EV charging plugs in North America are in the middle of a switch. Tesla's connector, now standardized as SAE J3400 and usually called NACS, is replacing J1772 and CCS1 on new cars from most automakers. Until every car and charger matches, the right adapter decides where you can plug in.
There are four common adapters, and they are not interchangeable. The key questions are which port your car has, and whether you're charging on AC (Level 2) or DC (fast charging).
We have not tested these adapters ourselves. Prices are from retailer listings, and ratings and specs are the manufacturers'.
Which adapter do you need?
| Your car's port | Charger you want to use | Adapter | Charging type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla / NACS | Public J1772 Level 2 station | J1772 to Tesla | AC |
| J1772 / CCS1 | Tesla Wall Connector or Destination Charger | Tesla to J1772 | AC |
| CCS1 | Tesla Supercharger | NACS to CCS1 | DC fast |
| Tesla / NACS | Electrify America, EVgo, or other CCS1 fast charger | CCS1 to NACS | DC fast |
Never stack two adapters, and never use an AC adapter at a DC fast charger.
J1772 to Tesla adapter (Tesla car, J1772 station)
This is the most common adapter. It lets a Tesla, or any newer car with a NACS port, use the J1772 Level 2 stations at hotels, workplaces, and parking garages. Public J1772 stations usually deliver 6 to 11 kW, so the adapter's rating rarely limits you.
Many Teslas were delivered with one in the frunk or glovebox, so look before you buy. If you need one, the Lectron model is inexpensive and rated well above what public Level 2 stations supply:
Tesla to J1772 adapter (non-Tesla car, Tesla charger)
This goes the other way: it lets a J1772 car charge from a Tesla Wall Connector, a Tesla Destination Charger at a hotel, or the Tesla Mobile Connector. It's useful if you moved into a house with a Wall Connector, or share a garage with a Tesla.
It works only for AC charging. It will not work at a Supercharger.
The 48A model handles the full output of a Wall Connector on a 60A circuit. If you are buying a home charger instead, the Tesla Universal Wall Connector (see our home charger picks) has both plug types built in, so no adapter is needed.
NACS to CCS1 adapter (CCS car, Tesla Supercharger)
This DC adapter lets a CCS1 car fast charge at Tesla Superchargers. Two conditions must both be true:
- Your automaker has Supercharger access for your model. Ford, GM, Rivian, Hyundai, Kia, and others have opened access for many models, but not every model or model year is supported.
- You use an adapter your automaker accepts. Some automakers sell or supply their own adapter and say in the owner's manual which adapters are supported. Check before buying a third-party one.
You usually start the session in the Tesla app or your automaker's app. Look for UL 2252 certification, the safety standard for EV adapters, on anything carrying DC fast-charge current:
CCS1 to NACS adapter (Tesla car, CCS fast charger)
This lets a Tesla use CCS1 fast chargers from networks like Electrify America and EVgo, which helps on road trips where Superchargers are sparse. Older Teslas may need a hardware update before they accept CCS. On the car's screen, go to Software, then Additional Vehicle Information, and check that CCS adapter support says Enabled.
The Lectron listing says this adapter does not work with the Cybertruck.
Before you buy any adapter
- Match the charging type. AC adapters are for Level 2. DC adapters are for fast charging. They are not interchangeable.
- Check the certification. UL 2252 for adapters, especially DC ones.
- Check your car first. Your car may already have the adapter, or your automaker may require a specific one.
- Keep it dry and latched. Store the adapter in its case, and make sure it clicks fully into both the plug and the car.
If you're setting up charging at home, our Level 1 vs Level 2 guide and EV charger amperage guide cover what you need on the wall side.