The Evolution of EV Charging Standards in North America: NACS, the Dominant Connector

The landscape of electric vehicle (EV) charging is undergoing a significant transformation, with the NACS connector, designed by Tesla, poised to become the dominant charging standard in North America. As car manufacturers and charging networks adapt to this change, the NACS connector is quickly gaining traction, signaling a shift in the industry.

The Adoption of NACS: A Growing Trend

With a majority of car makers announcing plans to adopt the Tesla-designed NACS connector for their EVs sold in North America, it is evident that the NACS is becoming the preferred charging standard. This trend is set to continue, with experts predicting near-complete adoption by 2025.

SAE Standardization of NACS

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has recognized and standardized the NACS connector as SAE J3400, a testament to its growing importance in the EV market. Major legacy auto manufacturers, such as GM, Ford, and Stellantis, have now committed to adopting the NACS standard by 2025. The exception is Stellantis; however, even they are exploring the possibility of switching to NACS.

Market Shift to NACS

According to a report from CNET as of November 7, 2023, there are currently around 19,000 NACS connectors in the US, compared to only 10,000 CCS connectors. This significant shift indicates that the NACS connector is well on its way to becoming the industry standard. With major players like ChargePoint and Electrify America set to switch to NACS in 2025, the trend is only expected to continue.

Industry Giants Embrace NACS

From single stations to massive networks, the adoption of NACS is being seen across the industry. BP, a leading energy company, is investing in Tesla's ultra-fast charging stations, to be branded as Pulse, with plans to install up to 100,000 charge points by 2030. Similarly, Hilton hotels are committing to install 20,000 NACS connectors across 2,000 of their properties in North America by 2025. Additionally, major automakers, including BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, and Stellantis, have teamed up to open 30,000 new fast-charging stations across North America, starting in 2024. These stations will be both CCS and NACS compatible.

Canadian Market Follows Suit

The move towards NACS is not limited to the United States; Canadian charging networks are also planning to include NACS in new installations, starting in 2024 or 2025. A detailed guide to NACS adoption in Canada can be found at [A Guide to EV Charging Networks: NACS Adoption in Canada].

Why the Shift to NACS?

The shift to NACS is driven by the recognition of its efficiency and widespread utility. As mentioned, it makes little business sense for companies to continue with a minority standard. This is akin to the transition from Apple's Lightning charging connector to the more universally accepted USB-C standard. Similarly, larger players are expected to adopt NACS to maintain market competitiveness.

Conclusion

The transition to the NACS charging standard is a positive development for the EV industry, signaling a move towards a more unified and efficient charging network. With major stakeholders adopting the NACS, it is clear that this connector is set to become the dominant charging standard in North America by 2025.

References

Tesla NACS Charger Adoption Tracker - EVStation [A Guide to EV Charging Networks: NACS Adoption in Canada]