Summary
– Turmoil at Tesla resulted in the decimation of the Supercharger team
– Despite this, GM confirms that its EVs will still have access to the Superchargers soon
– Multiple major EV manufacturers are transitioning to the North American Charging Standard (NACS)
– The original timeline indicates that Supercharger access will open up in spring 2024
– Access to Superchargers will benefit a wide range of GM EV models, including affordable options like the Bolt and Equinox EV
Article
**Turmoil at Tesla’s Supercharger Team**
Recently, turmoil at Tesla has caused the decimation of the Supercharger team, leaving EV owners and industry executives concerned about the future of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters and access to the Supercharger network. Currently, only Tesla, Ford, and Rivian EVs have access to America’s top fast-charging network. Despite this upheaval, GM reassures its EV owners that they will soon have access to Superchargers as planned.
**Switching to NACS**
Following Ford’s deal with Tesla in May 2023, major EV manufacturers have begun transitioning their EVs to the NACS, allowing access to Tesla Superchargers. This transition aims to provide consumers with reliable fast-charging options. However, with Tesla’s Supercharger team no longer intact, concerns have been raised about the potential delays in the rollout of this industry-wide switch.
**Original Timeline for Supercharger Access**
GM’s director of global strategic technology communications, Sanaz Marbley, confirms that GM is committed to sticking to the original timeline for Supercharger access, scheduled for the spring of 2024. With spring ending on June 20, GM EV owners, including Bolt, Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Silverado EV, Hummer EV, and Cadillac Lyriq, can expect access to the Supercharger network within the next few weeks.
**Impact on the EV Community**
The introduction of Supercharger access for GM EVs, such as the Bolt and Equinox EV, will be a game-changer for the EV community. While Bolts may benefit from more limited fast charging due to their slower overall charging speed, access to Superchargers will significantly enhance the Equinox EV’s appeal to budget-conscious consumers. GM promises more updates on the rollout, indicating a positive step towards reliable fast charging for EV owners.
**Ensuring Industry-Wide Switch**
Despite the challenges faced by Tesla and the Supercharger team, the industry-wide switch to NACS and access to Superchargers remains on track. This transition is crucial for providing consumers across various EV brands with efficient and consistent fast-charging options. The commitment of major automakers, including GM, to adopt the NACS highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing electric vehicle infrastructure.
**Looking Ahead**
As the industry navigates uncertainties surrounding the Supercharger team at Tesla, GM’s reassurance of timely Supercharger access for its EV lineup brings a sense of relief to consumers. The forthcoming availability of Superchargers for GM EVs signifies a significant step towards enhancing the electric vehicle charging experience. Stay tuned for more updates on the NACS rollout and its impact on the EV industry. If you have any tips related to the NACS transition, contact the author at Mack.hogan@insideevs.com.
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