As the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise, so does the importance of convenient and efficient charging infrastructure. The North American Charging Standard (NACS) has emerged as a leading solution, gaining support from major EV manufacturers. One such manufacturer, Tesla, recognized the need for a reliable charging network early on and launched the Supercharger network in 2012. Let’s take a closer look at how the North American Charging Standard and the Tesla Supercharger network are shaping the future of EV charging.
How NACS Won the EV Charging Standard Wars
Tesla added this technology to all their electric vehicles in the future, including the Model X, Model Y, Model 3, and future EVs. However, the early Nissan Leaf still used CHAdeMO. Third-party companies primarily built CCS and CHAdeMO infrastructure, except for the Volkswagen Group public network, Electrify America. Tesla, on the other hand, built its own private DC Fast charge network, the Tesla Supercharger Network.
What sets Tesla’s Supercharger Network apart is its reliability and user experience. Tesla strategically places its chargers at shopping destinations, restaurants, and other amenities, making charging time pass quickly. The crown benefit of the Tesla Supercharger Network is its reliability, which is far better than CCS. One in five EV drivers cannot charge with CCS, while Tesla does not have poor reliability issues. As Tesla became the number one top EV manufacturer in the United States, their Supercharging network has grown.
Tesla’s Supercharger Network’s Impact on the EV Industry
As the electric vehicle industry continues to expand, the reliability of charging infrastructure becomes an increasingly critical concern. Other manufacturers in the EV market are taking note of Tesla’s Supercharger Network and using it as a model. In 2019, Tesla even tested the network with non-Tesla EVs. As of 2022, they rebranded the Tesla Charging Standard as The North American Charging Standard. These developments show the innovative leadership of Tesla in the EV industry and their commitment to advancing the technology for all drivers.
Ford Adopts Tesla’s NACS Charging Standard for EVs
In a landmark move, Ford Motor Company announced in May 2023 that it would be the first major automaker to adopt NACS, the new charging standard developed by Tesla. The move was seen as a significant step forward for the EV industry, which has struggled with the inconsistent and unreliable CCS infrastructure. Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer for the Ford Model E, praised Tesla for leading the charge in creating a large, reliable, and efficient charging system. He noted that the NACS plug was smaller and lighter, providing a superior experience for customers. With this move, Ford has shown its commitment to the continued growth and adoption of EVs, and the industry as a whole stands to benefit.
Automakers Show Strong Support for NACS
After Ford, major players like General Motors, Honda, BMW and Toyota have all expressed their support for the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Lucid Motors, a newer manufacturer, has also hopped on board, showing a clear trend of NACS gaining traction within the industry. Check out the helpful table below for a full list of companies pledging their support for NACS. This news bodes well for the future of electric vehicles, and it’s great to see such widespread backing for a standardized approach to charging.
BMW Group (BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce)
BMW of North America and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA has just announced that drivers of BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce CCS battery electric vehicles (BEV) in the United States and Canada will soon be able to access designated NACS, Tesla Supercharger stations in early 2025. The companies will work together over the next few months. They aim to create a seamless customer experience, enabling drivers to easily locate and use available Superchargers on their vehicle’s display. To make the process smoother, drivers can make payments through their respective vehicle brand apps. This is exciting news for EV drivers, as it will allow for greater accessibility and convenience while on the road.
Fisker
Fisker has just announced that it will partner with Tesla to integrate NACS into its first vehicles by 2025. This agreement will cover all current and future Fisker vehicles. Starting in Q1 2025, Fisker customers can charge their vehicles at Superchargers using a NACS adapter. Fisker will also be updating its vehicle engineering to include an NACS inlet. Additionally, a CCS adapter will be provided for customers who prefer to charge using that standard. With plans to use NACS ports on their vehicles by 2025, Fisker is taking a big step forward in terms of charging technology. This partnership with Tesla is exciting news for Fisker customers, who will soon be able to take advantage of the widespread Supercharger network.
Ford
Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit customers will soon have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network via an adapter and software integration. Customers will be able to activate and pay for the service through FordPass or Ford Pro Intelligence. However, access to existing Ford EV owners won’t be available until Spring 2024. But Ford’s plans don’t stop there. In 2025, the automaker will offer next-generation electric vehicles with built-in NACS connectors. This will eliminate the need for an adapter to access Tesla Superchargers, making charging more convenient for Ford EV owners.
General Motors Co. (Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC)
General Motors and Tesla have announced a collaboration that will see GM integrate NACS connector design into its electric vehicles (EVs) starting in 2025. This will allow GM EV drivers direct access to Tesla Superchargers without needing an adapter. However, in 2024, the Tesla Supercharger Network will be open to GM EV drivers, but they will need an adapter. To make charging even easier, GM will provide adapters to allow charging on CCS-capable fast charge stations. Additionally, it will integrate the Tesla Supercharger Network into its vehicle and mobile apps. This will make it easy for drivers to locate, pay for, and initiate charging at available Tesla Superchargers. This collaboration is a significant step forward for the EV industry and has the potential to enhance the charging experience for GM EV drivers greatly.
Honda Motor Co. (Acura/Honda)
Honda has announced its plans to launch a new electric vehicle model equipped with an NACS port in North America in 2025. This move by Honda shows the company’s commitment to adopting NACS standards for its models from now on. In addition to the new EV model, Honda is also developing EV models to be launched in North America before 2025, which will be equipped with a CCS port. These models are being designed to be compatible with the NACS by using a charging adaptor. To ensure compatibility with NACS in North America by 2025, Honda is developing a charging adaptor for its older EV models.
Hyundai
Hyundai Motor North America has announced that it will begin using NACS ports for its electric vehicles in the United States and Canada. Starting in Q4 2024, all-new or refreshed Hyundai EVs in the United States will come equipped with a NACS port. For existing and future Hyundai EVs with the current CCS, owners will have access to the Tesla Supercharging Network beginning in Q1 2025, with an adapter provided by Hyundai. Additionally, Hyundai will offer adapters to allow NACS-equipped vehicles to charge at CCS chargers.
Jaguar
the EVJaguars, set to launch in 2025, will feature the NACS connector in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, without the need for an adapter. This means one less hassle when it comes to charging. Furthermore, Jaguar has thought ahead and will source and supply adapters from Tesla for I-PACE drivers once they become available. Jaguar has also optimized their in-house battery and power electronics technology. This optimization helps maximize charging rates on both V3 and V4 Superchargers. Jaguar drivers can rest easy knowing that their vehicle will perform at maximum charging power. They can choose whichever Supercharger type they prefer.
Kia
Kia plans to incorporate the NACS port into all new electric vehicles sold in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico starting in Q4 2024. This move will provide EV owners with access to a significantly larger number of high-speed chargers than what is currently available. Additionally, Kia plans to offer NACS adapters that will enable almost all Kia EVs to charge on Tesla’s network. These adapters are expected to be available through Kia dealerships in Q1 2025. After completing a software upgrade, Kia owners can access and pay for Tesla’s Supercharger network through the Kia Connect3 app. They will also be able to search for, locate, and navigate available Tesla Superchargers through their EV infotainment screen and smart devices, including information on charger availability, status, and pricing.
Lucid
Lucid has announced that all their vehicles built with the current CCS will be able to charge at the Tesla Supercharger network by using an adapter. This will be effective from 2025. Not only that, but Lucid has also made plans to integrate the North American Charging Standard into their future vehicles. This move is set to make things much easier for Lucid drivers when it comes to charging their vehicles, providing them with more options and greater flexibility.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz will be the first German manufacturer to implement NACS ports into its new electric vehicles starting in 2025. An adapter will be offered as part of a phased transition to the NACS chargers. This adapter will enable the company’s existing CCS electric vehicles to charge seamlessly on the NACS network from 2024 onwards. Starting in 2024, Mercedes-Benz drivers will access Tesla Superchargers in North America through Mercedes-Benz’s charging app, Mercedes me Charge. Mercedes-Benz drivers will see Tesla Superchargers on the map in the vehicle and the app, including availability status and price. They can seamlessly access the chargers and automatically pay for their charging sessions. The Superchargers will also be integrated into the Navigation with Electric Intelligence, which calculates a convenient and time-efficient route, including charging stops.
Nissan
Starting in 2024, Nissan will offer a NACS charging adapter for models with the CCS port. Customers can connect their vehicle’s charging port to NACS plugs at compatible chargers. This provides them with a wider range of charging options. Furthermore, Nissan plans to incorporate NACS Ports in their new EVs starting in 2025.
Polestar
Polestar has announced that it will be adopting the new NACS, which will provide Polestar drivers in the United States and Canada with access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. From 2025, all new Polestar vehicles sold in North America will come equipped with the NACS charging port by default. Additionally, adapters are expected to be available by mid-2024 to allow existing Polestar drivers to access the network easily. To ensure that future NACS-equipped Polestar vehicles remain compatible with the existing CCS public fast-charging infrastructure in North America, a CCS adapter will be included. This adapter will help maintain compatibility with the infrastructure in the region. This move will undoubtedly help to increase the convenience and accessibility of EV charging for Polestar drivers across North America.
Rivian
Rivian’s drivers will soon be able to access Tesla’s Supercharger network throughout the United States and Canada. As early as spring 2024, an adapter will be available to the Rivian R1T and R1S to charge on the Supercharger network. Rivian plans to make the North American Charging Standard charge ports available in all future R1 vehicles beginning in 2025. It also plans to make them available in its forthcoming R2 platform.
Rivian plans to incorporate the NACS socket in its vehicles starting in 2025. To bridge the gap, an adapter will be available for R1T and R1S models to use Tesla’s Superchargers as early as spring 2024.
Subaru
Subaru has announced its plans to implement NACS ports on select Subaru BEVs rolling out in North America from 2025. The company also aims to promote NACS adoption for its upcoming BEVs. Starting in 2025, Subaru will provide an adapter to its customers who own BEVs equipped with the CCS. This will allow them to charge using NACS.
Tesla
The entire Supercharger network is accessible to Tesla electric vehicles equipped with a NACS port.
Toyota Motor Co. (Lexus, Toyota)
Toyota has announced plans to incorporate NACS ports into certain Toyota and Lexus battery-electric vehicles starting in 2025. This includes the all-new, three-row, battery-electric Toyota SUV that will be assembled in Kentucky. In addition, Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners equipped with CCS will be offered an adapter to enable NACS charging, starting in 2025.
Volvo
Starting in 2025, all Volvo electric vehicles will be equipped with the North American Charging Standard charging port, as confirmed by the automaker. Volvo is expected to launch a new app that will assist drivers of XC40, C40 Recharge, EX30, and EX90 models. The app is designed to make it easier for them to find charging locations. An adapter is being developed to enable these models to use the Supercharger network. The adapter is expected to be available in the first half of 2024.
Two major EV manufacturer groups lag behind in offering support for NACS
According to recent reports, only two automobile manufacturers have yet to offer support for NACS. These manufacturers, such as Volkswagen Group, which includes popular brands like VW, Porsche, and Audi, have decided to adopt the NACS standard. Stellantis is another manufacturer that has also made the decision to adopt this standard. By doing so, the DC Fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles will become more stable and reliable. This will lead to greater accessibility for participating EV models and as a result, a much-improved charging experience overall.
NACS Takes Steps to Address the Needs of Existing EV Owners
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your EV manufacturer. The instructions will guide you on how to use and pay for electricity purchased from Tesla Superchargers. If you need help with the process, additional information on how to sign up for the Tesla app to pay for Tesla Supercharger use is available. It’s worth noting that automakers and charging infrastructure providers aim to ensure a smooth transition for all EV owners.
The North American Charging Standard is essential in bringing unity to the electric vehicle charging landscape. With the implementation of NACS, we can expect to see a significant impact on the growth and adoption of EVs. There is reason to be optimistic about the future of EV charging with a standardized and widely supported connector. If you want to learn more about EVs and find the perfect one for your needs, try our search tool. We’re here to help you make an informed decision and get you on the road in your new EV.