NACS Adapter Showdown, Part Two: Ford's Lectron Adapter Enters the Ring
Testing the dumbest smart thing you can buy for your EV
TL;DR: All three adapters (Tesla OEM, A2Z Typhoon Pro, and Ford Lectron) work flawlessly. A2Z wins on build quality, Tesla wins on size, and Ford brings smart safety upgrades. Pick whichever one aligns with your needs, or whichever one you can find today.
In my first write-up, I compared the Tesla OEM and A2Z Typhoon Pro adapters head-to-head: portability versus premium build quality, take your pick. But then, during an unrelated trip to the local Goodwill, fate handed me a surprise: an OEM Ford Lectron adapter, new in box, for a price I couldn't ignore. Just like that, the showdown wasn't over; it was expanding.
Co-developed by Lectron and Ford, this adapter was designed to close the supply gap, fix reliability concerns, and give Ford EV owners an officially backed second option. And now that I've tested it alongside the other two, here's how all three stack up.
Let's get into it.
Functionality
All three adapters (Tesla OEM, A2Z Typhoon Pro, and Ford Lectron) performed flawlessly in real-world testing. I used each of them across multiple sessions at V3 and V4 Superchargers with zero connection issues or charging interruptions.
Size and Weight
Tesla OEM: The most compact of the bunch. It fits easily into the center console of my Volvo XC40 Recharge.
A2Z Typhoon Pro: Larger and heavier. This one lives in the frunk.
Ford Lectron: About the same size and weight as the A2Z. Also frunk-only.
Packaging and Presentation
Tesla OEM (Rivian): Bubble wrap in a too-big box. Functional, but uninspired.
Tesla OEM (Volvo): Same padding, but in a better-fitted box with a charge-door sticker included.
A2Z Typhoon Pro: Ships with a form-fitted hard case. Practical and protective. A very nice touch.
Ford Lectron: Arrives in a slick "Our Gift From Ford" box. Classy and premium-feeling, but the box itself doesn't provide much real protection. A2Z wins this category by far.
Fit and Finish
Tesla OEM (Rivian): Scuffed out of the box. Loose panel gaps. Feels cheaper than it should.
Tesla OEM (Volvo): Better quality control. Tighter seams and a "Made in USA" mark. Likely from a different production facility.
A2Z Typhoon Pro: Overbuilt in the best way. Feels very solid. The nylon casing is tough, bordering on weapon-grade.
Ford Lectron: Also overbuilt. It feels solid and refined. Flush panels, with upgraded locking hardware, and a squared-off casing for a more robust feel. The embossed Ford logo adds a touch of polish the others lack.
Safety and Locking Mechanisms
Tesla OEM: Bottom-mounted release. Works fine, but can be awkward.
A2Z Typhoon Pro: One top-mounted button handles both ends. Simple, intuitive, and secure.
Ford Lectron: Uses a bottom-mounted release like Tesla's, but adds an interlock pin between the DC pins. This pin prevents disconnection unless charging is stopped first; an added layer of safety that shows real thought.
User Experience
Tesla OEM: Easiest to connect and disconnect. Once you learn the button position, it's smooth sailing.
A2Z Typhoon Pro: Requires slightly more effort to couple, but offers a clean one-button solution.
Ford Lectron: Slightly less intuitive due to the safety interlock, but worth the extra step.
So, Which One Should You Get?
A CCS plug is a CCS plug, and these are all "dumb" adapters. That means brand doesn't really matter: you can absolutely buy a Ford adapter for your Chevy, or a Nissan one for your Volvo, and it'll work just fine. I personally tested all four adapters on my Volvo XC40 Recharge and they all worked flawlessly.
If you drive a Ford EV, this is easy: get the Lectron adapter. It's co-developed, endorsed, and designed with added safety in mind. Additionally, you'll avoid any potential warranty issues.
If your automaker offers its own branded NACS adapter, that's the one to go with, if only to avoid any potential warranty drama.
For everyone else, it comes down to priorities:
Need something small and simple? Tesla OEM still wins on portability.
Want something tough and feature-rich? A2Z Typhoon Pro is still a solid buy.
Craving OEM build quality and a little extra engineering foresight? The Ford Lectron might surprise you.
Either way, it's a good sign that these accessories are finally being treated with the attention they deserve.
Need One Fast?
Need it today, not next week? You've got options.
If you're lucky, your local dealership may have adapters in stock, regardless of what badge is on your car. Most parts departments will happily sell to anyone with a credit card.
Here's where to look and what to ask for:
Tesla OEM Adapter: Ask your local Volvo dealer for part number 32419487, or Nissan for T99F9-5MP1B. These are the real-deal Tesla-made units.
Ford Lectron Adapter: Hit up your nearest Ford dealership and ask for part number VRK9Z10E826A. This version is co-developed with Lectron and officially supported by Ford.
GM Adapters: Your mileage will definitely vary. Try part numbers 85778137, 85090442, or 84806539. These could be Tesla OEM or unbranded Lectron; depends on the dealer's inventory.
Amazon (A2Z or Lectron): If you can wait 24–48 hours, both A2Z and Lectron adapters are readily available via Amazon with Prime shipping. Not same-day, but close.
If time is of the essence, call ahead, but chances are good you can walk out of a dealer today with what you need.