Tesla NACS vs. A2Z Typhoon Pro: Which Adapter Wins?
A head-to-head showdown between Tesla’s OEM adapter and A2Z’s Typhoon Pro. Because not all NACS adapters are created equal.
If you’re in the market for a Tesla NACS adapter, you’ve probably seen an overwhelming number of options. Tesla’s own OEM adapter, the A2Z Typhoon Pro, and the Lectron NACS adapter are some of the more recognizable choices, but they’re far from the only ones. There are plenty of other adapters floating around, each with varying levels of quality, pricing, and reliability. This comparison focuses on the first two, since I’ve had ample time to put them through their paces.
Packaging and Protection
Tesla OEM (Rivian): Bubble wrap in an oversized box. Functional, but uninspired. Rivian just tossed it in and called it a day. Ford’s packaging for the same adapter is significantly better.
Tesla OEM (Volvo): Same minimal bubble wrap but in a better-fitted box. Comes with a sticker on the side and another for the inside of the charge door.
A2Z Typhoon Pro: Ships in a custom-molded protective case. A simple but useful inclusion that shows some thought.
Size and Storage
Tesla OEM (Both): Compact and tucks neatly into the center console of my Volvo XC40 Recharge. Ultra-convenient.
A2Z Typhoon Pro: Bulkier, so it lives in the frunk.
Additionally, the A2Z weighs a few grams more than the Tesla OEM adapter. Not a huge difference, but noticeable.
Fit and Finish
Tesla OEM (Rivian): Feels cheaper than it should. Uneven panel gaps, thinner plastic, and mine came pre-scuffed thanks to the oversized box.
Tesla OEM (Volvo): While it looks almost identical to the Rivian version, it feels better built. Tighter panel gaps, more solid construction, and features a “Made in USA” marking, whereas the Rivian one omits a country of origin (Rivian’s site says it’s made in China). Seems like Tesla has multiple factories producing these, and quality control varies.
A2Z Typhoon Pro: Built like a tank. The heavy-duty nylon casing gives it an almost metal-like weight. If I had to throw one of these at an attacker, I know which one I’d pick.
Performance
All of these adapters have worked flawlessly every time I've used them on V3 and V4 (or 3.5?) Tesla Superchargers. No complaints.
Ease of Use
Tesla OEM (Both): Requires less force to connect and disconnect, making it easier to handle.
A2Z Typhoon Pro: Takes a little more effort to snap into place, but nothing excessive.
User Experience
A2Z Typhoon Pro: Has a single button for two functions:
Press once to release the charger from the car (or send the release request).
Press again to disconnect the NACS plug.
Intuitive and seamless.
Tesla OEM (Both): Functions similarly, but the release mechanism for the NACS plug is on the bottom, making it a little awkward.
With the Tesla OEM adapter, you’ll eventually build the muscle memory, but expect a learning curve at first.
Ready to plug in!
Price
Tesla OEM (Both): Retails for $225 through Rivian and $230 via Volvo, but pricing is a mess. My local dealer Volvo of Winter Park quoted me $312, even though Volvo officially lists it at $230. Some dealers might let you apply coupons, but YMMV.
A2Z Typhoon Pro: $179 MSRP, but coupon codes are abundant on EV message boards and subreddits. I snagged a discount with code POLESTAR.
Shipping Time
Tesla OEM (Rivian): Took nine business days to arrive in Florida, shipped UPS Ground from California.
A2Z Typhoon Pro: Took four business days, shipped UPS Worldwide Expedited from Quebec, Canada.
Tesla OEM (Volvo): No shipping required - I picked it up at the dealership.
Final Verdict
All of the adapters got the job done, but which one you choose depends on what you value most.
Tesla OEM Adapter
✅ Compact and easy to store
✅ Works as expected
❌ Rivian version feels cheaply made
❌ Minimal packaging
❌ Price varies wildly depending on dealer
A2Z Typhoon Pro
✅ Superior build quality
✅ Comes with a protective case
✅ Simple, well-designed button layout
✅ Ships faster
✅ Usually cheaper with a discount
❌ Bulkier than the Tesla adapter
❌ Requires slightly more force to connect
If portability, ease of use, and less warranty risk are your top priorities, go with the Tesla adapter. But if you want better craftsmanship, thoughtful extras, and a better deal, the A2Z adapter is the clear winner.
For me personally, the OEM Tesla adapter from Volvo lives in my car's center console, while the A2Z Typhoon Pro stays in the frunk as a spare. The OEM Rivian one? Sold it off via marketplace.