How does the DC fast charger vs Tesla Supercharger vary? Your charging options can vary between a DCFC and a Supercharger, depending on whether you drive a Tesla or a different EV brand. The question to ask is this: will a Supercharger be better than a DC fast charger?
One way to answer this question is to understand each charging option individually. Our detailed comparison guide begins with an overview of each EV charging option. Keep reading to pick the charging option that can offer you enduring convenience and accommodate your driving needs.
What is a DC Fast Charger?
A DC fast charger (DCFC) is a Level 3 charger that uses DC (direct current) electric power to recharge a battery. Its current type is how it differs from the Level 1 and 2 EV chargers that use alternating current electricity.
Since the DCFC delivers direct current power into the EV battery, it skips the onboard AC conversion step. It allows for rapid charging speeds, providing up to 100+ miles of range every hour.
Although DCFCs are reliable fast chargers, manufacturers recommend using them only when necessary. Since they supply a lot of power quickly, they can overheat and gradually lower the quality of the battery. All the same, these chargers can save you on a bad day if you run out of battery charge and still have many miles to cover.
A Level 3 charger will generally work best in commercial and industrial settings. Although they can function in residences, DC fast chargers have higher power capacities than most homes can supply. That is why you find these charging units in public parking lots, highways, and shopping complexes. Level 3 chargers use three connector types, including:
- CHAdeMo – These work with autos like Toyota, Nissan Leaf, older Hondas and Subarus, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
- CCS – The combined charging system using a single or third-phase AC system is a connector suitable for EVs like Volkswagen, BMW, Genesis, Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, Kia, etc.
- Tesla Supercharger – This is a DCFC that only charges Tesla EVs. However, a Tesla owner can use other connectors with an adapter.
When you compare the DC fast charger vs Tesla Supercharger, you will realize you are talking about the same thing. Both items are DC fast chargers but from different brands.
Tesla Supercharger
Tesla is a renowned name in the electric vehicle industry. As the pioneer of the EV sector, Tesla boasts global recognition and respect. Tesla manufactures the popular Supercharger, one of the fastest EV charging options today.
The Supercharger is the company’s alternative charger for Tesla EV owners who cannot use a wall connector or mobile charger at home or office. Tesla’s Supercharger is a form of a DCFC that can give you up to 200 miles of range in a quarter of an hour.
Hence, it is ideal to use this charger if you want to recharge your EV fast and continue with your long trip. As of now, Tesla owns over sixty thousand superchargers globally. Tesla EV drivers can access Tesla DC fast charging stations around the clock on various public routes.
The company also provides the Destination Charging option for those who do not need the Supercharger. You can find various locations near hotels, resorts, restaurants, and similar places. Destination charging locations offer over forty thousand wall connectors in large cities and small rural areas.
Tesla ensures that every EV owner can conveniently charge their auto at home and away from third-party charging stations. Any charging station with a J1772 should work with a SAE J1772 adapter. Also, any 120V station will enable you to charge with a Tesla mobile connector. Lastly, get an adapter bundle to charge your EV flexibly from a 240V station.
DC Fast Charger vs. Tesla Supercharger – Differences
One similarity arises, as you compare a DC fast charger vs Tesla Supercharger. Both are rapid EV charging units. The DC fast chargers we are comparing with the Superchargers are options like ChargePoint, EVgo, Electrify America, etc. Here are possible differences between the DC fast Charger vs Tesla Supercharger:
Car Models
No other EV can use a Tesla Supercharger unless it comes equipped with the NACS charging ports. On the other hand, the CCS connectors tend to be universal because they can charge different EV models, including modern Tesla EVs with compatible adaptors. The CHAdeMo connector seems to assist a certain class of vehicles from Japan but can still charge a Tesla EV via a compatible adapter.
Accurate Charging Speeds
The DC fast charger vs Tesla supercharger differ in charging speeds. While both options are super quick, the charging speed you can find at different non-Tesla stations is hard to tell. Remember that you have no control over how these public DCFCs work. Some charging station networks will claim to dispense 350kW, but what you may find on the ground is different. A station might supply only 150kW instead of 350kW, for instance. Conversely, virtually every Supercharger station delivers what it promises. A V2 Supercharger delivers a shared charging spot. Two Tesla EVs will share a 125kW or a 150kW paired charger, allowing each car to receive a charge at half the rate. On the other hand, the V3 Supercharger charges only one car the whole time.
Go Anywhere Tool
Another key difference between DC fast charger vs Tesla Supercharger is the ease of planning your trip with the Go Anywhere Tool. Tesla will have you choose your EV’s configurations and departure and destination locations. The tool will then show the fastest route and reveal the best Supercharger stops you can find on it. The Go Anywhere Tool also recommends the best charging times for your EV. This tool is essential when traveling long distances along unfamiliar routes because you will still find a Supercharger offering rapid EV battery charging. On the other hand, it is harder to locate suitable DCFCs for other cars on any route.
Number of Charging Stations
The DC fast charger vs Tesla Supercharger are different in terms of the number of chargers they provide. For instance, North America had around 3,127 Combined Charging Stations in 2020. It also had CHAdeMo DCFC stations that entailed about 7,188 chargers. On the other hand, Tesla’s eight hundred and eighty-eight Supercharger Stations came with 8,640 DC fast chargers with 50+ kW speeds. While finding as many non-Tesla DC fast chargers across these locations may seem easier based on these statistics, Tesla provides a higher average number of actual chargers in each station. The estimated amount is around 9.73 chargers per supercharging station and 2.3 per non-Tesla DCFC station. This translates into faster charging times when using a Supercharger than waiting for an EV to leave a non-Tesla charging spot. Can you imagine what would happen if you found that the only non-Tesla charger on your route cannot work? That would mean getting stuck with a car that cannot move. The Tesla supercharging stations eliminate this issue by offering many chargers in one station.
Ease of Payment
Another way that the DC fast charger vs Tesla Supercharger varies is the ease of payment. When using non-Tesla DC fast charging across the UK and Europe, you have to load different apps on the smartphone. Alternatively, you can open up individual accounts, use different payment cards, or make a phone call for authentication before you can charge your EV. The pricing protocol can also confuse you since most non-Tesla EV charging stations charge by the minute, and the rate can vary based on the charging speeds. On the other hand, Tesla Supercharging stations charge by the kWh. It gets easier to compute the actual cost per kWh when using a 50kW station or any other. If you compare that to charging at a Supercharger, you will need no authentication or many cards or apps to start. You only need to halt, plug in the EV, and wait. Tesla seems to offer unbeatable user experiences in this context.
Now you know how the DC fast charger vs Tesla Supercharger differ. Another common question people ask is this: is the Tesla Supercharger the best choice for my electric vehicle? If you are a non-Tesla EV owner, do not bother with the Supercharger at all. This charging unit is ideal for Tesla models only.
On the other hand, use the Supercharger if you have a Tesla Model X, Model S, or any other because it offers convenience and speed. Superchargers are everywhere, enabling you to do long-distance travel without the fear of depleting charges in the middle of nowhere.
Can Tesla use DC fast charger?
As the Supercharger is a DCFC, a Tesla car should use it. Nonetheless, you should prolong your battery life by using the Supercharger DCFC less often. Carry your mobile connector that came with your Tesla auto in your car to get a quick charge boost to cover short distances.
Turn this mobile connector into a Level 2 charger with an adapter. If you are not a Tesla EV driver, buy a Level 2 charging cable from your EV manufacturer to ensure compatibility.
Final Say
Between a DC fast charger vs Tesla Supercharger, which can work optimally for you? It depends on if you are a Tesla EV owner or have a model from another auto manufacturer. Supercharger stations serve all Tesla electrical vehicles, and they are DC fast chargers. They are convenient, efficient, and reliable across the globe.
You can locate these supercharging stations with the Go Anywhere Tool. If you have other EV models, your best approach is a non-Tesla charger DC fast charger that could closely match the Supercharger.