BMW EV Drivers in the US Gain Access to Tesla’s Supercharger Network: A Major Milestone
[North America] – A historic step in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem has been reached. Effective yesterday, BMW EV drivers in the United States officially have access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network.
This major development fulfills a key industry commitment, connecting BMW owners to over 2,000 stations and more than 25,000 Supercharger stalls across North America. This integration significantly enhances the available fast-charging infrastructure for BMW customers and confirms the industry-wide adoption of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS).
🔑 Supercharger Access: Key Details
The integration is managed through BMW’s Shell Recharge service and the My BMW app, offering a streamlined user experience:
1. Compatibility for Current (CCS) Models
Current BMW EV models come equipped with a CCS (Combined Charging System) port. To charge at NACS Superchargers (excluding those with the Magic Dock), an adapter is required:
- Affected Models: BMW i4, i5, i7, and iX (along with Mini and Rolls-Royce models, BMW subsidiaries).
- Adapter Requirement: For the majority of Superchargers, a DC CCS-to-NACS adapter is essential.
- BMW Adapter Availability: Official, BMW-approved adapters will be available for purchase as accessories starting in the second quarter of 2026.
- Immediate Solution: Drivers can utilize Superchargers equipped with Tesla’s “Magic Dock” (an integrated CCS-to-NACS adapter), which eliminates the need for a personal adapter. This also allows older models like the BMW i3 to use the network.
2. Plug & Charge Functionality
One of the most convenient features of this integration is the support for Plug & Charge technology at compatible Superchargers:
- Principle: The vehicle communicates directly with the charging station to authenticate the session and manage billing. The user does not need the Tesla app, a credit card, or a physical charging card at the station.
- Compatibility: The feature is supported by the newest BMW models, including:
- BMW i5 (2024 model year)
- BMW i7 (2024 model year)
- BMW iX (produced starting July 2023)
- Setup: Drivers must ensure that the Plug & Charge service is activated in the vehicle and that the Shell Recharge account is properly configured via the My BMW app.
📈 The Impact: A Massive Charging Network
The addition of the Supercharger network brings the total number of public charging points accessible to BMW customers in North America to approximately 180,000, combining partner networks like IONNA, Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVgo.
This expansion of the fast-charging infrastructure is a key factor in encouraging EV adoption by simplifying long-distance travel and reducing range anxiety for BMW owners.
➡️ Next Step: Native NACS Adoption
BMW’s transition will not stop at adapters: the manufacturer will integrate the NACS port directly into its new EVs sold in the US and Canada, starting in 2026. The first model to feature this native integration will be the 2026 BMW i5 M60, followed by other models, including the next-generation iX3.
This move by BMW is a win for charging standardization and excellent news for the customer experience in the world of electric mobility.