Using SETEC CCS1 to Tesla adapter and version 1.50 firmware (for the adapter) our 2012 Signature Edition P85 Tesla Model S with its upgraded 90kWh battery (2021 edition) was able to charge at 66kW at the 150kW Electrify America charging station outside of Target in Superior, Colorado (I may have misspoke and said Broomfield in the video). The charging station could deliver more power than the adapter will deliver. I think part of the rate limiting factor is that to communicate with the car it emulates CHAdeMO charging protocols, so the car limits the rate to those protocols. it's a convoluted way to do things, but it works sufficiently that we're glad we have this for those times we need to add charge while traveling and a Supercharger isn't nearby, but a CCS1 charger is. Unfortunately, I ended the recording just before it got upto 66kW. I took a still picture of it but have not edited it into the video.
The charging behavior with the SETEC adapter is counterintuitive. The charging rate actually increases as it charges, reaching its maximum in 10 - 15 minutes. It only took a couple of minutes to be above 60kW, so it's not a big difference.
Just for comparison if I went to a Tesla Supercharger under the same conditions, pur Tesla would charge at 100-120kW. I don't think these adapters will get much use when a Supercharger is nearby. The Electrify America chargers cost more than what Trsla charges at its Supercharger at most locations. For us, we have "free Supercharging for the life of the car" so we have even less reason to charge elsewhere if not necessary.
I was very skeptical of this product when I first learned of it. At this point, I think it is worth the $460 we paid when we bought it directly from the manufacturer. The price has gone up since then. Like any accessory, each person has to decide what makes sense for them. Given our travel preferences, it makes sense for us, and it works. The biggest problem is that at this time, it does not work with all CCS1 (CCS/SAE Combo) chargers, that likely will improve with time. The manufacturer has released firmware updates that has improved functionality and compatibility. I expect that to continue. At the time I write this EVgo has barred the use of "non-OEM EV manufacturer adapters", so this likely won't work with them until such time EVgo can validate the safety of using it for their own equipment and potential liability exposure for damage to the car being charged. Things like this are growing pains for charging infrastructure. EVgo has partnered with Tesla to add Tesla connectors at some of their charging stations. This may become more common in the future among other EV charging companies. Until then, this adapter works with some CCS1 charging stations. When traveling, we will carry it along with our CHAdeMO adapter, expanding where we can go with our Tesla without hesitation.
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