Revealed: Why XPENG G6 Doesn't Work With Tesla Superchargers & Possible Fix

Early Australian purchasers of the XPENG G6 EV experienced an unpleasant surprise when they realised that their car couldn't charge at Tesla superchargers.

I investigated and found out why this happened as well as detailing a potential fix being worked on by XPENG and Tesla.

The incompatibility is a problem because Tesla superchargers are by far the most reliable fast charging network for electric vehicles in Australia, usually with a larger number of charging bays per site and faster charging rates at each bay compared to other major Australian charging networks.

My friend Tom who operates the Ludicrous Feed Youtube EV news and reviews channel experienced the problem first hand when he tried to charge an XPENG G6 review loan car at Tesla Yass.

As you can see below the Tesla app tried to charge the car for a few seconds and then displayed the message "Charging Failed".

Image by - Ludicrous Feed (Youtube)

Tesla Superchargers and 800V EVs

There was some speculation amongst the EV community that Tesla superchargers don't work with 800V architecture EVs but I can say that is incorrect.

As shown below, I have used many Tesla Superchargers while test driving media loan Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 cars during my EV roadtrips. Both cars are 800V EV designs.

Image by - Neerav Bhatt

Image by - Neerav Bhatt

XPENG Australia Explain Situation

I followed up with XPENG Australia 2 weeks ago to find out more.

They told me that they did extensive testing of the XPENG G6 in Australia with different charger networks prior to sale and at that time the car was compatible with Tesla superchargers.

I was promised a more detailed answer as soon as they could figure out a reason for the new incompatibility between the XPENG G6 and Tesla superchargers.

Yesterday I had a conversation with a spokesperson for XPENG Australia and they told me the following:

"After investigation, XPENG and Tesla have found that the recent V3/V4 charging station firmware update scheduled for January 2025 has introduced a new protocol verification mechanism to enhance charging efficiency".

"While the update has been tested across mainstream 400V fast-charging vehicle models during its trial phase, compatibility issues have emerged with some newer 800V platform vehicles, including partner models such as the XPENG G6".

"XPENG is working closely with Tesla to activate rapid response protocols, aiming to release a compatibility-focused software patch via OTA updates for affected vehicles as soon as possible".

"In the interim, to fully utilise XPENG’s 800V ultra-fast charging platform capabilities, users are advised to prioritise other certified third-party charging operator (CPO) networks".

"Moving forward, XPENG and Tesla will deepen collaboration on charging infrastructure optimisation, focusing on resolving current compatibility challenges, continuous refinement of core protocol frameworks."

"We remain committed to enhancing our charging network and improving user experience."

Zecar Verdict

It is obviously not ideal that for the moment XPENG G6 owners in Australia cannot use Tesla superchargers to charge their cars.

However credit should be given to XPENG Australia for being transparent about how they are working with the Tesla supercharger team to find a solution.

This should give early buyers of the G6 some confidence about post-sales support for their EV.

Some other EV manufacturers resort to no comment and ignoring problems when things go wrong with their vehicles.

This is not the way to build customer loyalty or encourage others to buy from their brand in the future.

Xpeng G6 Long Range Australia Road Trip Test

Readers can watch the Ludicrous Feed Youtube video test of Tesla superchargers below.

It is part of a longer video review of the XPENG G6 while being driven between Sydney and Melbourne.