Tesla reveals new dual-connector charging port

Tesla has unveiled a new charging port design for Models S and X, featuring dual connectors, which will initially be introduced only in China.

The current charging port on Tesla vehicles features different connectors in different markets. In the US and Canada, it uses Tesla’s own proprietary connector; in Europe, it uses the standard Mennekes plug. In China, Tesla was using the same plug as in Europe. However, China has developed its own GB charging standard, and the new dual connector charging port uses that, alongside Tesla’s proprietary plug.

The Chinese government plans to deploy 12,000 public charging stations across the country, and is considering an incentive plan for EV buyers to install home charging stations. Those stations will use the new national charging standard, which is probably what prompted Tesla to introduce the dual charging port.

Electrek speculates that Tesla may eventually introduce a similar dual port in other markets as well, incorporating the CCS standard, which seems to be gaining ground over the competing CHAdeMO standard.


Source: Electrek

  • brenno

    This makes a lot of sense, although some sort of charging standard would also be useful. For instance in Australia we have vehicles using J1772 and others using Mennekes which makes charging infrastructure a bit messy and confusing.

  • Will Smidt

    Very short sighted of Tesla not to adopt the US Charging Standards for both L2 and DC Fast Charge. They could have supported charging infrastructure growth instead of doing their own thing. Elon had a vanity issue on this one.


    So thankful that Tesla developed it’s own charing standard. It is fantastic to have both L2 and L3 charging in the same port. No one seems to use SAE, at least her sin California and CHAdeMO is a huge, unwieldy mess that looks like if was from a century ago. I really don’t mind using a J1772 adapter for the few times I use a non Tesla charger and most of the L3 chargers can’t compete with the Tesla Superchargers. Aesthetically, technically and practically, the Tesla standard is the best. And most thankful to not have to share free charging with other makes of cars!