NACS and CCS2 explained for UK drivers

If you read American Tesla news you will see a lot about NACS, the North American Charging Standard. It doesn't apply in the UK.

The short version

• North America: Teslas use Tesla's own compact plug, now standardised as NACS (SAE J3400). Other carmakers there are switching to it.
• UK and Europe: Teslas use CCS2, the European standard. Every Model 3 and Model Y sold in the UK has a CCS2 port, which takes both Type 2 AC plugs and CCS2 rapid plugs.

Why it matters

Because UK Teslas use the same plug as every other European electric car, a UK Tesla can use almost every public charger, and other cars can use Superchargers that Tesla opens to them. No adapters are needed.

What about older Model S and Model X?

Early European Model S and Model X used a Tesla-specific version of the Type 2 port for DC charging, which only worked at Superchargers. Some have had a CCS upgrade fitted. If you have an older S or X, check whether yours can use CCS2 rapid chargers.

Adapters you don't need

Online shops sell many NACS and J1772 adapters. They are for North American cars and are no use on a UK Tesla.