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Yes, BMW electric vehicles can now charge at Tesla Superchargers in North America as of December 2025[1]. BMW EVs equipped with CCS ports—including the i4, i5, i7, and iX—can access over 25,000 Tesla Supercharger stalls using either a BMW-approved Lectron Vortex Plus DC adapter or at Tesla locations equipped with Magic Dock[2]. Vehicles require a Remote Software Upgrade (RSU version 25-11-530) to enable compatibility, with billing handled through Shell Recharge in the myBMW app[1].
How BMW EVs Charge at Tesla Stations
BMW officially gained access to the Tesla Supercharger network in December 2025, making seamless long-distance travel significantly easier for BMW EV owners[3]. This access expands BMW’s charging infrastructure considerably, adding Tesla’s extensive North American network to the existing Electrify America and ChargePoint partnerships.
Two primary methods enable BMW charging at Tesla stations:
NACS Stations with Adapter
Current-generation BMW EVs—including the i4, i5, i7, and iX—can charge at NACS Partner Tesla Supercharger stations using a CCS-to-NACS DC adapter[2]. BMW recommends using only BMW-approved adapters for these sessions. The official BMW adapter—the Lectron Vortex Plus—became available as an accessory starting December 2025, with broader availability expected in Q2 2026[1].
Key requirements for adapter charging:
- Vehicle must have Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) version 25-11-530 installed
- Shell Recharge account must be linked in the myBMW app
- Plug & Charge must be enabled in vehicle settings
- Adapter must be registered in the myBMW app under charging settings
Magic Dock Stations
Some Tesla locations feature the Magic Dock—a built-in CCS-to-NACS adapter integrated into the charging stall[1]. Any BMW EV, including older models like the i3, can charge at these sites without purchasing additional hardware[1]. Magic Dock availability varies by location; check the Tesla app or BMW’s charging map for equipped stations.
Which BMW Models Are Compatible
| BMW Model | Tesla Supercharger Access | Adapter Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i4 (2022+) | Yes | Yes (CCS-to-NACS) | Available now with RSU |
| BMW i5 (2024+) | Yes | Yes (CCS-to-NACS) | Available now with RSU |
| BMW i7 (2023+) | Yes | Yes (CCS-to-NACS) | Available now with RSU |
| BMW iX (2022-2025) | Yes | Yes (CCS-to-NACS) | Available now with RSU |
| BMW i5 M60 (2026) | Yes | No (Native NACS) | First model with native port |
| BMW i5 xDrive40 (2026) | Delayed | Yes | RSU available early spring 2026[2] |
| BMW iX (2026) | Delayed | Yes | RSU available Q2 2026[2] |
| BMW i3 | Magic Dock only | No | Legacy model; limited access |
Most BMW EVs from model year 2022 and newer can charge at NACS Partner Tesla Superchargers once the required Remote Software Upgrade is installed[2]. The 2026 BMW iX and 2026 BMW i5 xDrive40/eDrive40 models will receive the enabling update only in early spring 2026 due to hardware differences[2].
Step-by-Step Charging Process
Before Your First Session
- Update Vehicle Software: Ensure RSU version 25-11-530 is installed via the myBMW app or at a BMW dealer
- Set Up Shell Recharge Account: Create and link a Shell Recharge account in the myBMW app for billing
- Enable Plug & Charge: Activate this feature in vehicle settings to enable automatic authentication
- Order/Register Adapter: Purchase the Lectron Vortex Plus adapter through the link sent via myBMW app and register it under charging settings[1]
At the Charging Station
- Locate NACS Partner Station: Use the myBMW app or vehicle navigation to find compatible Tesla Superchargers
- Park and Connect: Pull into an available stall and connect the adapter to the Tesla cable, then plug into your BMW
- Authentication: With Plug & Charge enabled, the session automatically authenticates through Shell Recharge
- Monitor Session: Charging progress displays on the vehicle screen and myBMW app
- End Session: Unplug when complete; billing processes automatically through Shell Recharge
The newest iDrive 8.5 update allows automatic detection of which payment contract to use (Electrify America or Shell Recharge), eliminating the need to manually select prior to plugging in[1].
Charging Speeds and Costs
BMW EVs achieve competitive charging speeds at Tesla Superchargers, though rates vary by vehicle battery capacity and station output:
| BMW Model | Max DC Charging Speed | 10-80% Charge Time |
|---|---|---|
| BMW i4 eDrive40 | 200 kW | ~31 minutes |
| BMW i5 M60 | 205 kW | ~30 minutes |
| BMW i7 xDrive60 | 195 kW | ~34 minutes |
| BMW iX xDrive50 | 200 kW | ~35 minutes |
Pricing at Tesla Superchargers for non-Tesla vehicles typically runs $0.35-0.50 per kWh, varying by location and time of day[4]. Shell Recharge handles all billing, with charges appearing on your linked payment method.
European vs. North American Access
In Europe, BMW EVs have charged at Tesla Superchargers for several years without adapters because European Tesla stations use the CCS2 standard natively[5]. UK owners report successful charging, though cable length can be challenging since Tesla cables are designed for charge ports on the opposite side of the vehicle[5].
North American access required the NACS transition because Tesla originally used a proprietary connector in this market. The industry-wide shift to NACS as the North American standard—officially designated SAE J3400—prompted Tesla to open its network to other manufacturers[6].
Future: Native NACS Ports on BMW
BMW’s commitment to NACS runs deeper than adapters. The automaker plans to integrate the NACS port directly into future EVs, beginning with Neue Klasse models[3]:
- 2026 BMW i5 M60: First BMW with factory NACS port
- 2026+ Neue Klasse iX3: Native NACS standard; expected to compete with Tesla Model Y
- Subsequent Models: All new BMW EVs will feature native NACS ports
Native NACS eliminates adapter requirements and improves charging reliability. BMW owners with NACS-equipped vehicles will plug directly into Tesla Superchargers without additional hardware[3].
For Audi owners curious about similar developments, Audi Tesla Supercharger compatibility follows a comparable timeline with adapter-based access expanding throughout 2025-2026.
Key Takeaways
- BMW EVs can now charge at over 25,000 Tesla Superchargers in North America using the BMW-approved Lectron Vortex Plus adapter or at Magic Dock locations
- Vehicles require Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) version 25-11-530 and a Shell Recharge account linked in the myBMW app
- The 2026 BMW i5 M60 becomes the first BMW with native NACS port, eliminating adapter requirements
- European BMW owners have had Tesla Supercharger access for years via standard CCS2 connectivity
- 2026 BMW iX and i5 xDrive40/eDrive40 models receive enabling software updates in early spring 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Tesla account to charge my BMW at a Supercharger?
No, BMW EVs authenticate through Shell Recharge, not Tesla’s app or account system[1]. Link your Shell Recharge account in the myBMW app and enable Plug & Charge for seamless authentication at NACS Partner stations.
Can I use any CCS-to-NACS adapter with my BMW?
Will older BMW i3 models get Tesla Supercharger access?
The BMW i3 can only charge at Tesla Magic Dock-equipped stations, which do not require an adapter[1]. Standard NACS Partner Superchargers are not compatible with the i3 due to software limitations.
How do I know if a Tesla station is compatible with my BMW?
The myBMW app and vehicle navigation display NACS Partner Tesla Supercharger locations. Magic Dock stations are identified separately in the Tesla app. Not all Tesla Superchargers are open to non-Tesla vehicles—verify compatibility before planning your route[4].
When will BMW adapters be widely available?
The Lectron Vortex Plus adapter became available in December 2025 through the myBMW app link. Broader accessory availability is expected in Q2 2026[1]. Until then, Magic Dock stations remain accessible without an adapter.
References
- BMW Blog. (2025). BMW EVs Can Now Use Tesla Superchargers: Charging Access Update. https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/12/09/bmw-evs-tesla-supercharger-access-nacs-update/
- BMW USA. (2025). How To Pay At Tesla Superchargers. https://www.bmwusa.com/all-electric/tesla-nacs-charging.html
- BimmerFile. (2025). BMW EVs to Gain Tesla Supercharger Access in 2025.
BMW EVs to Gain Tesla Supercharger Access in 2025: What to Know About the NACS Transition
- Tesla. (2025). Supercharging Other EVs. https://www.tesla.com/support/charging/supercharging-other-evs
- Reddit r/BMWI4. (2025). Can the I4 charge on Tesla’s supercharging network?
Can the I4 charge on Tesla's supercharging network?
byu/at4raxia inBMWI4 - Tesla. (2025). NACS (North American Charging Standard). https://www.tesla.com/NACS
- Electrek. (2025). BMW EVs officially gain access to Tesla Supercharger network today.
BMW EVs officially gain access to Tesla Supercharger network today
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
