Supercharger experience just got better for Polestar, BYD and other non-Tesla EVs

Back in August 2023, a new way to pay at Tesla superchargers was spotted over in the UK as part of the then-new V4 supercharger rollout. It was hardware that enabled credit card payments for non-Tesla EVs.

Now, the feature has been spotted functioning at a site in Australia, allowing non-Tesla drivers to charge by just tapping their credit card or mobile payment-enabled devices.

X user Beau first spotted this and tried to charge a Polestar 2 which started charging after a card was tapped to the reader underneath the V4 nozzle holder. 

Multiple photos of the setup were shared, including the prices on the small screen to charge as well as the idle fees.

Another EV enthusiast and BYD Dolphin owner, ARM, tested the system with a BYD Dolphin at the Tesla V4 supercharger in Campbelltown to see if the newly activated credit card reader would function and the Dolphin would charge at this site. 

After testing the car, ARM shared a video on X. 

The process shown seems fairly easy. Before plugging in, the integrated supercharger screen shows a “Plug In to Charge”. After plugging in the connector, the credit card reader needs to be tapped on the screen and the charging session begins.

The screen displays “Charging in Progress” status. It shows charging metrics, including charging costs, energy delivered, charging rate and charge duration.

The entire process seems quite seamless, and the screen is small and subtle enough to make these units look not very different from those without contactless payment capabilities.

These integrated card readers are located just under the CCS2 holder on the V4 supercharger stall, so they are also easy to spot for those looking to charge at the stall.

These chargers at the Campbelltown site can be used via either the Tesla app or by tap-and-go contactless payment.  Previously, the only option available for non-Tesla cars – at those charging stations that were open to them – was to sign up to the Tesla app.

This site was also one to be upgraded from V3 to V4 superchargers in June 2024, allowing for longer cables to help non-Tesla vehicles charge there. Now, of course, it’s even easier with the tap-and-pay facility.

With Tesla continuing to innovate on charging infrastructure technologies it offers internationally and now in Australia, it’ll likely push other operators to follow suit. After all, EV owners want reliable, easy-to-use infrastructure for current and future drivers.