Electrify America, the charging network operated by Volkswagen Group’s Electrify America subsidiary, has announced its intention to introduce Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors to its new and existing charging stations. This move comes in response to the recent trend of automakers embracing Tesla’s Supercharger standard.
Currently, Electrify America operates a network of 850 stations equipped with approximately 4,000 individual chargers across the United States and Canada. By integrating NACS connectors, the network aims to enhance compatibility for electric vehicle (EV) owners and further expand its charging infrastructure.
Blink Charging, another key player in the EV charging sector, has also revealed plans to manufacture NACS connectors, with production expected to commence later this year. This development underscores the growing interest in Tesla’s NACS, which has gained significant traction following automakers’ announcements of enabling their EV owners to utilize Tesla’s Supercharging network from 2024. Moreover, these automakers plan to incorporate built-in NACS ports in their vehicles the following year.
While Tesla’s NACS has primarily been associated with its Supercharger stations, Electrify America’s decision to adopt the standard signals its commitment to industry-wide standards and vehicle interoperability. The charging network will continue supporting the Combined Charging System (CCS-1) connector, which is presently the most prevalent non-Tesla connector type.
Robert Barrosa, President and CEO of Electrify America, emphasized the network’s dedication to fostering the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. He stated, “Since our founding, we have focused on building an inclusive and open hyper-fast charging network to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles. We look forward to continuing to support industry-wide standards that increase vehicle interoperability and streamline public charging.”
Electrify America’s charging stations currently offer charging speeds of 150 kW and 350 kW. The incorporation of NACS connectors will contribute to a more comprehensive charging infrastructure, providing EV owners with additional options and convenience when accessing charging services within the network.
With this move, Electrify America joins a growing list of charging network operators and automakers recognizing the benefits of Tesla’s NACS, marking a significant step toward standardization and interoperability in the EV charging industry.