Tom, Rivian announced today March 18th, 2024 that you can now charge on the Tesla Superchargers. I look forward to your video showing us how it works. Keep up the great work.
Great video, thanks Tom!
Well Tom here is our experience. We just received our adapter from A2Z because the adapter from Ford is taking forever to ship (scheduled for August since last March), and I have to say it's been a nightmare to close the lower locking mechanism. On our first visit to the Tesla station it took lots of tries (about 10 minutes or more) to finally get it to close. On our second visit to a different Tesla station we tried on the first stall and wouldn't close. After at least like 10 minutes trying we decided to move to a different stall and we had the same problem, it wouldn't lock. Every time we thought it was locked it wasn't. I was not going to keep moving the truck (F-150 Lightning) so I decided to first try the adapter on each available stall and see if it would lock, and finally I found one where after playing with the adapter for a while it locked and charge as expected. It took about 30 minutes of tries and a very sore thumb to which you add the charging time (15 minutes) and we end up about 45 minutes to add 13 kW if charge (not cool). This shouldn't work like this, it should be a seamless operation to lock it. Thank goodness we were testing only and not out of necessity with a dead battery or the panic would have escalated significantly. Now, both times when it finally locked and we were able to start the charge I have to say the handshake and starting to charge was way faster than with Electrify America, but we are talking about a few minutes or even seconds only, but it is noticeable. After all the struggle at least the faster hand shake diminished somewhat the stress. We normally charge at home but soon we are planning a road trip and needed to make sure this adapter would work since where we are heading the closest Electrify America is about 100 miles but there is a Tesla station about 5 miles from our planned hotel. Well, now we know what lies ahead.
I posted on social media about charging my Mach-E with the A2Z adaptor, Ford Canada liked the post.
Ordered this one (and the Lectron version) - thank you for the code. I'm going to use these and test them until my official Rivian version arrives.
At 21:03 of the video you show the locking slide to the NACS end sliding into place. On my first-time use yesterday, the slide would not travel fully and the adapter would not capture the NACS tip. I proceeded anyway and everything worked perfectly. Upon removal, I found that the adapter was in fact locked to the NACS end and was able to remove it normally.
Other than that anomaly, my Lightning charged great on the Tesla Supercharger and I am Super-stoked!
Just bought their Tesla to J1772 adapter so I can use my gen 3 wall connector with my E Tron GT. Your coupon code worked for that item too.
Great reviews Tom. I've gone ahead and ordered my A2Z adapter and thanks for the discount code. I'm one of the later ones receiving the R1S and I need to hit the road s00n. Lectron looks like they are taking people's money and not shipping the adapters plus the interference fit where the NACS plugs in pushed me to A2Z. The manual latch for the NACS side on A2Z is no big deal.
For a matter of scale, you drink coffee a lot hotter than 108°. The hot water from the faucet is recommended to be 120°.
Thank You Tom for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮ ❤
Tom, FYI. Tesla has a MagicDock Supercharger off the Garden State Parkway in exit 135 in Clark, NJ. You don't need to go to Brewster, NY to check non-Tesla EVs on the SCs. It is a 16 stall at the Holiday Inn. Check the Tesla charger map.
BTW: A2Z is also developing an extension cable. Patrick and Liv noticed that this adapter seems to be more "solid," with better materials, than their FORD adapter. I'll now want to see the results with the Lectron adapter. I like my J1772 adapter from A27: works well… but… I don't have a temperature tool to see if it is overheating. I doubt it, however. Methinks the warnings from Tesla and Ford about 3rd party adapters are overblown in this case.
The warnings are for legal protection. Remember when iPhones started on fire and Apple blamed the cables and chargers? Tesla and Ford are just getting out in front of it. They aren’t in the certification business.
The Ford adapter is still pre-production, sometimes those plastic parts while offering the same capabilities as the final ones aren’t at the level of the final ones in terms of touch&feel. 🤷♂️
EVs aren't Christmas lights. The best adapter is no adapter, particularly at power levels approaching 350kW (a typical house uses 10kW or less). Any NACS "extension cord" scheme is recklessly dangerous for dc fast charging. Ask Lectron, they are the only remaining supplier of Tesla (NACS) "extension cords" for ac charging due to frequent customer misuse.
Thanks for the review. Still waiting for GM to release info about SC access. Seems like we’ll have to be patient
Personally, I find it easier to lock it first rather than try to lock it after you connect the NACS side.
Tom, I understand your concern with the manual locking of this adapter. However, I wanted to say is that I believe if you watch the videos from Patrick and Liv on their Mach E channel you will see that the issue with the Ford provided Tesla adapter makes for a challenge to remove the adapter if you have any physical disabilities. From what I see it looks challenging, even if you don’t have physical disabilities to push the button in and pull the plug out while holding onto the adapter. Having a switch that you can simply disable and then pull out the Tesla handle easily seems advantageous in certain cases.
Yes! Thank you! I am a petite woman and thusly have small hands. I saw Patrick and Liv’s video and became concerned that I might have trouble disconnecting the Ford adapter. To be clear, I don’t have an actual disability, I’m just a small woman. It shouldn’t be that hard for anyone. I hope Ford is watching and can rethink that design.
Please hurry with your Lectron evaluation. I am going to order one of them and you seem to be the only impartial source of real facts. Thanks for your great channel.
I'm basically done with it. Just waiting on Lectron to respond to a few questions I have...
Thank you, Tom!
I’m a little late to this video Tom, so if this comment is a repeat, forgive me. Great review as always ! I don’t think banning third party adapters is really a safety issue. It’s purely a profit issue. These adapters will be sold for a limited number of years. Tesla wants the biggest return on their investment to design and manufacture them knowing they will be obsolete virtually within ten years or so. That is why the lead time now is so long. They’re not going to invest in a high speed assembly line since the bulk of these will be shipped in a year or so anyway.
From just an external visual aspect I think this one is the nicest looking. It is the most sleek looking and compact. I actually like the manual lock as it makes you pay attention to what you are doing. It also seems easier to deal with than the Tesla adapter which seems cumbersome to disconnect from the NACS plug. Overall great video. Thank you for the comprehensive reviews on these products.
I like the idea of someone drunk enough to not be able to charge.
Sometimes things get a bit too easy.
Right. FOMO strikes again. It "looks nice", isn't made or approved by Tesla or an EV OEM, and the unattended NACS plug can be manually removed by a random passer-by at any time, even while charging at an eyeball-frying 350kW (the NACS lock release abruptly aborts charging). Thermal videos reveal internal thermal hot spots that Tom hinted at, and this resistive heating will increase with adapter and charging port contact wear. If you insist on using a banned dc fast charging adapter and risking your EV battery pack and its warranty, at least let A2Z refine this clearly flawed design before you stick it to the man.
@@dancolestock A2Z & other "cheap, but morally responsible" companies [who can not afford the infamy of someone electrocuted, or a Tesla supercharger going in flames] should implement this types of "passively safe disadvantages" on purpose (rather than as a compromise).
For those that comes with an automatic electromagnetic lock, should also come with a thermal fuse that closes an internal circuit (rather than trying to "cut" the active live one), activating a tiny capacitor (single use: charge & discharge once) that both forces open the lock & partially pushes the assembly out [not enough for it to fall], physically separating the live contacts (immediately after it signals both the car & charger to stop electronically).
-> As a bonus, if this separation fails the capacitor instead powers a LOUD "emergency beep" (similar to a faulty motherboard in a PC).
Thanks for the chapter markers. I've ordered the Lectron adapter; not sure when I will get it (maybe before the end of March). Due to get my Ford/Tesla adapter in May.
I'll have that review later this week
I also ordered the Lectron J3400 to CCS1 adapter back in November. I recently sent Lectron an email asking when I'll get my adapter. They responded saying by the end of March, so fingers crossed.
Question ... when did you order your Ford-Tesla adapter, and who provided you the May ETA? I ordered mine two weeks ago, and I've not heard anything yet about an ETA. Thank you! 🙂
I ordered my adapter on March 1 at 2 AM and it told me I would get my adapter in August 24 you’ve got to be kidding me
The A2Z adaptor? Or Ford?
@@MindofMatter
Ford
@@thechefrandy5555 yeah. I saw that a lot on the forums. Even though mine is supposed to come here by May, I bought the A2z adapter in the meantime because I've got a few road trips coming up and it's worth it to me
@@MindofMatter
When did you order your Ford one?
@@thechefrandy5555 about 905am central time on the same day they became available . One I saw the ETA was May I immediately ordered the A2Z which I'll sell to a friend or keep as a backup
I have the a2z ac adaptor, and I noticed burn marks between the low voltage pins on the Tesla side after heavy rain, the angle of the adaptor on the id4 channels rain drops directly into it. I noticed in your video there are still no seals on the Tesla side, and for supercharging I would not touch this adaptor.
Watched this video, ordered this adapter, and got it about 3 weeks later. Works great if I initiate the charging session using Tesla's app, but Plug&Charge always gives me a "Charging station fault See manual" error on the dash of my Lightning. Tried multiple times at two Superchargers in two states, and my Plug&Charge works fine at E.A. chargers. Called Ford, and they said they couldn't help diagnose such problems when using a third-party adapter. I was honest about the adapter, even though I'm sure Ford can't tell what adapter I have, and I don't think the adapter is the problem. When I finally get my official Ford adapter in a few months, hopefully they can diagnose my charge-fault issue then. Just wanted to let folks know in case this info might help others. 🙂
Thanks for the review and support, got my A2Z adapter in time for our first MachE trip to Boston from Rochester used a v3 Tesla Charger with the A2Z adapter and works great, unfortunately the MachE is cold and charging poorly only getting 45kW-65kW!
Update - the manual lock on mine fails 80% so far, hopefully we can get this fixed.
Hi@@Bzzap83 ,
We called you today to troubleshoot and we will replace if it is demonstrated faulty. Of the thousands of adapters sold and shipped, we only had an infinite number of 2 defective locking mechanisms which have been replaced and now working fine. Don't worry, we will be assisting you in order for you to be happy and satisfied with our products.
Thank you.
Thanks for your quick response to my email & this thread! I’ll reach out today to finalize testing, but I can confirm it didn’t lock on my level2 tesla charger at home (just testing the lock) - will try a supercharger again this afternoon.
Appreciate the excellent support from A2Z and getting the replacement adapter shipped out! While I was testing the adapter at a Supercharger, 5 different Teslas owners asked me about this adapter. I sent them to this comprehensive video at State of Charge for both the review and discount code 😀
New adapter locking works great!
Sent an inquiry about the adapter to A2Z yesterday, and received a phone call back from Amine this morning! I never expected the CEO to return my call! After discussions with him, I have no hesitations in using the adapter once it arrives (which will likely be well before I receive my adapter from Rivian).
Have you received this yet? I am picking up my R1S in the morning.
Not yet…hopefully I’ll have it by early next month. Congrats on the R1S!
Hypothetically, if you never purchased an OEM adapter or a charging providers adapter, then you could not approve that you did therefore initiating the charge on that network obviously had to been with a third-party adapter. It’s pretty easy to prove if you were using a legitimate adapter. Just comparing damage of each would be a tell tail sign that they were mated at the time. 26:14
That's amazing review really helpfull my question is what's your recommendation about commercial EV charger as a business thanks
Hey Tom , I found out from GM that ev customers will get a Tesla Nacs adapter as well , they did not say if it’s going to be free or not,but I also was told the transmission to to use the supercharger’s is not early spring , but early this year. So look like it’s going to be delayed
Delayed - like everything else that GM does with EVs....
Yea , looks like lucid is next”cutting the line”
Here is an idea for a coming video. Take a trip to Europe and take a look at the fast charging facilities. Norway is most developed, France, Germany and Sweden are other good examples.
PS. Always interesting to see what's up I US.
Liability is critical given the eye popping cost of repair to a charging port on your car. For example Volvo quoted me $4500 on my C40.
I’m concerned about adapter theft when leaving vehicle. Rivian doesn’t have a release button so adapter appears secure. But adapters on Ford & MB EVs are removable. A software disable of the button is needed to prevent theft. What other brands have the same problem?
Excellent informative video Tom 👍
One Question:
If power goes out on the supercharger can you still release the official Tesla / Ford adapter from the Nacs handle ?
In the UK on some AC Charger ( Type 2 ) if you use your using your own cable plugged in the AC Charger and the power shuts down on the charger then you can not release your cable until the charger has its power restored.
Otherwise wise your cable is stuck in the charger socket.
So in that case maybe the A2Z manual release is not such a bad idea.
Yes, you can release it.
Have a question for you I had a AeroVironment model EVSE-RS installed in my Garage in 2016/17 when my son Had a leaf I use to charge My 2019 Tesla 3 for 4 years got a new New Model Y in December 2023 the unit is on a 40 amp Breaker have had no problems with it Should I replace this unit ? or when should I consider replacing it ? as an alternative I also have a 14-50 NEMA ( Dryer plug in My garage on a 32 amp Circuit Breaker by way enjoy watching your channel !
Lectron said my preorder would be shipped in January, it's mid March now and they have not shipped the adapter yet. Not that I can use it with KIA yet but why the delay??
Thanks Tom. But for those of us who don't have a Ford or Rivian (we have an iD4) can we still use an A2Z adapter? Or is there software changes that Tesla has to allow or program first? Thanks!
Only Ford and Rivian owners can currently charge on non magic-dock Tesla Superchargers. You have to wait until the manufacturer of your EV gets access.
Have you tried it on that used Bolt you, I believe, bought? I called GM’s EV Concierge service and they claim no word is coming down from above.
While it would be interesting to see a follow up with warmer temperatures the results will probably be somewhat linear. If it’s 40F warmer outside the handle will be approximately 40F warmer as well (maybe higher since there would be a smaller temperature difference between the handle and the ambient air). This would be approaching the temperature limit set by the standard. Is there a max ambient temperature the adapter is rated for and how do they deal with the temperature rise from the DC current?
I just saw the max ambient is 122F.
The temp is “above ambient.” So, if he was testing on a 60 degree day and the temp was 104 the difference would be 44 degrees. Therefore, on a 100 degree day it would be 144 degrees. Some differences would come in like conductor resistance at higher temperatures etc.
Just what the doctor ordered!
Tom, your experienced insights into the important issues of EV charging and the practical value of your candid real-world tests are invaluable. You're clearly aware of early adapter testing that other EV supporters have done, and the issues and concerns that they've raised.
The awkward, candid explanation you've given regarding EA, EVgo, Tesla, Ford and other EV OEMs requiring the exclusive use of OEM-approved dc fast charging adapters is so important and will surely earn you lots of push-back. Your inclusion of the actual texts is respectful and convincing. Please include a refined version in your final summary after you've tested these three NACS-to-CCS-1 dc fast charging adapters, even though future updates will likely be required.
I'm a little disappointed that you couldn't bring yourself to rule out this tested version of the A2Z adapter, based on its manual J3400 NACS/Tesla lock that appears to enable any passer-by to unplug the J3400 NACS cable from an unattended EV, whether or not the charging session has completed (correct?). There are already too many stories of entitled "charger Karens" taking liberties at public Level 2 (240Vac) EV charging stations, there's far too much at stake to enable this reckless, antisocial behavior to spread to high-power public dc fast charger stations.
The best adapter is no adapter, but the clear intent of EV charging specifications is that the EV and EVSE must be mechanically locked together during active and aborted charging sessions - for technical and safety reasons, charging etiquette notwithstanding. The EV controls and oversees each charging session, and it mechanically locks and unlocks its charging port, even if an electronic request to do so comes from a remote smartphone app or the EVSE charging station. Actively-charging EVs are always immobilized (in PARK) for safety, but I expect that safe break-away EVSE cables will eventually be developed for rare emergencies and complete idiots.
Public dc fast charging is so effective and safe, EV drivers have absolutely no concept of the massive quantity of energy that's being transferred at hundreds of kilowatts, no more than they do when they fill the fuel tank of an ICE vehicle. That's a tribute to the thoughtful engineering and painstaking testing that's gone into the design and standardization of these systems.
It's taken many decades to develop and refine the safe, reliable liquid petroleum dispensers we all take for granted. EV charging is still in its infancy, the original 2008-2012 Tesla Roadsters don't support dc fast charging at Tesla Superchargers, they were developed for the 6/2012 introduction of the Tesla Model S, much as CHAdeMO was developed in Japan for dc fast charging the 2009 Mitsubishi i-MiEV and its younger cousin the 2010 Nissan Leaf. The ill-fated 1996-1999 GM EV-1 charged "wirelessly" via a flat inductive paddle inserted into a charging slot in its nose.
Perhaps you and your buddies should cook up a suitably educational demonstration of hundreds of kilowatts of electrical power, complete with loud Hollywood fireballs and clouds of black smoke. Or not.
Is there a reason to first connect the adapter to the NACS plug rather than first plugging the adapter into the EV then plugging in the Tesla one? Seems like it would be easier if possible.
It’s a very well engineered adapter. Their build quality is solid and confidence inspiring. We have already used ours for a couple thousand miles of road trips with our Lightning. The A2Z adapter has been awesome. When we get our free Ford adapter in June, I will probably switch to that for the truck and set aside the A2Z for our Mini. The electric Mini gets access next year and I doubt there will be free adapters from Mini/BMW.
Think the Tesla extension cord can have an integrated CCS end on it?
I noticed this adapter is the only one out of all of them that has the top pins; does that mean it also works with the Tesla destination chargers?
Is it safe to use the adapter in rainy/snowy conditions, when charging at a Tesla station that is not covered? The manual says to “safeguard the adapter from moisture, water…” but does not specifically mention whether it is safe to charge in rainy/snowy conditions.
Newbie question. Do these NACS to J1772 adapters work with level 2 chargers or only DC fast chargers?
Tom - can you clarify if Tesla makes/manufactures the NACS adapter for Ford? The rep in the previous video said "designed and engineered by Tesla", but in other places I've seen you say "made by Tesla". Others online (ugh) have said that Tesla's only involvement is in designing the NACS standard and they had nothing to do with the adapter itself.
140 F is the limit where the average person can leave their hand on something. You should check the temp all along the charging connection; the cable to dispenser, the cable, the Tesla plug etc. Many electrical components use a “degrees above ambient” spec.
There are already other compelling RUclips videos where this testing has been done using thermal video cameras, Tom alludes to this as motivation for his IR thermometer testing. Keep in mind that you're observing the adapter's exterior shell temperature, the internal contacts and conductors are getting much hotter, and this heating will increase as the adapter power contacts wear with use. The beefy Tesla adapters reportedly incorporate 3 passive thermal switches to protect against overheating, this A2Z adapter has 2, cheaper knockoffs are likely have none, risking physical burns and damage to the EV charging port and charging station NACS plug. Overheating and thermal sensor failures have been primary causes of CCS-1 charging station outages. Charging at 350kW corresponds to 700A@500Vdc, more than enough current to weld metal, and resistive heating increases in proportion to the square of the current flow.
@@dancolestock the quality of connectors is painfully apparent in failures of Level 2 systems. You are correct on the resistance/heat problem. I think the temperature measurements on all components is important for the average user. For instance, if a new NACS plug is reading 130 degrees F charging at 200 kw rate and same ambient and using the adapter is the same temp on the adapter then there should be no concern. Many people might touch 130 and think it’s too hot. I suppose they should stress that if the systems have thermal sensors and they aren’t shutting it down then people should accept all is ok.
Gotta love that statement by the A2Z ceo. In my mind, prohibiting 3rd party adapters is just that. I realize some companies will be way better than most, but if the automakers and Tesla don't want you using them, then you shouldn't - no matter what the ceo claims their standards of production are. All the "crappier" ones can claim the same thing. I totally get that each automaker and Tesla don't want to test and approve each of these many adapter companies. It would take forever. However, if this ceo feels they are the best and can get approval for everyone to test it, then that's what needs to happen before their adapter is sold to the public. Prove to Tesla you have a good product, then let them test it and tear it apart so they know it works well with their chargers and software. Once they are ok with it and Ford is ok (then GM, Volvo, etc), then sell them. Right now, it would be safest to use what Tesla makes for the other automakers.
That's what the UL standards are for. Once these devices are UL certified, then that should be all the proof that's needed. Right now, we don't have any proof that the official Tesla adapter is any better than the A2Z. In both cases, for now we have to either rely on the company's word (Tesla or A2Z), and/or these kinds of testing and reviews.
Exactly. Thank you. It’s basically a question of liability. Compare these adapters to generic drugs and you can see that right now, we don’t have “legally” approved generics. We only have the one officially sanctioned OEM-provided adapter. At some point we will have generics. It’s just a matter of time. Until then, to use a generic third party adapter is to assume liability for any and all damage to both your vehicle AND the charging equipment. Personally, I’m not that much of a risk taker just to be first at the local superchargers. 😬 I don’t trust Tesla any more than I do this company, but it’s not about trust. It’s about who pays.
@@kevinspinhirne3637 Even UL standards compliance testing only tests once. So less trustworthy suppliers can make a "Golden sample" that passes the tests and go out for final approval and reviews, but then later on switch to a cheaper unit. Note that this can happen behind the back of the company that designed and have their name on the product. That's why large companies have to randomly spot check the quality of the goods coming from their suppliers.
Rivian charging station. This past Sunday. Moosic,PA. Right next to Tesla Supercharger. Awesome. Can I send pictures to you?
Is there a nacs charger to ccs car adapter, that works at all nacs chargers? I have a 2023 Chevy Bolt EV CCS. Thank you.
I am still trying to understand all the variances. I have a 2021 Chevy Bolt. I understand that I have to download the Tesla app and establish an account with a form of payment. I have seen videos of people successfully using a Supercharger with a "Magic Dock." However, for the Superchargers without a Magic Dock, don't they have to be programmed by Tesla to accept a non-Tesla using a 3rd party adapter? How do I tell which is which?
Hi Tom great, now that Rivian is NACS approved on Tesla you need to borrow a Revian and retest!
I own a Rivian!
@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney I forgot you had 2 Rivians, sold the R1T but you still have the R1S!
Is there a cable extension that you could use when charging your Ford Lightning? I have a Tesla level 2 charger for my Ioniq 5 and was wondering if there was a safe extension cord that would allow me to charge outside of my garage.
Yes. But only at home chargers max 40 amp.
Thanks. Mine is 40 amp. I'll do some Google research.
Which EVSE is that in your logo? Siemens?
It was based on the old Seimens unit, but I changed the black stripe and added the green and red lights. I've actually trademarked that logo.
Hi Tom, love your videos. AtoZ is also making a NACS to NACS extension cable. I know you have contacts there, it would be awesome to get a video on that before it comes out.
Won’t work on superchargers. Cables have cooling fluid
I notice out of all the adapters it’s the only one to look like it had the pins for level 1 and 2 charging as well. Are those dummy pins or will it pass through normal charging as well?
Only reason I ask is because it’s the only one that look different.
It will not do L2 charging
@@charliesullivan4304 I didn’t think it would, just weird it was the only one with the pins.
Need to do this video when it’s 110 degrees outside in Texas or Arizona 😂
Tom, dumb but important question. What happens if you try to use that DC adapter with a Tesla Destination (AC) charger? Internally, that adapter should have the two J3400 primary leads routed to the CCS1 two DC primary leads which connect right to the battery (presumedly via a contactor). And that adapter should NOT have the two J3400 primary leads connected to the two primary AC leads on the CCS1 side (the J1772 primaries) and ultimately to the car's inverter. So in theory if you choose the DC adapter, you've made tragic error connecting your DC battery to an AC source or your AC inverter to a DC EVSE. I don't assume this is a real hazzard, because the car and EVSE negotiate the charge session before contactors are flipped to actually connect EVSE to car. But what should happen is the unsuspecting user who is sure their adapter used to work, now gets angry that it's malfunctioning. How is the industry clearly demarcating the AC vs. DC experience to new users who just aren't savvy enough to know that these adapters are different and not interchangable. They likely don't know which plugs are AC or DC until they start digging in to learn.
Of course this is not specific to this particular adapter. They'll all have this challenge of not using some type of universal COLOR CODING to make it very obvious to users where they are supposed to use the various adaptors. I've already seen a Tesla owner at an EA station trying to make an AC Tesla to J1772 adapter work. She was told when she bought the car used that the adapter let her use NON-Tesla chargers, which is technically true but lacking the nuance of AC vs. DC charging.
Question: Can someone flip the bottom switch, therefore stopping the charge, *then* remove the adapter and take it away? If so, it needs a "Karen lock"...
Not if the vehicle is locked. It will stop charging and the person would be able to unplug you but your adapter will still be locked to the vehicle.
Tom, tried ours for first time yesterday. Slide switch is the weak link, difficult to get it fully in the lock position! Bill P
See my comments on that
I found that the lock didn't work if the Tesla plug wasn't fully seated into the adapter. Once I really jammed that sucker in there, the lock actually worked.
@@scrapinby77same here. I really had to push the nacs adapter to get it in there
Same experience here. Hopefully it becomes easier to engage with use. First time, lots of locking-switch force is required, but no good way to apply it. Is it fully inserted? Is it locked? These unknowns made it difficult to troubleshoot. Required five attempts at a supercharger on my first try.
Great video, it would be even more informative if you took video with a thermal camera to see if there are any hot spots on these adapters, or the EVSEs you review.
With a camera you get colors which then are interpreted. He’s using an infrared thermometer for direct readings.
Tom, also check the component temps at a magic dock.
And thermal cameras are getting cheaper. Most can give you a number for the hottest spot in the picture as well as the picture.
@@4rwayner7 it's a lot easier to identify hot specific hot spots with a thermal camera
I received my A2Z adapter yesterday and my 14’ A2Z extension cable a couple of days earlier, even though I’d ordered the Typhoon adapter long before.
I haven’t tested either, but I can say, where I am in the center of Texas, there are far more Tesla charging station than anyone else.
Incidentally, the adapter comes in a zippered case with egg crate-style padding.
I could swear my adapter is made of some kind of Chinesium metal-aluminum? It certainly doesn’t feel like plastic. I haven’t banged on it scratched it, as I want to use it. I’d bet a bag of electrons that it is made of metal though. You might have a prototype.
The instructions say the pins are made of a “titanium-copper alloy.” What? Never heard of such an alloy, but it sounds exotic.
There’s a big typo in the instructions, where it says it is ONLY for charging TESLAS? Squeeze me? Baking powder? (to quote Wayne’s World. As-if.
My critical Mark 1 eyeball concludes that it is extremely well-made and finely engineered. The typical Chinese case is all that gives it away. The unit itself looks and feels like it was made in Switzerland or German, it’s that good. Cable looks great too. At 14’, I can park my Lightning BEHIND the chargers. The Teslians will love THAT!
Would love to hear a follow up about your experiences especially with the extension! All the best.
Where do you see an extension cable on their site? They only have one for non superchargers available
I’m thinking you’ll only get 50 amps or 20kw through the extension.
I looked at the Lectron site. Their extension is only for a home Tesla charger and will not work on superchargers. 40 amp max
@@4rwayner7I know. Hence me asking what extension they bought bc its definitely not supposed to be for a supercharger and I feel like they think it is
Tom, which company you will suggest for AC tesla to J1772 adapter.
I have shockflow adapter, and I am wondering can I buy other one which you suggests?
Personally, I wouldn't use anything Shockflow makes.
@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Thanks , I will buy A2Z or lectron Tesla to J1772
@Tom how many adapters can Tesla make a day. I am hoping it’s more than a hundred a day.
I'm sure they have a supplier in Asia pumping them out at a good rate (way more then 100/day) , but still, there won't be enough
Tom. Can't find an IRS approved dealer that is willing to do a point of sale purchase for an EV. They just say, it's up to you. Is this a problem that many other EV owners are experiencing?
The form factor of A2Z is better than Lectron, and maybe even smaller than the Ford adapter. Can you actually get it now?
It is still on backorder unfortunately.
Hi there, we are not backordered. We simply have a lot of orders. We currently ship hundreds of units everyday. It currently takes 2-3 weeks to receive an order - shipped directly from Montreal, Canada.
@@a2zevshopThank you!
@@a2zevshopI ordered mine last week. Please get it to me asap, I have a trip in two weeks
Do they safely break away in case of emergency?
No
Use that temp gun to test the Ford Station Pro.
I pre-ordered the Lectron adapter early Feb. They still haven't sent it yet. They told me in an email reply that they expect to start sending them out by End of March. So it is not just Ford that will have a lot of back orders.
Me too, then Lectron told me by the end of February and it's now mid March.
if these aftermarket adapters work will I be able to use one on my Hyundai?
Yes
I have a Kone 2019 electric, can I use the typhoon adapter at a tesla supercharger
Yes, one the Tesla Hyundai agreement starts. We don't know exactly when that will happen
How would the Tesla made Ford adapter be any different than a Tesla made adapter for GM, Rivian, and others? I would assume it will be the same Tesla adapter for all non-Tesla vehicles.
It is the same
When will Mercedes Benz have access to NACS? If the MB adapter wasn’t readily available or competitively priced, I would buy A2Z based on Tom’s review.
I heard we MB folks will get access in 4Q of 2024. No idea if that’s accurate or if MB will give the adapters for free like Ford.
@@davemayo70 Bummer, a shame MB is so far behind Ford
I don't foresee Ford endorsing another adapter brand. Only because if something goes wrong then Ford takes on the liability of damage to the Tesla Supercharger and the customers vehicle. Unless there's something in the contract where the adapter brand is willing to take on those liabilities if it's found that it was the adapter at fault.
The sooner Ford puts a NACS charge port at the rear drivers side the better.
Or front passenger side.
I’m not familiar with how Tesla charger units work since I do not drive a Tesla.
If someone unlocks the manual catch disconnecting the Tesla plug from the adapter and the charger cuts off power, can the Tesla plug then be inserted into a Tesla vehicle and the charging session restarted without the use of the app that originated the charging session?
Otherwise, the Tesla plug that is now free of the adapter could be plugged into a Tesla, “poaching” the power from the account of the person who originated the charging session.
The automatic latching of the adapter to the non-Tesla will prevent the theft of the adapter itself, but what about potential theft of the power?
No.
Each vehicle has to communicate with the supercharger separately.
No. The moment a Tesla vehicle plugs into a charger, the network identifies the car by VIN and the account linked to that VIN is then billed for that charging session. This is what people mean when they say “plug and charge”. Our dFord has plug and charge at EA and now at Tesla. The Supercharger / vehicle communication makes the process seamless, but also secure.
@@loriallen67and I'll add that that communication is continuous as it's charging, since the car and the charger need to coordinate the charging parameters through the process.
@@charliesullivan4304 yes. Thank you for clarifying that. It is a very secure system.
While the manual lock is annoying, the fact that it won't charge or will immediately stop while unlocked is good enough for me. As long as it's safe, then I don't mind the extra step.
Any word from GM? Our dealer doesn't know any more than we do. We're heading south for the eclipse, and we're a little worried.
3rd party chargers work well enough
@@reality_bites7887they won’t work for GM vehicles untill the vehicles are provisioned to be authorized to charge.
@@reality_bites78873rd party adapters won't do anything on a GM car before Tesla and GM enable that capability.
Yes! This is the video I've been waiting for being that I got my A2Z about 6 weeks ago.
Now, once my manufacturers enable supercharging I can charge them without waiting for the "sanctioned" adapters.
I have placed my order for the Ford adapter, and I received a text message confirming the order. Oddly enough, when I placed my order for A2Z Typhoon adapter, I received a text message from the same phone number the Ford's confirmation came from!!! Coincidence???
Probably a coincidence. I don't bother adding those numbers in my contacts any more because they are shared by so many companies.
I just received this adapter and I get a charge fault on every Tesla charger I try to
Hi Ken,
Please ensure the bottom lock is engaged, otherwise you will not be able to charge. Also, our customer service is here to help and troubleshoot with you.
All of our information are on our website, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you.
Strother Marten said it best “what we have here is failure to communicate” ,,,,,we can’t have this mess and expect the average Joe to want to get in on the EV revolution
I want a 2 in 1 adapter, that can use Destination Chargers + SuperChargers.
When will Audi gain access to Tesla Superchargers?
We don't have the exact timeline for that but I don't think it will happen for quite a few months from now.
Audi is part of the VWAG and they said Tesla SC access in 2025.
What happens if the adapter malfunctions and damages or burns up the EV. Will A2Z repair or replace the EV? I had this happen with a 3rd party cell phone charger that damaged my phone. The vendor denied any responsibility even though the charger had burned up. Why take the risk? I will only use adapters certified by the EV vendor and Tesla.