Tesla users know that fast charging is not as ubiquitous as we would like it to be. The included J1772 adapter is only good when there is no rush. Today there is already a diversity among CCS1-to-Tesla adapters, mainly represented by 3 different basic models and a few Chinese replicas.

Best Choice
Lectron CCS Combo 1 to Tesla
Premium and compact adapter
Compatible with all Level-3 charging networks. Supported Tesla Models 3, S, X and Y. Has a strong connection up to 150 kW. Compact, durable device with a warranty.
Read Verified Customer Reviews
What is an adapter?
The CCS1-to-Tesla adapter is designed to charge your Tesla at Level-3 high-power stations (analogous to a Supercharger) where charging is provided by the CCS1 connector. These stations usually are not installed near supermarkets and are always paid (unlike Level-2 medium-speed with J1772 connectors).

Comparison chart

ImageProduct 
Best Choice
Drop-shape form factor
Drop-shape
  • The newest generation
  • Under the brands of Tesla, Lectron, etc.
  • Highly compatible with Tesla models

Check Price
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Rectangle-shape form factor
Rectangle-shape
  • Noname brands
  • Positive user experience
  • Average compatibility

Check Price
Gun-shape form factor
Gun-shape
  • Old generation
  • Under the brands of Sitec, Lectron, etc.
  • Frequently requires software updates

Check Price

Technical features of CCS Combo 1 adapters

Genuine Tesla USA Lectron • New gen Lectron/Sitec • Old gen ZVQ
Form factorDrop-shape,CompactDrop-shape,CompactGun-shape & BulkyMedium, Rectangle-shape
Max power250 kW150 kW50 kW250 kW
Software updatevia EV connectionvia EV connectionvia USB connectionvia EV connection
Network compatibilityEVgo, Electrify America +EVgo, Electrify America +EVgo, Electrify America +EVgo, Electrify America +
Tesla models compatibilityModel S, 3, X, YModel S, 3, X, Y after 2021Model S, 3, X, Y with upgradeModel S, 3, X, Y after 11/2021
Availability to buyModerateEasyModerateEasy

New generation models of CCS to Tesla adapters

What is the difference between the CCS models of the Tesla adapter?

The main difference is in the power limits and software upgrade path. Thus, the limits of the new proprietary Tesla adapter model are specified as 250 kW, unlike previous models with limits of 50–100 kW. The second feature is the automatic software update in the new and Korean models through communication with the vehicle, as opposed to the Sitec adapter with a USB interface.

Compatibility of adapters and model range 

The disadvantage of the proprietary Tesla adapter is the need for updated vehicle software and a special charging component that is not installed on some models earlier than 2021. These electric cars will require upgrades to be compatible with CCS1 charging stations through the adapter. Starting in 2023, Tesla says this retrofit option will be available to owners of non-updated electric cars.

With non-proprietary adapters, if you disregard capacity limits, compatibility is better with respect to Tesla vehicles. So Sitec has been tested and is more adaptable to Model 3 and S, X,Y of different model years.

How to use?
Insert the end of the charging station plug into the adapter, then insert the adapter into the electric car's inlet. The Tesla will lock the adapter in place and on-screen instructions to start charging will appear.

How many charging stations does CCS-network have?

Tesla has 22% of all U.S. fast stations. According to the U.S. Department of Energy by the number of fast-charging stations, Charge Point leads with 30% of the market, other providers except Tesla have 48%. Accordingly, 78% of the U.S. coverage is accounted for by the CCS DC Fast Charger connector standard.

Good idea
Сheck your car before purchasing. On your Tesla screen Control → Software → Additional Vehicle Informantion → CCS Adapter Support * Check If Enabled.

Advantages of the CCS adapter for Tesla

You’ll have four times as many public fast-charging stations available to you.

CCS to Tesla adapter

Which CCS to Tesla adapter should I choose?

Now there is a variety of models to choose from

  • Genuine Tesla (USA)
  • Lectron, analogue (USA)
  • Genuine Tesla (Korea)
  • Sitec/Lectron old generation
  • Chinese replicas

The genuine adapter officially supported by Tesla in North America brought a sigh of relief to Tesla owners who have been experiencing a shortage of Supercharger stations. Pros and cons can be seen in the technical features chart.

If you don’t want to wait, a highly compatible CCS adapter from Lectron will be delivered quickly. Lectron is known for a number of quality products for electric vehicles, including adapters, home charging stations, and other devices.

The adapter from the Chinese company Setec Power was tested by us at the end of 2020 and passed the test among our customers. The other 4 manufacturers tested did not work consistently.

How much does it cost to charge Tesla at other manufacturers’ stations?

  Electrify America • 50KW OUTPUT (DC) ChargePoint (per kW) • 62.5KW OUTPUT (DC) Blink (Guests; per kW) • 50KW OUTPUT (DC)
Tesla Model Y $4.55 $2.7 $12.6
Tesla Model S $7.28 $4.32 $20.16
Tesla Model 3 $4.55 $2.7 $12.6

Calculate on a calculator, take CCS to Tesla Adapter with you and charge your Tesla. Sometimes when planning a trip, drivers have to rearrange the route to optimally reduce the waiting time while charging the electric vehicle.

Will the CCS to Tesla adapter be compatible with my Tesla?

Yes, this adapter has been tested on Charge Point, EVgo, Electrify America, and EVconnect stations. The firmware of this smart adapter is updated regularly.

FAQ

These are the three types of devices described here that allow Tesla owners to charge their electric cars on pay-per-use fast charging networks with a CCS connector.

This adapter will come in handy for Tesla owners who are used to using the Supercharger network where there are few such stations along the route.

The main advantage is the availability of more fast charging stations than the Supercharger. CCS chargers are usually cheaper to use than Tesla’s Superchargers, so if you’re looking to save money on your charging costs, a CCS to Tesla adapter can be a good choice. The downside is the bandwidth limits, which are described in the current guide for each model.

Sometimes the prices of CCS stations are lower than SC stations. A Tesla owner will benefit from this adapter if they travel or have more CCS charging stations on their route. CCS networks have more coverage than SC.

The adapter is not only a conductor of high power current but also of data transmitted between the charging station and the electric vehicle. Therefore some of the adapters described here have software to transform data of different standards.

The Tesla CCS Combo 1 adapters described here are divided into three form factors, varying in capacity measured in kW and compatibility with Tesla models.

As you can see in the comparison table, depending on the form factor and generation, the speed and accordingly the power is limited in the range of 50–250 kW. At the same time, using a device with high capacity does not guarantee high performance, as the limit is often set by the vehicle software itself at 50 kW.

Despite marketing claims, power is limited to 50kW. It will take 63 minutes to charge a Tesla Model 3 mid range. You can calculate the charging speed of another model using our calculator.

First, your Tesla will not be automatically recognized as it is on the SC network and will have to use on-screen navigation, credit card, and sometimes the charging network app. Second, Tesla cars before 2020 will require retrofit to charge at CCS stations. Third, speeds will be lower more often than on the usual Supercharger.

In our review, we explore several forms of adapter factors, and their prices range from $190 to $600.

A Tesla branded adapter is available to order from shop.tesla.com if your vehicle is marked as CCS compatible in their database. If you want a faster way to order with a free return option, then select the model in this guide.

A CCS charging station is a public charging DC station that uses the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard. CCS charging stations are becoming more common in the US and Europe and offer a faster way to charge your Tesla via CCS Combo 1 adapter or another EV via proprietary inlet port.

The CCS standard from 2012 is becoming more common in North America (Combo 1) and Europe (Combo 1 and 2). CCS charging provides up to 350kW. 99% of new cars in the US, with the exception of Tesla, have a CCS connector for DC charging. Tesla can use CCS, with some restrictions, using an adapter.

Prices even in the same network vary considerably depending on the location. Compared to Supercharger, there are cheaper and more expensive ones. Until recently, the price of 17 cents per kilowatt was average, but things are changing rapidly. You can calculate the charging price on CCS in the calculator, including setting your own kilowatt price.

Tesla’s CCS Combo 1 adapter is the only way to charge your Tesla at a CCS charging station.

In short, no. Although the CCS connector looks like an augmented J1772 with two pins, they are different standards. J1772 is AC, CCS is DC.

The J1772 adapter is designed for charging by home and public stations, AC up to 80kW. The CCS adapter is intended for use in public stations with DC power up to 350kW (the adapter itself has a lower limit depending on the model).

No, CCS chargers are not designed for home use. CCS chargers are designed for public use with DC power. Tesla’s CCS Combo 1 adapter is the only way to charge your Tesla at a CCS charging station.

Users opt for next-generation models, described here, with high bandwidths that offer faster charging speeds.

The best models in the review have IP44 moisture protection, which allows them to be used in rain and snow.

No special installation is required. The use consists of connecting the adapter to the charging station plug-in and then inserting the device into the inlet of your Tesla.

Depending on the choice of model described in our cross-checklist, the water resistance may vary, so it is advisable to avoid use in rainy weather.

Make sure that no foreign objects or dirt get into the contacts. Disconnect charging only at the vehicle console. Only then should you disconnect the adapter from the electric vehicle. Follow the other safety rules described in this overview.

The frequency of use is not limited by manufacturers, but it is worth noting that the limits on the use of the adapter make its regular use less comfortable in comparison with the Supercharger.

If you follow our recommendations in selecting a model with careful handling, you can expect to get 2,000 or more uses out of it.

Yes, the Tesla car should be updated, which you can check if this is the case as described here.

You will only be able to apply the connector itself with Tesla. If the model does not support CCS charging, it will not detect the charger. There has been no information on damage from incompatibility.

Your Tesla should have updated software and CCS charging capability, and using the top-rated adapter models from the comparison chart will add to the odds of success.

The first is the and most usual of the older generation of adapters described in the review. The second is the software of the electric car not being up-to-date. The third is the absence of a special charging module in the Tesla produced earlier than 2021.

A common problem among our customers is breakage of the sensor pin when the adapter is dropped. Another problem is the low bandwidth, which is solved by selecting a Top-Selling CCS adapter model.

Make sure your Tesla meets the requirements described in this article. We also offer a 100% warranty and a free, no-questions-asked return policy.

Do not disconnect the adapter during charging, protect it from falls, and protect the contacts from dirt and foreign objects.

Do not use the adapter if it is defective, cracked, corroded, scuffed, broken or damaged. The adapter is non-serviceable and cannot be opened. Contact the manufacturer for any repairs.

The best manufacturers have an up to 1 year warranty on devices, usually free returns are available to all customers.

Mike Becker
About Mike Becker Linked In
Mike is a seasoned engineer with 10+ years of experience in charging systems. He bought a Tesla Model S in 2014 and has been in love with EVs ever since. He runs a small EVSE installation business in Florida and blogs about what he loves.
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