After years of anticipation, BMW EV drivers can now tap into the North American Charging Standard (NACS), unlocking access to Tesla Superchargers across the US and Canada. It is a major step forward for BMW’s electric lineup, dramatically expanding fast-charging options and making long-distance travel easier than ever. But how does it all work? Let’s break it down.
How BMW Owners Can Use Tesla Superchargers
As shown in the video below, the process is refreshingly simple. The key is using an approved NACS to CCS DC fast-charging adapter. BMW recommends the Lectron Vortex Plus DC adapter, which has been tested and approved for use with BMW electric vehicles.
You can purchase the adapter directly from Lectron here:
Which BMW EVs Are Supported?
Before diving into adapters and Superchargers, it is worth clarifying which BMWs can actually use Tesla’s NACS network today. Support is limited to BMW electric vehicles equipped with a CCS1 DC fast-charging port and compatible charging software.
According to Lectron, the following BMW EVs are supported when using the approved NACS to CCS adapter:
- BMW i4 (all variants)
- BMW i5 (all variants)
- BMW i7
- BMW iX
In short, if your BMW uses CCS for DC fast charging, it is a candidate for Tesla Supercharger access via an approved adapter. Vehicles without DC fast charging capability, or those limited to AC charging only, are not supported.
BMW owners should also note that access applies to select Tesla Superchargers equipped to support third-party vehicles, not every Supercharger location. Availability will continue to expand as Tesla rolls out broader NACS compatibility across its network.
The Original i3 left Out?
While some CCS-equipped BMW i3 models support DC fast charging, the i3 is not officially supported for Tesla Supercharger access at this time. BMW’s current NACS compatibility applies to newer-generation BMW EVs with updated charging architectures.
The Lectron Vortex Plus NACS to CCS Adapter for BMW
The Lectron Vortex Plus NACS to CCS adapter is a purpose-built solution that allows BMW EVs equipped with a CCS charging port to connect to Tesla Superchargers throughout North America. That immediately opens up access to more than 25,000 fast-charging locations.
Engineered with a BMW-approved interlock system and UL 2252 certification, the adapter is designed for safe, high-power DC charging. It is rated for up to 500 amps and 1,000 volts (500 kW), meaning it is well within the limits required by current BMW EVs. In real-world terms, this can translate to adding up to roughly 150 miles of range in about 15 minutes, depending on the vehicle, battery state, and charger output.
Because the adapter is designed specifically for BMW and MINI vehicles, the experience is straightforward. You simply plug the Supercharger handle into the adapter, then connect it to your BMW. Charging can initiate via plug-and-charge where supported, or through the BMW app and charging interface. There are no extra steps or awkward workarounds.
A Massive Expansion of BMW’s Charging Network
Tesla opening its Supercharger network to BMW marks a significant shift in the EV ownership experience. Overnight, BMW drivers gain access to one of the largest, most reliable fast-charging networks in North America. That alone goes a long way toward reducing range anxiety and making road trips more predictable.
Tesla’s Supercharger network has long been praised for its uptime, ease of use, and consistent charging speeds. These are areas where public charging infrastructure has often struggled. By enabling NACS access via approved adapters, BMW owners can now take advantage of that reliability without changing vehicles or waiting for future hardware revisions.
For BMW, this move aligns neatly with its broader EV strategy. It improves the ownership experience today, not just years down the road, and reinforces the idea that charging convenience matters just as much as range or performance. For drivers of cars like the i4, iX, i5, and i7, it is a meaningful upgrade that makes living with an electric BMW noticeably easier.