I Test 3 Supercharger Adapters For Non-Teslas With A Rivian R1T - Only *One* I Would Use!

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[@brandenflasch]

Purchase the A2Z adapter here and use "FLASCH" at checkout for a discount: a2zevshop.com/?ref=FLASCH Tesla referral link to purchase a Tesla product and get 3 months of free FSD and other exclusive benefits. bflasch.com/tesla

[@danielam3829]

the CEO/owner of A2Z has been very active on the RivianForums, is very engaging with the community. He provided a detailed description of the rigorous safety testing that each adapter must pass.

[@omelborpon3159]

I like the way that several YT hosts watch and respond to each others' videos. The early adopters and semi-early adopters of EVs are a tight and supporting community.

[@brandenflasch]

We all learn from each other - I think the goal for most of us is to push the industry forward

[@A.Deveneaux]

I did purchased the A2Z adapter because it seemed like Lectron was taking money without shipping the adapters. Also, based on Tom's review, the NACS fit to the adapter was an interference fit. It would have been nice if the A2Z adapter had a spring loaded latch on the NACS side, but not a big deal. Eventually, when I get my official adapter from Rivian, I'll decide which one to keep. In the meantime, I need to get charging and A2Z adapter seems the way to go. Great job for doing the additional tests.

[@danielam3829]

Branden, Great to see your back doing some Rivian content. That’s why I first started watching your channel. Keep up the good work!

[@daadreeb6582]

Very helpful review. Thanks

[@darinbrazil5496]

Ive have 2 adapters coming from Ford, I am 4600 and 4800 in the queue according to the order numbers and they are in transit via Fedex and should have them on Monday June 17. Ordered mine within minutes of orders being accepted and just finally getting mine.

[@garyprice1145]

Great video Branden! The thermal camera was an excellent addition to the video.

[@jayhoughton558]

A2Z makes the best adapters. Good company and products.

[@GregHassler]

I have both the A2Z and Lectron. My experience is opposite, the A2Z had poor quality, had burs on the plastic I had to cut off, and I have difficulty latching it to NACS with the slide lock. The Lectron works great and I haven't had any issues sliding the NACS into the adapter. I always put the adapter into the CCS port first, and then I slide in the NACS plug. I just took a 1,000 mile road trip to see the eclipse and primarily charged on the Lectron. On my Rivian R1S.

[@a2zevshop]

Hi Greg, We noticed that your experience with the A2Z adapter was not so great, can we offer you a replacement in order for you to enjoy and use your adapter with a peace of mind? We are keen on customer's satisfaction and your happiness matters to us. Let us know if we can help you. Thank you. EDIT : we have just found your customer profile, an email has also been sent.

[@Bzzap83]

So glad I canceled my Lectron!

[@GregHassler]

​@@Bzzap83 Lectron seems to be the better product as far as I can see, having actually used both numerous times.

[@benjaminf03]

ditto. Nothing but great experience with Lectron products! I got my Vortex plug about a week ago and haven't had any issues. seems to me like an isolated case. Props to them for the quick response to emails.

[@Quikshiver]

Thanks for the discount!

[@johnpoldo8817]

I am stunned Tom missed this latch problem test with the 3 adapters tested. He is so thorough. Maybe he will update review with this discovery.

[@brandenflasch]

His didn’t have issues.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

As Branden noted, mine didn't pull loose like his does. I have a video coming up soon to demonstrate the issue and I mention Branden in it.

[@johnpoldo8817]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Tom & Brandan, I am not criticizing you and respect your analysis.

[@jayhoughton558]

I’m surprised the Lectron even charged when the NACS side latch wasn’t fully locked. That should have an interrupt on that side as well.

[@brandenflasch]

You’d think if it wasn’t latched that it would interrupt

[@ojeskog]

I would give the Lectron the benefit of the doubt if it was just that the latch doesn't work and you got a duff one. But I find it rather concerning that it actually starts charging without the latch locking the connector in place. That's clearly poor design to have it fail and allowing to charge.

[@brandenflasch]

Concerning all around

[@TechnicallyJeff]

Great video Branden. Very detailed. I have the A2Z to test whenever Hyundai Motor Group vehicles get access to superchargers. It definitely seems like a very solid unit.

[@Paul-cj1wb]

Nice video Branden. Where did you get the cheapo adapter that doesn't work? I think it would be a nice "beware" place where people might find it.

[@IronmanV5]

Tom didn't have the latch problem with the Lectron. Likely a QC issue and you just got one of the (hopefully) vert few bad ones. As for charging etiquette, might I suggest having a coffee maker and brewing up some fresh java.

[@4rwayner7]

Your comment is the recommended method of disconnecting but others have shown the Tesla to adapter can be disconnected first and then adapter to vehicle.

[@Crazypostman]

Holy crap! I just tried my Lectron and it has the latch problem as well! This is not good.

[@brandenflasch]

Yikes!

[@Crazypostman]

@@brandenflasch after fiddling around with it some more I think it was installed backwards, since you can't put it in without pulling the latch but you can pull it out without pulling the latch I would put money that it's just installed backwards

[@AerialWaviator]

@@Crazypostman Fascinating observation. This definitely would be a major design/QC oversight. The should recall, swap out shipped units if this is the case.

[@chriswestenskow5202]

I just finished a 1200 mile road trip with 8 supercharger stops and my A2Z adapter attached to every Tesla connecter with a distinct click when fully seated and the latch was latched every time without me having to manually slide it. I’m not sure if my unit is different than the ones I see on KZbin, or if I am inserting the Telsa plug with more enthusiasm, but either way, I’m not complaining. I’m very happy with my A2Z adapter. My intent was to use it with my other EV later this year once my free one arrives, but I’ll have to compare and decide which one I prefer.

[@danielam3829]

Great to hear you had no issues. Still waiting to receive our A2Z we ordered on 4/6. Will be taking a 4,200 mi. Road-trip in June and hope to have the benefit of SuperChargers. Illinois to Vancouver.

[@keeganallen07]

got my Lectron adapter in time for last week's eclipse and was able to use it at a supercharger in NJ. dunno why Brandon's didn't work 🤷‍♂

[@ahbushnell1]

I have A2Z. It's hard to get the slider latch to lock. I play with it and get it too work.

[@todkapuz]

i love the "if teslas use the every other stall rule" why showing teslas.. using every other stall.... honestly if we could condition tesla and tesla like connections left and non-tesla like connections right.... instead of the every-other stall.. it would work wonders.

[@firesprk]

Looking forward to extension cables.

[@4rwayner7]

Can’t happen. No cooling.

[@brandenflasch]

They’re coming. The cables to the charger post aren’t cooled and the cables inside the car aren’t cooled.

[@firesprk]

@@brandenflasch yep. Im on a2z waiting list.

[@Crazypostman]

Lectron needs to initiate a recall! This is a big deal.

[@brandenflasch]

It seems that Tom’s doesn’t have this issue so it’s a QC issue rather than an outright design flaw

[@GregMcNamer]

​@@brandenflasch Which is totally recall worthy. It is a safety component and shouldn't be able to be installed incorrectly.

[@anthonyc8499]

What's 200kW between friends? lol All kidding aside, this is absolutely a big deal! Someone could get seriously injured or worse if it's actively charging and the NACS handle gets pulled out.

[@johnpoldo8817]

Most EVs latch the connector when charging and locking the vehicle. It prevents a thief from stealing your adapter. However, locking your Mach e does not prevent theft. Your adapter can be stolen. Source: Patrick & Liv.

[@AerialWaviator]

Excellent public service Branden, concerning the testing, particularly the safety aspect. These basic tests concerning the latch should be required to state are NACS/J3400 compliant. Hopefully is part of a CE certification requirement. Suggestion for a future video: Demo/test how NACS adaptors interoperate with 3rd-party NACS cable/connector. I've noticed some prototypes have varying dimensions after a number of CPOs have upgraded stations to include NACS stalls. For example ChargePoint a public location with NACS connectors fitted. While NACS adaptors not needed at 3rd-party CPOs today, within a couple years, those with an adaptor will likely find it a handy connivence to have. Was concerning to see an adaptor tested here have physical connector fit issues! Shows a lack of validation testing.

[@brandenflasch]

We’re in the very early days still of this transition so I can’t say I’m surprised there are such glaring issues

[@barryw9473]

Great find on unsafe Lectron latching. How did Tom Moloughney say it’s ok to use?

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Mine doesn't do that, it latches and holds.

[@bwolf1349]

Thanks, Tom. Poor quality control, possibly.

[@brandenflasch]

That's my suspicion. Concerning.

[@Crazypostman]

Just tried my Lectron, The latch does not work properly on mine as well!

[@barryw9473]

@@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney Tom, Brandon also mentioned the Tesla J3400 removal latch is physically connected to the CCS side of the part - can you verify this? If so, do you think this is a critical feature for all J3400-CCS adapters to have?

[@jcm0315]

I watched Jesse's in-depth review of the Lectron adapter on Now You Know and it worked with no issue at all

[@brandenflasch]

Seems they have some quality control issues

[@MichaelMuni]

Would be cool to keep a $1 dollar tree traffic cone in the truck to place on the spot thats unavailable. Just to make spotting it easier and people dont try to pull into the spot.

[@4rwayner7]

Did the latch on the Rivian and A2Z lock up while charging so you can’t unplug while charging?

[@brandenflasch]

Only the latch on the vehicle side.

[@graemeesmith]

Do any of these prevent other people from unplugging your car while it’s charging?

[@brandenflasch]

They do not. The Tesla official one does

[@firesprk]

Branden. Do you know if you pay for the tesla lower rate if the plug and charge uses lower rate?

[@brandenflasch]

Not currently

[@firesprk]

@@brandenflasch ok. I know I can go inside the Tesla app and pick the stall and do it that way. My wife has model y and I have Rivian. Do you know if I pay for the Tesla subscription if she can use it?

[@TechnicalLee]

If you have the Tesla membership, then you have to manually start the charger with the Tesla app BEFORE plugging in.

[@barryw9473]

There was a suggestion by Musk that slower charging cars would pay more than faster charging cars, to enhance station throughput.

[@brandenflasch]

@barryw9473 Then Teslas should pay more.

[@johnpoldo8817]

Wow, charging data on Rivian seems much better than Tesla. I’m impressed. Hopefully, Tesla will improve theirs in an OTA update.

[@brandenflasch]

Some of that was via a hidden menu like Tesla’s service mode.

[@johnpoldo8817]

@@brandenflasch Thanks, I know about service. But as an advanced EV driver and critic, don't you think Rivian's charging data for the average user in much better than Tesla. Maybe too it's the way data is presented so clearly in table form..

[@brandenflasch]

@@johnpoldo8817 It’s basically the same just in a slightly different format

[@jeffbangerter6060]

What was the name of the 3rd brand? A2Z, Lectron, and... I can't find any info on it, but probably because I can't figure out how to spell it 😅

[@brandenflasch]

Hailink - they don't list it www.hailink.cn/Charging%20Adapter.html

[@4rwayner7]

Have you talked to Tom or Kyle about their experience? You state the communication pins separate thus shutting off power so it really isn’t unsafe but most vehicles lock on when charging so jerks can’t unplug you and this design wouldn’t take care of this and actually could allow someone to steal it which be my bigger concern.

[@brandenflasch]

Tom has commented in here.

[@barryw9473]

Thank you. Off topic: what are your thoughts on a used Polestar 2 AWD with pilot and plus pack, 19 inch wheels? Prices are really good on these cars. I am already used to platform because wife drives XC40 Recharge.

[@brandenflasch]

If it meets your needs, go for it. I’d personally go for a used 3 or Y, but Polestar 2s have gotten cheap on the used market.

[@barryw9473]

@@brandenflasch Indeed they have gotten cheap, and I prefer having a driver binnacle and both wiper and turn signal stalks. Thanks again.

[@brandenflasch]

@@barryw9473 used 3 have stalks 🤷‍♂️

[@barryw9473]

@@brandenflasch Yes, I rented one from Hertz and was able to spritz or perform a single wipe, but not set intermittent speed or choose rain sensing or timed. Yes, I know I'm being picky, but I've had those features on the stalk for ~20 years, and I don't want my cheese moved. 🙂

[@benjaminf03]

dunno what to feel about this review with that a2z discount code on the very first line of the caption 🤷‍♂ seems like a no-win situation for the other two brands lol

[@brandenflasch]

I reached out to them for an affiliate link after I tested the product. I do not recommend products I wouldn’t use myself.

[@Marcosmercado67]

75 minutes to charge from 27% to 90%?

[@gchetail]

It seems like maybe with time Tesla drivers will leave the chargers at the end for the non-tesla users so it doesn't impact too much.

[@brandenflasch]

That would be the courteous thing to do

[@chriswestenskow5202]

On my recent trip, I noticed that the every other space habit was very consistent at the chargers that had several people charging. At one site that was half full, I had to drive up on the sidewalk and approach the dispenser from the side to be able to charge since the Teslas were spaced perfectly to block all “wrong side port” vehicles. I also noticed that while other EV drivers seem inclined to chat while charging at EA, Telsa drivers mostly either wander off, or hunker down in their car with very little inclination to interact, unless they had questions about the adapter and how I like my truck.

[@Plazman]

Who's Michael?

[@Kjin3]

Typically for normal tesla charging, the latch activates when car is charging/locked. It unlatches when unlocked. Should have tried to unlatch plugged into car and when charging activates or car locked.

[@brandenflasch]

Unlatching while charging stops charging, but I recommend stopping via the vehicle or NACS button as using the latch is hard on the vehicle and charger

[@graemeesmith]

That’s not how the adapters work… it’s not a motorized latch

[@rosmarin2438]

Just acquire one from a magic dock supercharger using a magnet In Minecraft

[@brandenflasch]

I’d rather not be a thief

[@rosmarin2438]

@@brandenflasch meh Elon is a MAGA chud anyway

[@lbeck37]

It's too bad Rivian didn't put the charge port at the passenger's side front. This would let the Rivian park in the correct stall. Cybertruck should also do that so it could charge while hooked to a trailer.

[@anthonyc8499]

The problem with front passenger side is that the driver has to walk around the vehicle for home charging. That's why rear passenger side on R2 is a dumb decision too.

[@jefferrrson1x]

i really hope Rivian makes more charging stations cause i can't stand rivians take 2-3 spaces.. horrible.

[@brandenflasch]

You don’t own superchargers.

[@brandenflasch]

Did you even watch the video?

[@AlfredoVargas2]

Tom Moloughney said it's safe to use. I'd rather take advice from a bigger name in the industry no offense 😂

[@brandenflasch]

Lectron? It seems like they need to issue a recall because Tom’s latch was fine and mine and some others are not.

[@georgepelton5645]

"Bigger name?" Tom does a great job with his reviews, but you are not giving Branden the respect he deserves. Branden has extensive work experience designing DC fast charging installations, and I am pretty sure he has an engineering degree. The reason their Lectron reviews are different is that Lectron delivered a bad unit to Branden, but not to Tom. If you have a Lectron adapter, I suggest you check to see if the NACS latch works on yours or not.

[@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney]

Thanks for the confidence, but you can trust Branden on charging, he knows his stuff. I have a new video coming out soon that addresses this topic.

[@doggyppants9846]

This looks so dangerous. I would pay for a well dressed electric charging station attendant in a hat and gloves to plug my car in for me. Also clean my car and sell me snacks and beverages. And this will give people more jobs too!

[@brandenflasch]

It’s safer than gas