It looks like the days of different charging connectors for various electric cars might soon be over. For years, Tesla has used its own NACS connector while most other car manufacturers have relied on the CCS connector. However, it seems that everyone might eventually switch to the Tesla NACS port.
This transition will take some time, and not all companies have announced their plans to adopt the NACS connector yet. But when they do, there will be a single charging standard across the U.S. for any EV driver to use any charging station, reducing the confusion around charging systems.
So, which car companies are planning to switch to the NACS connector? Here’s a list of those that have committed so far, along with when their new models will adopt the standard. There is also information about major charging station companies that are making the shift to offer NACS plugs.
Several car companies have pledged to use the NACS connector for their upcoming EVs. Here’s the rundown.
Ford was the first to partner with Tesla, moving from the CCS connector to the NACS connector. Ford announced that EVs with the NACS connector will start coming out by 2025, and they will also provide an adapter soon for current-generation cars to charge at NACS-equipped stations.
General Motors followed Ford’s lead, stating that its brands will switch from CCS to the NACS plug by 2025. GM also mentioned that a plug adapter will be available by spring 2024 for older EVs to use NACS charging stations. This switch includes Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and other GM brands.
Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to use the NACS plug in its electric cars by 2025.
Nissan will change from CCS to NACS starting in 2025. This means Nissan might be slightly behind other companies that have committed to the NACS connector by 2025. In 2024, Nissan will also provide an adapter for EV owners with CCS ports. It’s still unclear if the adapter will be free or an additional purchase.
Volvo has confirmed it will adopt the NACS connector, making it available in cars by 2025.
Polestar, a sister company to Volvo, will also adopt the NACS connector by 2025.
Rivian, another prominent name in the EV industry, has stated it will switch to the NACS connector as well. Rivian will offer cars with NACS connectors by 2025, and will provide access to the Tesla Supercharger network via an adapter by 2024.
Since Tesla developed the NACS connector, all Tesla cars have had this feature for years and will continue to do so.
It’s not just car companies switching to the new connector. Charging station companies will also need to adapt. Here’s a look at the charging companies planning to offer NACS.
ChargePoint, a leading name in home and public charging, was among the first to provide CCS chargers. Now, the company has promised to offer NACS plugs by the end of 2023. However, it will take some time before a significant number of ChargePoint chargers are equipped with NACS plugs.
Electrify America, the largest EV charging network in the U.S. outside of Tesla, plans to offer NACS connectors at its 850 stations by 2025. This means you’ll be able to use the NACS connector for your new EV at Electrify America stations.