⭐Game Changer Alert! Can Your Slick Cadillac Lyriq Hit Up a Tesla Charger? The Ultimate Road Trip Survival Guide!
What's up, fellow EV drivers? Let's be real. Range anxiety? That's so last year. You've got your Cadillac Lyriq, a ride that screams luxury and future, rolling down the highway. It’s got that classic Cadillac swagger, but with an electric heart. But then you see it: a sprawling Supercharger station, packed with Teslas looking all smug. You think to yourself, “Man, I wish I could just pull in there. Can my sweet Lyriq actually juice up with a Tesla plug? Is that even a thing, or am I totally dreaming?”
Well, strap in, buttercup, because we're about to dive into this electrified rabbit hole. The short answer? Heck yes, you can! But like any good blockbuster movie, there's a plot twist, a special piece of gear, and a step-by-step process that's smoother than a freshly paved interstate. It’s all about the NACS DC Adapter—your golden ticket to the Tesla charging kingdom. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty and turn you into a Supercharger master!
Step 1: 🧐 Get Your Gear Right – It's Adapter Time!
Your Lyriq, being a totally rad non-Tesla EV (Electric Vehicle), was born with the CCS (Combined Charging System) charge port. That's the standard plug for DC Fast Charging across a huge chunk of the public charging network (think Electrify America, EVgo, etc.). Tesla, however, rolls with its own standard, the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. They look different, like two different kinds of premium coffee machines.
| Can The Cadillac Lyriq Use A Tesla Charger |
1.1 The Golden Adapter: NACS DC Magic
To bridge this gap and make your Lyriq BFFs with the Tesla Supercharger network, you need the official GM-approved NACS DC Adapter. This isn't just some cheap plastic doo-dad from a shady online seller—this is the real deal, designed to handle the big-league DC fast-charging power.
Pro Tip: Always go with the official adapter from Cadillac/GM or a trusted, certified third party. Messing with high-voltage DC fast charging is not the time for a budget hack. Safety first, always! You can often snag this adapter through the myCadillac mobile app or a dealership's parts department, sometimes even using your vehicle purchase rewards!
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
1.2 Know Your Chargers: V3 and Beyond
Not all Tesla Superchargers are created equal when it comes to sharing the juice. Generally, you'll be looking for V3 and V4 Superchargers. These newer stations are the ones Tesla has been actively opening up to non-Tesla vehicles. Older V2 stations? Maybe, but don't count on it. The good news is, your myCadillac app (or Google Maps if your Lyriq has it built-in) will help you filter and only show the compatible stations. It’s like having a velvet rope that only lets the Lyriq through the VIP entrance!
Step 2: 📱 The Digital Dance – App Setup
This isn't just a plug-and-play situation; you gotta get your digital ducks in a row. It’s all about having the right access and a way to pay for that sweet, sweet electron flow.
2.1 The Two Apps You Need
First, ensure your myCadillac mobile app is totally updated and linked to your car. Second, you’ll need the Tesla mobile app. Yes, you, the Cadillac driver, need the Tesla app. I know, right? It feels a little like crossing enemy lines, but trust me, it’s worth it. This app is often how you’ll initiate the charge and handle payment at the station.
2.2 Activating Supercharger Access
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Inside your Cadillac/GM app, you’ll likely find a section for Public Charging. Look for the option to Activate Tesla Supercharger access. Follow the prompts to enter your payment info—credit card, digital wallet, whatever your flavor is. This step basically tells the network, "Hey, I'm rolling in a Lyriq, but I'm legit, and I'm ready to pay the piper (or the Supercharger, in this case)." Make sure this is all set up before you roll up to the station. Trying to fiddle with credit card numbers in a cold parking lot is a total buzzkill.
Step 3: 🔋 The Big Moment – Plugging In Like a Pro
You've got the gear, the apps are humming, and you've found a sparkling V3+ Supercharger on the map. Time to get charged!
3.1 Parking Like a Boss
Tesla charging cables are sometimes shorter than what you’re used to at a regular CCS station. The Lyriq's charge port is located on the driver's side front fender. When you pull in, pay attention to the cable length and where the port is. You might need to park a little creatively—sometimes even backing in or taking a spot that isn’t quite perfectly aligned. Don't be shy; everyone's doing it. Just don't block any stalls, you know?
3.2 The Adapter Connection Sequence
Open the Lyriq's Charge Port Door: Pop that door open!
Affix the Adapter: Take your NACS DC Adapter and securely plug it into your Lyriq's CCS port. You’ll hear a satisfying "click." This is you converting your Lyriq's port to accept the Tesla plug.
Grab the Tesla Cable: Take the Tesla charging cable (the NACS plug) from the Supercharger stall.
Connect the Cable to the Adapter: Firmly plug the Tesla cable into your adapter. Another "click" means you're good to go on the hardware front.
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
3.3 Initiating and Monitoring the Charge
Remember the Tesla app? Time to use it.
Select Your Charger: Open the Tesla app, and it should recognize your vehicle (or prompt you to select the correct charging stall number—they're usually labeled!).
Start the Session: Hit the "Start Charging" button in the app. Boom. The Supercharger and your Lyriq will start their electronic conversation. You'll see the charging light on your Lyriq kick on, and the charging status will pop up on your car's screen and the app.
Kick Back and Relax: Your Lyriq has a maximum DC fast-charge rate of up to 190 kW (depending on the model year, battery level, and conditions), and you'll often see solid speeds at the Supercharger. A typical 10% to 80% charge can be done in around 30-40 minutes. That’s fast enough for a deluxe coffee run and checking your email!
Step 4: 👋 Disconnecting Gracefully
When you’re juiced up and ready to roll, you need to disconnect properly.
Stop the Session: Use the Tesla app to select "Stop Charging." This safely shuts down the power flow. You can also sometimes stop it through your Lyriq’s center display. Some stations may also have a button on the connector.
Unplug the Cable: Press the small button on the Tesla charging handle (the one connected to your adapter) to release the lock, then pull the handle and adapter out of your Lyriq's port as one unit.
Separate and Stow: Unlatch the Tesla cable from your NACS adapter (there’s a release latch on the adapter itself), return the Tesla cable to the Supercharger stall, and stow your personal NACS adapter back in your Lyriq.
Close the Door: Close your Lyriq's charge port door. You're all set! Time to cruise!
FAQ Questions and Answers
How do I know if the Tesla Supercharger is compatible with my Lyriq?
The absolute best way is to use the myCadillac mobile app or the Google Maps feature in your Lyriq's center display. These platforms have been updated to filter and show you only the Tesla Supercharger stations (usually V3 and V4) that are open to non-Tesla vehicles using the NACS DC Adapter. Don't just roll up to a random one—check the app first!
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
What charging speed can I expect at a Tesla Supercharger with my Lyriq?
Your Cadillac Lyriq has a peak DC fast-charging capability of up to 190 kW (under ideal conditions like a preconditioned battery and low state of charge). When plugged into a V3 or V4 Supercharger, your car should be able to hit speeds near that maximum rate, similar to what you'd see at a top-tier CCS station. The charging curve will slow down as you get closer to 80% charge, so charge up to 80% for the fastest road trip charging.
Where can I buy the official NACS DC Adapter for my Lyriq?
You can order the GM-approved NACS DC Adapter directly from Cadillac Accessories websites, the myCadillac mobile app, or by contacting your local Cadillac dealership parts department. Using the app may even let you apply any rewards points you earned with your vehicle purchase!
Can I use the adapter at a friend's Tesla home charger (Level 2)?
For Level 2 charging (like a Tesla Wall Connector in a garage), you would typically need a Tesla-to-J1772 AC adapter, not the DC one (NACS DC Adapter) used at Superchargers. The Lyriq's native Level 2 port is J1772, and standard Tesla home chargers use the NACS plug, so you still need an adapter, but a different, less expensive AC type is required for Level 2 charging.
How long does it take to charge my Lyriq from 10% to 80% at a Supercharger?
Under optimal conditions, the Cadillac Lyriq can charge its battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 to 40 minutes when using a high-powered DC Fast Charger like an open Tesla Supercharger (V3/V4). This is the sweet spot for maximizing your road trip time.
Would you like me to look up the current price of the official Cadillac NACS DC Adapter, so you can see if you've got enough rewards points saved up?