Many automakers have already gained access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network for their electric cars, and others are in the process of doing so. However, it’s taking a little longer for some automakers like BMW, which reportedly won’t have access to the Supercharger in early 2025, as initially announced, but later in the year.
CarsDirect obtained a bulletin that BMW sent to its U.S. dealer network on October 1, announcing that “access to BMW-certified Tesla Superchargers and adapters will become available later in 2025.” “Until then, it is recommended to use charging stations equipped with CCS1/J1772 connectors exclusively,” the announcement also recommended.
In an October 2023 press release, BMW said: “Drivers of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce electric vehicles in the US and Canada will have access to dedicated Tesla Supercharger stations in early 2025.” The change from “early 2025” to “later 2025” does not necessarily indicate a delay in access to the supercharger, but it strongly suggests it.
We’ve reached out to BMW for clarification, but the manufacturer has neither confirmed nor denied the reversal, saying: “We are working on full integration to allow BMW Group customers to access the network via their vehicle applications, and are working with our suppliers to develop a certified adapter solution.”
This means that BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce owners will be able to see the superchargers through their car apps as well as in the vehicles’ navigation systems. This is important because selecting a DC fast charger as your destination through your car’s navigation system tells it to start preconditioning the battery for maximum charging speed. If you use a third-party navigation app or simply drive to a fast charger without letting the car know, it won’t cause the battery to overheat on the way there, and you’ll get a slower charging experience.
BMW will also launch an adapter that will allow owners to charge its cars, which comes exclusively with a CCS1 and J1772 port.
In the same October 2023 issue, the big news was that BMW was on track to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug for its electric vehicles, which was going to happen “beginning in 2025.” We don’t know if the potential decline in access to the Supercharger has also affected the automaker’s plan to equip its vehicles with a NACS system to allow them to charge locally from any Tesla station without the need for an adapter.
BMW is also working on a large-scale charging network joint venture with GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz, whose goal is to have 30,000 DC fast chargers by 2030. This potentially competitive network is called a supercharger. Ionna, will cover the US and Canada, catering to both CCS1 and NACS-equipped EVs.
