Comparing EV Road Trips: CCS vs. Tesla Superchargers – A Real-World Test
Comparing EV Road Trips: CCS vs. Tesla Superchargers – A Real-World Test
Posted on December 5, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), the reliability and convenience of charging networks remain crucial for road-tripping success. YouTuber AgingWheels recently revisited a fascinating experiment to test how much progress has been made in EV charging infrastructure over the past year. In 2023, he took a Kia EV6 on a road trip from Missouri to Chattanooga, TN, relying solely on CCS Level 3 fast chargers, then repeated the same trip in his Polestar 2 using Tesla’s Supercharger network. The results back then clearly favored Tesla, but 2024 tells a very different story.
2023: The Struggle with CCS Chargers
Last year, the CCS charging network proved to be a significant challenge. Broken or out-of-service chargers, long wait times, and limited availability made completing the road trip in the Kia EV6 far more difficult compared to the smooth experience offered by Tesla's Supercharger network. Tesla's chargers were not only more abundant but also reliable and user-friendly, giving Tesla vehicles a distinct advantage over their CCS-reliant counterparts.
2024: Drastic Improvements in Charging Networks
Fast forward to 2024, and the EV charging landscape has seen a massive transformation. In his latest video, AgingWheels repeated the same Missouri-to-Chattanooga road trip with both vehicles, only to find that the gap between CCS and Tesla Superchargers has almost disappeared. CCS chargers are now far more numerous and functional, with vastly fewer outages or broken units. While Tesla’s Superchargers still uphold their reputation for reliability, the once-clear advantage has diminished as CCS chargers have caught up in availability and dependability.
Road-Tripping with an EV in 2024
The experiment highlights a significant milestone for EV adoption. Charging an EV with a CCS connector is now nearly as seamless as using Tesla’s proprietary network, offering drivers more flexibility in choosing an EV that suits their preferences and budget. With more charging stations and improved infrastructure across the board, range anxiety and charger frustration are becoming things of the past.
Watch the Full Comparison
Want to see how these road trips played out? Check out AgingWheels’ insightful video on YouTube for a detailed breakdown of his journey and thoughts on the future of EV charging. As the industry continues to grow, it’s clear that EV owners have a lot to look forward to, no matter which charging network they rely on.