Imagine embarking on a long road trip in your brand-new electric vehicle, only to realize that finding a compatible charging station is more of a treasure hunt than you expected. But here's where it gets interesting: a Chevrolet Silverado EV driver recently found himself in this exact predicament at a Buc-ee’s in Smiths Grove, Kentucky—a stop that turned out to be both a challenge and a stroke of luck. TikTok user Terry Hensley (@tshensley) documented his experience in a viral video, revealing that the popular travel center only had Tesla chargers. However, Buc-ee’s came through with a clever solution: an adapter that allowed him to use Tesla’s NACS plug on his Chevy truck. And this is the part most people miss: the location also offered other EV charging options, though Hensley didn’t need them thanks to the adapter. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Hensley was grateful for the workaround, some Tesla owners have expressed frustration over non-Tesla EVs using Tesla chargers. Is this a step toward inclusivity in EV infrastructure, or does it overburden Tesla’s network? Let’s dive deeper.
In his video, Hensley captures the scene: a long line of Teslas and rows of dedicated Tesla charging kiosks. He explains, ‘Stopped at a Buc-ee’s, just to be able to get a charge. Surrounded by Teslas.’ Initially, he thought he’d need an adapter, but Buc-ee’s had a ‘magic dock’ that allowed him to plug in directly. While the charging process wasn’t flawless—speeds dropped from 175 kilowatts to 140 kilowatts—he appreciated the convenience. But here’s the kicker: Hensley later learned that the Kentucky Buc-ee’s also has Mercedes-Benz chargers, part of a nationwide partnership between the two brands. By the end of 2024, at least 31 Buc-ee’s locations across 12 states will feature Mercedes-Benz charging stations, according to WFAA and Business Wire.
Hensley’s journey didn’t end in Kentucky; his next stop was a Buc-ee’s in Alabama, where he hoped to find a Mercedes-Benz charger. In the comments, he shared that he typically spends 45 minutes at Buc-ee’s anyway, so the stop didn’t delay his trip. However, the charging speed issue sparked debate. One commenter explained that power is often split between stalls, reducing speeds when multiple vehicles are charging simultaneously. EVBox and EVB.com confirm this, noting that shared charging stations can significantly slow down the process. But here’s the question: should EV drivers expect consistent charging speeds, or is this variability just part of the electric vehicle experience?
The Silverado EV itself has been praised for its charging capabilities. In 2024, InsideEVs crowned it the leader in battery top-off tests, achieving its advertised 350kW charging speed with preconditioning. It maintained impressive performance, staying above 340kW until the battery reached 30% and continuing at 220kW past 75%. Even at 90%, it recharged at 50kW—a testament to its efficiency. But here’s where it gets thought-provoking: as more EVs hit the road, will charging infrastructure keep pace, or will drivers face increasing challenges like Hensley’s?
The viral nature of Hensley’s video highlights the growing pains of the EV revolution. While some celebrate the adaptability of charging networks, others worry about strain on existing systems. One Tesla owner commented, ‘I’m glad more EVs are on the road, but I don’t like Tesla opening these up to GM and Ford. Gross.’ What do you think? Is the future of EV charging about shared resources and adaptability, or should brands maintain exclusive networks? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to take our 3-minute survey to help shape future content on InsideEVs.com. The InsideEVs team is eager to hear your opinions!
