# Charging a Chevy Bolt at a Tesla Supercharger: The Experience and Challenges
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, the supporting infrastructure is improving quickly. Nonetheless, one of the significant hurdles for EV owners outside of Tesla has been the limited access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network. With Tesla’s exclusive charging standard, the North American Charging Standard (NACS), usually not compatible with other EVs, many users have had to seek other options. However, with the introduction of adapters and Tesla’s gradual accessibility of its Supercharger network to additional EVs, the situation is shifting. This article examines the process of charging a Chevy Bolt at a Tesla Supercharger with an adapter, emphasizing both the advantages and the difficulties.
## The Proof is in the Plugging
The concept of utilizing Tesla’s Supercharger network to power a non-Tesla EV is appealing, especially with the widespread presence and dependability of Tesla chargers. However, the procedure is not as simple as arriving and connecting. This is where adapters are crucial, closing the gap between Tesla’s NACS and the Combined Charging System (CCS) that many other EVs, including the Chevy Bolt, utilize.
### The Adapter: A2Z Typhoon Pro
To facilitate this charging experience, I acquired the [A2Z Typhoon Pro adapter](https://a2zevshop.com/products/nacs-ccs1?variant=43186507579592). This adapter enables CCS-compatible EVs, such as the Chevy Bolt, to link to Tesla’s NACS chargers. The A2Z Typhoon Pro distinguished itself with excellent reviews, quick shipping, and lower cost compared to GM’s official $225 adapter, which was on backorder at that time. The quality of the adapter was noteworthy, featuring solid latches on both the CCS and NACS sides, giving it a sturdier feel than many EV charging plugs I’ve previously seen.
### Finding a Charging Spot: The Real Challenge
While the adapter functioned perfectly, the actual challenge lay in locating an appropriate charging spot. Tesla Superchargers are designed primarily for Tesla vehicles, meaning the positioning of the charging port on non-Tesla EVs can complicate aligning the car with the charger. The Chevy Bolt’s charging port is situated just in front of the side mirror, contrasting with the rear-mounted ports found on Tesla vehicles.
At my first stop, a Wawa with eight Supercharger stalls, I faced a typical issue: the charging cable simply wasn’t long enough to reach the Bolt’s port. The only stall that aligned well was occupied by a family who intended to charge for 50 minutes. I attempted to stretch the cable from another stall, but it was far from sufficient. Exasperated, I began searching for another charging location.
### A Creative Solution: Slant Charging
Just as I was preparing to leave, the father of the family charging their Tesla approached with a helpful suggestion: “You might be able to park sideways, behind those plugs, and I believe it would work.” He was spot on. The area behind the Supercharger stations was vacant, and there was enough room to park at an angle, permitting the cable to reach the Bolt’s charging port.
I positioned the car sideways, plugged in the A2Z Typhoon Pro adapter, and connected the Supercharger cable. After accessing the Tesla app, selecting the station and charger number, and tapping to start, the charging process initiated seamlessly. Within half a minute, the Bolt was charging without any complications. The Tesla app offered real-time updates, and the charging speed remained consistent throughout the duration.
### The Charging Experience
While my Bolt charged, my wife and I headed inside the Wawa to grab iced coffees and breakfast. I frequently checked the Tesla app out of habit, but everything was functioning smoothly. The charging session was uneventful, which was favorable in this context. The adapter worked flawlessly, and the Supercharger supplied power efficiently.
Interestingly, upon our return to the car, I noticed a gas-powered vehicle had parked directly in front of a Supercharger stall, even though many other parking spaces were available. This sight served as a reminder that, while the EV charging infrastructure is progressing, some individuals still don’t fully comprehend or respect the necessity of keeping charging spots available for EVs.
### A Second Attempt: Better Alignment
At my next destination, I discovered another Tesla Supercharger station with most spots unoccupied. This allowed me to experiment with a more optimal parking alignment. By parking one stall away from the charger, I could position the Bolt in a manner that simplified the charging process. The cable easily reached the port without any awkward angles, and once again, the charging session went smoothly.
## Lessons Learned
### 1. **Adapter Quality Matters**
The A2Z Typhoon Pro adapter demonstrated itself to be a dependable and robust solution for
