Summary
- Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) initially had little adoption from other automakers
- Other automakers were already committed to the Combined Charging System (CCS)
- Adoption of NACS increased when Tesla offered access to its Supercharger Network
- Ford was the first veteran automaker to adopt NACS, followed by GM and other automakers
- NACS was officially standardized as J3400 by SAE International.
Article
The North American Charging Standard (NACS) introduced by Tesla initially did not attract much adoption from other electric vehicle makers in the United States. Only a small EV startup called Aptera was quick to adopt Tesla’s NACS port into its vehicles, while veteran automakers such as Ford and General Motors showed little interest. Despite being objectively superior to the Combined Charging System (CCS) used by non-Tesla EVs, some perceived Tesla’s NACS as hubris from the electric vehicle maker.
Chargeway CEO Matt Teske noted that the industry initially scoffed at Tesla’s announcement of the North American Charging Standard, questioning their authority to set such a standard. However, things started to change about six months later when Tesla offered NACS adoptees access to its Supercharger Network, which is considered one of the best, most expansive, and most reliable fast charging networks in North America. This access proved to be a significant incentive for automakers to adopt NACS.
The adoption of NACS was driven by the desire for a better charging experience across the Supercharger Network, rather than just the connector itself. Ford was the first veteran automaker to commit to the standard, followed by GM. The commitment from these major automakers created a domino effect, with other companies such as Rivian and Toyota also committing to Tesla’s charging standard. Eventually, SAE International standardized NACS as J3400, further solidifying its adoption in the industry.
Ford CEO Jim Farley’s personal experience with the substandard nature of CCS fast charging networks during an EV road trip prompted him to reach out to Elon Musk and commit to NACS. This commitment was seen as a strategic advantage for Ford, recognizing the superiority of Tesla’s Supercharger Network. GM also followed suit, with CEO Mary Barra confirming the company’s adoption of Tesla’s NACS during a conference with Musk.
The rapid adoption of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard within the electric vehicle industry was facilitated by the access to the Supercharger Network and the recognition of the superior charging experience it offers. This shift in charging standards marked a significant development in the EV market, with more automakers embracing Tesla’s technology and standards to provide better charging solutions for their customers. The standardization of NACS by SAE International further solidified its status as the country’s preferred EV charging standard.
Read the full article here
