The plug clicked. The screen said “charging.” But the lights weren’t flashing, so was it really working?
Welcome to the sometimes-baffling learning curve of EV ownership, where even success can look like failure.
Creator and model Natalie Gauvreau (@sngvip) gives voice to the guessing games and uncertainty of charging an EV in a viral TikTok clip shot recently near Dallas.
“The struggle of buying an electric vehicle is trying to figure out how to use these things … it’s not easy,” she said while an off-screen companion attempts to charge a Hummer EV at a Tesla charging station.
Why the Confusion?
The core of the Hummer EV frustration lies in the clash and evolving bridge between two EV charging ecosystems: the Combined Charging System (CCS) and Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). Most non‑Tesla EVs in North America, including GM models like the Hummer EV, use the J1772 connector for Level 2 charging and the CCS1 connector for DC fast charging. Tesla vehicles, on the other hand, utilize the thinner, single‑connector NACS port, which supports both AC and DC charging through the same interface.
This mismatch means that, for now, a CCS1-equipped Hummer EV needs a GM-approved NACS DC adapter and a Supercharger site that’s open to non-Tesla vehicles to charge at Tesla stations. Access is handled through GM/Tesla app authorization at participating V3/V4 locations. If the external lights don’t flash, that alone doesn’t confirm failure. GM indicates flashing green means charging, while other states (e.g., solid blue) can indicate “connected, not yet charging.” Always verify on the vehicle display or app.
GM has responded by offering an NACS DC adapter, purchasable for around $225 via the myGMC, myChevrolet, or myCadillac apps. Once equipped, the adapter enables Hummer EV owners to access thousands of V3 (and some V4) Tesla Superchargers across North America.
But that’s not the end of the transition. By the end of 2025, GM plans to build native NACS ports into its EVs, including future Hummer EVs, so owners won’t need an adapter. Meanwhile, GM’s push is part of a broader industry shift: Major automakers such as Ford, Rivian, Mercedes, Nissan, Hyundai, Toyota, and others have publicly committed to NACS adoption, aiming to phase out CCS for new vehicles.
What Blinking Lights Signify
A blinking green light on the vehicle’s charge port signals that charging is in progress, but other blinking lights indicate different statuses or problems. The Supercharger itself has its own status lights that may also signal issues, but those signals aren’t universal. The Hummer EV’s interface might rely on dashboard indicators rather than external lights. Moreover, older Superchargers (especially V2 or earlier) are generally not compatible with CCS-equipped vehicles, even with an adapter.
Just because the external lights don’t flash doesn’t mean charging isn’t happening. Drivers should confirm charging status via:
- The vehicle’s dashboard display,
- The charging app (e.g., myGMC or Tesla app), or
- The charging station’s screen prompt.
Understanding that this visual feedback isn’t standardized is key to reducing anxiety at the plug.
For new Hummer EV owners, that learning curve can feel especially steep. The truck is among the largest and least efficient EVs on the market, with an EPA-rated 329 miles of range and a massive 246-kWh battery—meaning charging sessions are longer and more expensive than most competitors. Factor in that the Hummer tips the scales at over 9,000 pounds, and it’s easy to see why knowing how to plug in efficiently is a necessity.
- Download the myGMC app—it activates Supercharger access, helps locate compatible stations, and sells the adapter.
- Purchase and carry the GM-approved NACS adapter if your Hummer EV doesn’t have a native NACS port.
- Seek V3 or V4 Superchargers, which support adapter use. V2 and legacy stations often won’t work.
- Use reliable apps like PlugShare or the myGMC app to identify compatible stalls and review user feedback.
- Ensure the adapter is securely latched onto the charger and the vehicle port, as GM recommends.
- Confirm the charge initiated via the dash display or app, not just external lights.
- Never use the GM adapter with Level 1 or Level 2 (AC) home chargers. The GM adapter only handles DC fast charging.
- Detach the adapter promptly when done and stow it properly, since it’s costly and needs care.
InsideEVs reached out to Gauvreau via direct message.
