How to Use NACS Adapter? | Setup & Charging Steps

To use a NACS adapter, attach it to the charging cable until it clicks, then plug into your EV’s charging port and start the session via the Tesla app.

If you drive a non-Tesla EV and want to know how to use a NACS adapter at a Supercharger, the process is simpler than it looks. These adapters let vehicles with CCS1 ports connect to the North American Charging Standard — the dominant connector in the US and Canada, officially standardized as SAE J3400. The sequence takes about thirty seconds once you know the routine, and the key is keeping the adapter locked onto the cable for the entire session.

What Is a NACS Adapter and Why Do You Need One?

A NACS adapter converts the Tesla-style charging connector so it fits EVs with CCS1 charging ports. Power-line communication between the vehicle and the charger verifies compatibility before current flows.

If your EV is from Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, Hyundai, Volkswagen, GM, or Rivian and has a CCS1 port rather than a native NACS port, you need one of these adapters to access Tesla Superchargers and other NACS stations.

How to Use a NACS Adapter: Step-by-Step

Using a NACS adapter follows the same general sequence across all major brands. The adapter stays locked onto the cable during charging and is only removed after the vehicle unlocks.

Step 1: Park and Prepare. Position your EV so the Supercharger cable comfortably reaches the charge port. Keep the vehicle and charger off before connecting anything.

Step 2: Attach the Adapter to the Cable. Insert the NACS adapter into the charging station’s handle. Push firmly until you hear a single click — that sound confirms the adapter has locked onto the cable. This is the step most people rush, and a loose connection is the most common reason sessions fail.

Step 3: Plug Into Your Vehicle. Insert the combined adapter-cable assembly into your EV’s CCS1 charge port until it seats fully. The adapter stays on the cable side, not on the vehicle.

Step 4: Start the Session. Open the Tesla app or your manufacturer’s app — some brands also require their own app for activation. Select the station, confirm the stall number and payment method, then tap “Start Session.” Charging begins automatically once the vehicle and charger complete their handshake.

Step 5: Disconnect After Charging. Unlock your vehicle first, then remove the adapter and cable together from the charge port. Only separate the adapter from the cable after the whole assembly is free. Pulling the cable from the adapter while it is still attached to the car is the mistake that damages connectors.

If you are shopping for a reliable adapter for your specific EV model, our roundup of the best CCS to NACS adapters covers the top options across brands and budgets.

Which Vehicles and Apps Support NACS Adapters

Nearly every major EV brand offers a NACS adapter for its CCS-port vehicles, and the required app varies by manufacturer. The table below shows what you need for each brand.

Mercedes-Benz requires activation of MB.CHARGE Public in the app, where you also toggle the “NACS DC Adapter” setting under Charging Status to locate Superchargers. For most non-Tesla brands, the Tesla app handles payment and session control at Supercharger locations. Check your manufacturer’s app for compatible stations before you drive there.

For the full technical specification of the NACS connector and its capabilities, Tesla’s NACS overview page covers the official connector details.

FAQs

Can I use a NACS adapter at any Tesla Supercharger?

Most V3 and newer Superchargers work with non-Tesla EVs using the proper adapter, but not every location is open to all brands yet. Check the Tesla app or your manufacturer’s app to confirm a station is compatible before heading there.

Do I leave the adapter on the car or the cable?

The adapter stays attached to the charging cable — the handle side — for the whole session, not on the vehicle. After unlocking your car, remove the adapter and cable together from the charge port, then separate the adapter from the cable.

What should I try if charging does not start?

First confirm your app settings are correct — Mercedes-Benz owners need “NACS DC Adapter” toggled on under Charging Status. Ensure the adapter clicked fully onto the cable and the charge port is clean. If it still fails, unplug the adapter from the vehicle, then the cable from the adapter, check for debris, and reconnect.