Lectron’s Vortex NACS to CCS adapter is a simple tool to access Tesla’s Supercharger network [Video]

I recently had the opportunity to test out the new Vortex plug adapter from Lectron, which enabled me and my CCS-equipped Rivian to access the Tesla Supercharger network. In my opinion, a NACS to CCS adapter is a vital tool for any BEV owner, and this one from Lectron is simple and effective to utilize.

While EV automakers transition to the North American Charging Standard (NACS) championed by Tesla, there remains a massive amount of current and upcoming models that utilize the now lame duck CCS plug for past charging.

While CCS-equipped EVs have a growing number of available public fast chargers at their disposal (depending on where they live, of course), such technology disallows access to the Tesla Supercharger network – the largest and arguably most dependable in the US.

While many automakers transition to NACS, they are providing new customers with Tesla to CCS adapters. But what about the rest of us? I drive a Rivian R1S and mostly charge at home, plus I have a Rivian Adventure Network hub about 20 miles away.

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However, Tesla Superchargers are much closer and more abundant, especially on road trips, hence the desire for a charger adapter to enable access to my CCS-equipped SUV.

That’s where Lectron comes in.

To aid in my daily charging practices, Lectron sent me its Vortex CCS adapter plug to test out at my local Tesla Supercharger. My thoughts are below.

Lectron is a charging technology specialist that provides Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers and a slew of adapters for Tesla to CCS, and vice versa. After leasing my Rivian R1S a couple of months ago, I was set on buying a NACS to CCS adapter from the automaker’s Gear Shop.

Before I could do so, Lectron offered a sample of its new Vortex plug, so I jumped at the opportunity to test it. As you can see from my images above, the Vortex plug is a quick and straightforward unboxing. It’s essentially just the adapter and some literature, so it’s plug and play all the way.

This adapter, designed for CCS BEVs, is compatible with all Tesla DC Superchargers (V3 and V4). It is rated for up to 500 amps and 1,000 volts, so if you find a super fast Tesla plug and your EV can support 350 kW fast charging, you can take full advantage of super quick charge rates.

Quite literally, after filming the unboxing (see my video review below), I drove to my nearest Tesla Supercharger to test this adapter plug out for myself and it could not have been easier.

The charging process is exactly the same as all sessions. In this instance, the Tesla app is required alongside a credit card to pay for the charging session, but that’s an easy process as well. I simply pulled into an open spot, chose my available charger in the Tesla app and exited the R1S to plug in.

To begin charging, I plugged the Tesla NACS plug into the Vortex adapter, then into the CCS port of my Rivian. It’s as simple as that. My EV has Plug & Charge capabilities, so the charging session initiated on its own as soon as everything was connected. Zero hiccups.

When I plugged in, my battery was already pretty full (again, I couldn’t wait to test it), so I couldn’t speak to the top charge rates at this particular location. Additionally, the LFP cells in my Standard R1S can only handle up to 200 kW, but other BEVs, like the Hyundai IONIQ 5, for instance, should be able to charge much faster.

The rate always depends on your vehicle architecture and the specific charging pile you’re on. Still, the Vortex adapter from Lectron will enable your CCS EV to achieve the highest charge speeds at a Tesla charger without compromise.

Overall, the Vortex adapter from Lectron is a simple and effective tool for gaining access to Tesla’s Supercharger network if you currently drive an EV with a CCS plug. There are plenty of options out there, and if the automaker you’re buying or leasing from offers a complimentary one, by all means, take it.

You can shop around, too, to find the best deal. That said, the Vortex is currently on sale for $185, marked down from $250, so now’s an excellent time to buy. It’s important to note that the Lectron Vortex is currently only compatible with specific BEV models, including Rivian, with access soon coming to Audi, BMW, Honda, Jaguar-Land Rover, Kia, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

It is incompatible with Mazda, MINI, Stellantis, or Chrysler models. That’s understandable, haha.

Check out my full video review of the Vortex plug in action in my video below.

Purchase a Lectron Vortex adapter here