Explainers

Charging, without the folklore.

Short guides to the decisions that actually change what you buy: connectors, adapters, circuit size and charging time.

The three plugs you will actually meet in the US, what they do, and which adapter — if any — your car needs.

The brand-by-brand list of non-Tesla EVs with Supercharger access, which adapter they need, and which cars are still locked out.

The trade-offs between a plug-in 14-50 install and a hardwired 48-amp circuit, including breaker sizes, wire, rebates and resale.

The real difference in miles per hour, which cars can use each level, and when a bigger circuit is a waste of money.

Home and fast-charging times for popular EVs, the formula behind the numbers, and why the last 20% takes so long.