Can You Charge a J1772 Connector on a Tesla Supercharger?

No, but let's explore why and what the alternatives are.

The Tesla Supercharger Ecosystem

First and foremost, it's important to understand that Tesla Superchargers are designed to be used exclusively with Tesla vehicles. This is due to the proprietary nature of the Tesla charging system, which includes the Tesla Supercharger connector (refer to figure 1). This connector is tailored to work seamlessly with Tesla vehicles, ensuring maximum performance and safety.

Using J1772 Adapters for Non-Tesla Electric Vehicles

For non-Tesla electric vehicles, the story changes. If your vehicle uses a J1772 connector, you can indeed charge at Level 2 charging stations that adhere to the J1772 standard. These stations are numerous and can be found in various public locations as well as some workplaces and residences.

However, when it comes to Tesla Superchargers, the answer is no. If you attempt to plug a J1772 connector directly into a Tesla Supercharger, the system will not recognize the connection. The car will not charge, and you will likely receive a notification on the dashboard indicating that the connector is not supported. (figure 2)

Using Tesla Level 2/ Destination Chargers for Mixed Cars

Fortunately, there is a partial workaround for vehicles that require a J1772 connector. If your non-Tesla electric vehicle has a J1772 adapter, you can use a Tesla Level 2 or destination charger. These chargers are significantly slower than Tesla Superchargers, but they can still provide a substantial charge in a reasonable amount of time. Tesla provides its users with a Level 2 charger as part of its packages.

Personal Experience

For instance, my Jeep 4xe was equipped with a Tesla Level 2/destination charger. I faced some compatibility issues due to various adapters, but ultimately, I found a reliable adapter that worked flawlessly every time, as shown in figure 3. These chargers are much slower than Tesla Superchargers but are still efficient enough for most charging needs.

Note on Third-Party Solutions: Recently, I came across a user who managed to charge his vehicle using a Tesla Supercharger, which led to some confusion. This incident was explained by the use of a TeslaTap device. Upon closer examination, it was clear that the k connection was not being used for DC fast charging. Therefore, the vehicle was not actually charging, as this individual likely misunderstood the difference between different charging methods.

Building Your Charging Infrastructure

For Tesla owners, it's important to consider the charging options available. The US Model 3 comes with a J1772 adapter, while European models have a J1772 connector directly on the car. Your vehicle can also charge using a CHAdeMo connector, though you need to order a separate adapter, which can be quite expensive.

Lastly, if you're lucky enough to have access to both 220v and 110v outlets, you can also charge your vehicle using these. 220v charging is significantly faster than 110v, making it the preferred choice whenever possible.

Ultimately, understanding your charging options and planning accordingly is key to managing your electric vehicle's charging needs both at home and on the road.

Conclusion

In summary, while you cannot directly charge a J1772 connector on a Tesla Supercharger, there are alternative solutions available for non-Tesla vehicles and for those with J1772 adapters in Tesla vehicles. Proper planning and the use of compatible chargers can ensure that you maximize the efficiency and convenience of your charging experiences.