In the second part of our two-part series, the Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council and automakers discuss legal ramifications of using uncertified charging adapters

In 2022, Tesla opened its Supercharger network to other automakers. With 3,335 stations and 40,000 ports currently across the U.S. and Canada (according to Natural Resources Canada), the sheer scale pushed automakers to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug and port protocol. 

We are now witnessing a diversification from J1772 and the Combined Charging System (CCS1) and CHAdeMO. Instead, most non-Tesla EVs will eventually come with NACS ports (some already do) in North America. The problem is, how do existing CCS1- or CHAdeMo-equipped EVs charge at NACS chargers? And how do we use existing non-Tesla charger units later?

A necessity for EV drivers

The solution has been charging adapters, which have become a necessity for many EV drivers. Acting as a bridge between NACS chargers and CCS1 or CHAdeMO-equipped EVs, most available are certified UL 2252 (or equivalent), the standard for design, material quality and testing. 

Some, however, are not. Uncertified electrical equipment can be dangerous, but it is also illegal to sell in Canada. And yet, many uncertified adapters can be found online, usually at low cost.

Travis Allan is president and CEO of the Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council (CCIC), an industry advocacy group representing Canadian EV charging providers. He says CCIC member networks are aware that uncertified charging adapters can be found and are concerned about the possible dangers associated with them. 

Think about safety

“There are a couple key things that charging networks want drivers and the public to know,” says Allan. “The first is that it is critical to use safety certified and well-maintained adapters. The number one thing for drivers to think about is safety more than anything else.”

“The other question that a driver should ask is whether their vehicle insurance would cover them in the event that they are using a non-safety certified product, that is in contravention of [provincial] law. It just does not make sense to use this; it’s a bit of a false economy.”

Allan adds that the legal ramifications of using an uncertified adapter don’t stop at provincial law. If something goes wrong, the driver will possibly be on the hook for damages to charging equipment. 

“People have to use proper equipment, and they have to use it in a way that does not void warranties. Given that equipment that is not safety certified is not authorized for use in Canada, that would likely constitute a violation of [charging networks] Terms of Use.”

Automaker messages

Automakers are also wary of this issue. Some had already been offering charging adapters before the UL certification came out in March last year. 

In October 2024, Ford issued a “customer service action” to stop the use of some of its adapters due to potential safety issues. Since the UL certification, Ford and most other automakers now partner with specialized suppliers that build to OEM-approved specifications.

The message from automakers reflects that of charging networks: if something goes wrong with the vehicle because of an uncertified adapter, warranty won’t cover it.

Warranties affected

General Motors, for example, offers charger adapters ranging from $100 to $310, all tested in accordance with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) specifications. “Damage to vehicle components resulting from the installation or use of non-GM-approved parts is not covered under the terms of the vehicle limited warranty and may affect remaining warranty coverage for affected parts,” said a GM spokesperson in an email.

A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Canada (which offers OEM-spec adapters retailing for $219.95) echoed the GM stance on uncertified adapters. “While Mercedes-Benz vehicle warranties are designed to provide peace of mind, damage resulting from the use of non-approved adapters may not be covered under warranty.”

Safety recommendations 

In April of last year, CharIN (Charging Interface Initiative), a global, non-profit association dedicated to establishing unified EV charging standards, issued a press release on the adapter issue. Along with describing the potential safety risks of using an uncertified adapter, CharIN’s press release issued recommendations for adapter protocols. 

For automakers: require certified adapters, and communicate to dealers and owners the risks of inferior adapters.

For charging networks: use multiple channels to communicate the need for approved adapters, including social media, terms of use, and others. More importantly, require chargers to recognize a UL 2252-certified adapter, and use a temperature monitoring system. UL 2252 full compliance requires an Over Temperature Protection Test.

CharIN also suggests an industry-wide mandatory reporting response protocol. This would notify either the NHTSA or Transport Canada (depending on country) promptly when an incident involving a charging adapter occurs.

Responsibility falls to the driver 

Ultimately, safety and responsibility with charging adapters comes down to the user. Nansy Hanna, senior director of engineering at Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), has some final advice for those looking to expand their charging capabilities safely with an adapter.

“Look for the certification mark when you’re buying an adapter,” she says. “Buy from somewhere you know, like vehicle dealers or OEMs, they would have the approved products.

“If you are aware of an incident, or you yourself had an incident, report it to Health Canada, because that benefits everyone. Once it’s reported, they will take action on it, only they have the authority to recall it.”