⚡️ Can Your Cadillac Lyriq Crash the Tesla Party? A Mega-Deep Dive into Charging Compatibility! 🚗💨
Listen up, future-of-driving enthusiasts! You just snagged a Cadillac Lyriq, a ride so sleek it looks like it rolled right off a sci-fi movie set. Seriously, this thing is a stunner. Now you're cruising around, feeling that electric torque, and the inevitable question hits you harder than a sugar craving at 2 AM: Can I juice this bad boy at one of those ubiquitous Tesla Superchargers? It’s a totally legit question, because let's be real, the Tesla charging network is everywhere, like finding a Starbucks in a major city.
For a long time, the answer was a big, fat, frustrating 'nope'—unless you happened to be overseas where things were getting wild with pilot programs. The Lyriq, like most non-Tesla EVs in North America, speaks the language of CCS (Combined Charging System), which looks like a beefier version of the plug you might use at home. Tesla, on the other hand, rolls with its own proprietary NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector. It was like two different countries with two different power outlets. Talk about a vibe kill.
But hold the phone! The landscape of EV charging has been shifting faster than a celebrity's relationship status. General Motors (GM), the parent company of Cadillac, went ahead and made a huge, game-changing deal with Tesla. This means the velvet rope is finally being pulled back! Getting your Lyriq charged up at a Tesla station is no longer just a fever dream. It’s now a totally achievable mission—with a few key steps and a little piece of high-tech hardware. Get ready to ditch the range anxiety, because we’re about to break down the process like a master chef slicing a gourmet meal.
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| Can Cadillac Lyriq Use Tesla Chargers |
Step 1: Acquire the Holy Grail (The NACS Adapter)
You can’t just roll up to a Tesla Supercharger with your standard CCS Lyriq and expect magic. This ain't Hogwarts, folks. You need the right key for the lock, and that key is the NACS DC Adapter.
1.1. Why the Adapter is Non-Negotiable
Your Cadillac Lyriq is built with a CCS port. This port is the standard for DC Fast Charging across a massive chunk of the non-Tesla world (think Electrify America, EVgo, etc.). Tesla Superchargers use the NACS connector. These two plugs do not play nice together directly. The NACS DC Adapter is a clever, purpose-built intermediary that plugs into the Tesla charging cable on one end and your Lyriq’s CCS port on the other, allowing the power and the communication to flow. This adapter is your VIP pass to the Supercharger network.
1.2. How to Score Your Adapter
Don't go cheaping out on some no-name brand you found in a dusty corner of the internet. GM strongly advises using a GM-approved NACS DC adapter. Why? Because using unauthorized gear could potentially void your vehicle's warranty if it messes something up. Nobody wants that kind of drama.
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
The Official Route: You can usually order the GM-approved NACS DC Adapter directly through your myCadillac mobile app, the Cadillac Accessories website, or by swinging by your local Cadillac dealership's parts center. This ensures you’re getting a high-quality product that’s been thoroughly tested with your Lyriq.
The Delivery Deets: Once you order it, you can often choose to have it shipped right to your crib or pick it up at the dealership. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Step 2: Get Your App Game On Point
Having the hardware is only half the battle. You need the digital handshake to kick off the charging session. For the smoothest experience, you'll need two main apps on your phone. Yes, we live in an app-driven world—embrace it!
2.1. The MyCadillac Mobile App
GM has integrated Tesla Supercharger access right into their native vehicle apps. Talk about convenience!
Activation Station: Dive into the myCadillac app. You'll need to navigate to the "Public Charging" section, find the option for "Tesla Supercharger", and hit "Activate". This is where you'll link your payment method—a credit card—to pay for those super-fast electrons.
Mapping Magic: The app, often powered by the Google Built-in system in your Lyriq, will now show you the compatible Tesla Supercharger locations, making trip planning a total breeze. No more guessing games!
2.2. The Tesla App (The Backup Plan)
While the GM app is designed for a seamless experience, sometimes tech gets glitchy, or you just prefer the O.G. route. Downloading and setting up the Tesla App is a smart move.
Setup: Create an account and add your payment information.
Charging non-Tesla EVs: Look for the option in the Tesla app, often labeled something like "Charge Your Non-Tesla" or "Charge My Other EV." This functionality is what allows the station to communicate with your Lyriq, even with the adapter in the middle.
Step 3: The Actual Charge-Up Ritual (It’s Electric!)
You’ve got the adapter, the apps are loaded, and your Lyriq is thirsty. Now for the moment of truth!
3.1. Roll Up and Park Smart
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Navigate to your chosen Tesla Supercharger. Now, here’s the real talk: Tesla Supercharger cables can sometimes be a little on the short side. The Lyriq's charging port is on the driver's side front fender. You might have to park a little creatively, maybe even straddling a line (be polite, though!) to get the cable to reach. Pro Tip: Look for the newer V4 Supercharger stalls—they usually have way longer cables, making life a whole lot easier.
3.2. Plug and Play (The Adapter Sequence)
This is the order you need to follow to avoid any unnecessary drama:
Grab the Tesla Supercharger cable from the station.
Plug the Tesla connector firmly into the NACS DC Adapter.
Plug the adapter/cable combo into your Cadillac Lyriq’s CCS charge port.
3.3. Initiating the Juice
With everything plugged in, you need to tell the station to start the flow of power.
The Easy Button: Open your myCadillac app, confirm the charging station ID (they are usually labeled with a number/letter combo like '3D'), and tap "Start Charging." The station will recognize your car (via the magic of the adapter and GM's partnership), and the session should kick off.
The Tesla App Way: If the Cadillac app is being temperamental, use the Tesla App. Select "Charge My Other EV," choose your exact stall number, and hit "Start Charging."
3.4. Monitor and Chill
Once the charging starts, don’t panic if the rate jumps around. The Lyriq and the Supercharger are chatting to figure out the best, safest, and fastest charging curve. Keep an eye on the progress either on your Lyriq’s gorgeous screen or in your mobile app. It’s generally a smart play to only fast charge up to 80% to preserve battery health and because charging speed slows down significantly after that point.
Step 4: The Wrap-Up and Disconnect
When you’re full or hit your charge target, it’s time to peace out.
4.1. Ending the Session
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
You can end the charge session in a few ways:
Via the App: Just hit "Stop Charging" in either your myCadillac or Tesla app.
Via the Car: In some cases, setting a max charge level will automatically stop the session.
The Tesla Connector Button: Pressing the physical button on the Tesla connector (the NACS plug part) can also safely terminate the charge and unlock the cable.
4.2. Unplugging Safely
Remove the entire cable/adapter combo from your Lyriq's port as one unit.
Unlatch the NACS adapter from the Supercharger cable (it usually has a release button on the adapter itself).
Return the NACS cable to the Supercharger stall.
Stow your NACS DC Adapter somewhere safe and handy in your Lyriq—you’re gonna need it again!
🤩 The Future is Now (NACS Native Lyriqs)
Here’s a little bonus insider scoop: while you need an adapter right now, GM is going all-in on the NACS connector. Starting in Model Year 2026, Cadillac vehicles like the Lyriq are expected to start rolling off the assembly line with the NACS port built right in! That means no adapter needed. It’ll be plug-and-charge heaven! But until then, the trusty NACS DC Adapter is your best friend on the open road.
FAQ Questions and Answers
How do I pay for charging at a Tesla Supercharger with my Lyriq?
You pay through your myCadillac mobile app (or the Tesla App), where you will have pre-loaded a credit card under the "Public Charging" or "Tesla Supercharger" section. The app communicates with the station to initiate and bill for the session.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
What version of the Tesla Supercharger is required to charge my Lyriq?
You will typically need a V3 or V4 Supercharger. Older V2 Superchargers often do not have the necessary hardware or software to allow non-Tesla vehicles to charge, even with an adapter. Your mobile app should filter for compatible stations.
Will using the NACS adapter slow down my Lyriq’s charging speed?
No, the adapter itself is generally rated for very high speeds (up to 500A/1000V). Your actual charging speed will be determined by your Lyriq's onboard charging capabilities, the Supercharger station's maximum output, and your battery's current state of charge and temperature.
How long does it take to charge a Cadillac Lyriq at a Tesla Supercharger?
Since Superchargers are DC Fast Chargers, the Lyriq can go from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes under optimal conditions. The last 20% of charging (80-100%) will take significantly longer due to battery preservation technology.
Where can I buy the official GM NACS DC Adapter?
The official GM-approved adapter can be purchased through your myCadillac mobile app, the Cadillac Accessories website, or directly from your local Cadillac dealership's parts department.
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