In October 2024, Cadillac EVs (and other GM EVs) gained access to the Tesla Supercharging network in North America. In the most recent episode of State Of Charge, Tom Moloughney explained everything one needs to know to Supercharge a Cadillac EV.

In the video, Tom uses a 2025 Cadillac Optiq (see more about its charging specs here), but the information applies to all Cadillac EVs. These vehicles are currently equipped with a Combined Charging System (CCS1) charging inlet.

Adapter

Tesla Superchargers have NACS (SAE J3400) connectors, which means that a NACS-to-CCS1 adapter is necessary to access the network. It can be purchased from GM for $225 (either supplied by Tesla or a new one co-engineered by General Motors and Lectron).

A small number of Superchargers also are equipped with an integrated NACS-to-CCS1 adapter (aka Magic Dock).

Find a Supercharger

The Superchargers available for Tesla’s NACS-partners or Superchargers with Magic Dock can be displayed in a Cadillac EV’s navigation. However, one might need to change settings to include chargers with NACS connectors.

Another way to search for a place to charge is by using the MyCadillac or Tesla app. There is also an interactive map of Tesla Superchargers available, presented in an earlier post.

How to Park

Arriving at a Supercharging station with an adapter is not yet enough to charge the vehicle. Due to the short charging cables available at V3 Superchargers (designed for a certain charging port location on Tesla EVs), a non-Tesla EV often must park in a specific way at a stall. Sometimes, it might even require the use of two charging spots.

Most Cadillac EVs have a charging inlet in the front-left part of the vehicle, so they may have to park in the way shown in the following photo:

A Cadillac EV charging at a Tesla Supercharger is forced to take up multiple spots. (Source: State Of Charge)

Charging

Tom Moloughney also explained how to start charging using mobile apps. Having an active account is the first step. Then, one has to select a charging stall and click the ‘Start Charging’ button.

It is also noteworthy to mention how to end the charging session. A user should first click the button on the Tesla connector or the ‘Stop Charging’ button in the app. Then, use the button on the adapter to remove it from the vehicle.

Tom Moloughney demonstrates how to initiate charging on a Cadillac EV at a Tesla Supercharger. (Source: State Of Charge)

Video timestamps:

00:36 Different connectors and adapters needed
02:20 How to find Tesla Superchargers that you can use
05:46 Using the Tesla and MyCadillac apps to charge at Superchargers
10:12 Tesla Magic Dock locations
11:50 How to park at the Superchargers
14:46 Plugging in and using the app to authenticate the session
16:14 How to end the charging session and unplug