Understanding the Role of NACS in the Future of EV Charging

by TTAC Staff

Published: February 9th, 2024

Photo credit: Sheila Fitzgerald / Shutterstock.com

The North American Charging Standard (NACS) has played a central role in electric vehicle (EV) charging since 2012. Initially developed by Tesla, NACS is known for its dual capability of supporting both Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) charging via a compact plug design. This versatility enables the system to deliver up to 1 megawatt (MW) of power for DC charging, catering effectively to the needs of EVs.

Tesla's influence in the EV market in North America has contributed to NACS becoming the predominant charging standard. This is largely attributed to its widespread use in Tesla vehicles and the extensive network of Tesla charging stations throughout the United States.

Standardization and Compatibility Efforts

In July 2023, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) embarked on an initiative to standardize NACS as SAE J3400. This effort focuses on codifying elements such as plug connections, charging speeds, reliability, and cybersecurity. The move towards standardization is pivotal for achieving uniformity across EV charging systems.

Other existing standards in the EV charging domain include the J1772 for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, and the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) for DC fast charging. Notably, the CHAdeMO standard is still used for certain models like the Nissan Leaf, despite being gradually phased out.

Wider Adoption Among EV Manufacturers

Tesla's strategy to open up NACS to other companies has led to its acceptance by several leading EV manufacturers. Prominent automakers such as Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, and Mercedes-Benz have plans to integrate NACS charge ports in their EV models beginning in 2025. This transition also entails providing adapters for existing EV models to access Tesla's Supercharger network.

While some manufacturers are in the process of evaluating NACS for potential adoption, others have not yet disclosed their plans regarding this standard.

Implications for Public EV Charging Networks

Although NACS is gaining traction, the CCS standard remains crucial in public EV charging networks, especially given the requirements for federal infrastructure funding. As a result, the U.S. EV charging landscape is expected to accommodate both NACS and CCS standards concurrently for the foreseeable future.

Network operators like EVgo are adapting by adding NACS connectors to their stations, ensuring compatibility across different standards. Moreover, EV manufacturers that are adopting NACS are facilitating access to Tesla's Supercharger network through both in-vehicle support and adapters.

Enhancing EV Adoption and Charging Infrastructure

The wider acceptance of NACS, together with Tesla's integration of CCS support, is set to substantially expand the EV charging infrastructure. This development is crucial in addressing concerns such as range anxiety and could potentially hasten consumer adoption of electric vehicles.

Conclusion

The integration of NACS by various manufacturers, along with its simultaneous existence with the CCS standard, indicates a significant transformation in the EV charging landscape. Despite the challenges in ensuring interoperability between different standards, the overarching advantage is the increased availability and user-friendliness of EV charging infrastructure. This evolution is instrumental in creating a more inclusive and accessible electric vehicle ecosystem.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team

TTAC Staff

More by TTAC Staff

Comments

Join the conversation

Recent Comments

2ACL I have a soft spot for high-performance, shark-nosed Lancers (I considered the less-potent Ralliart during the period in which I eventually selected my first TL SH-AWD), but it's can be challenging to find a specimen that doesn't exhibit signs of abuse, and while most of the components are sufficiently universal in their function to service without manufacturer support, the SST isn't one of them. The shops that specialize in it are familiar with the failure as described by the seller and thus might be able to fix this one at a substantial savings to replacement. There's only a handful of them in the nation, however. A salvaged unit is another option, but the usual risks are magnified by similar logistical challenges to trying to save the original.I hope this is a case of the seller overvaluing the Evo market rather than still owing or having put the mods on credit. Because the best offer won't be anywhere near the current listing.
Peter Buying an EV from Toyota is like buying a Bible from Donald Trump. Don’t be surprised if some very important parts are left out.
Sheila I have a 2016 Kia Sorento that just threw a rod out of the engine case. Filed a claim for new engine and was denied…..due to a loop hole that was included in the Class Action Engine Settlement so Hyundai and Kia would be able to deny a large percentage of cars with prematurely failed engines. It’s called the KSDS Improvement Campaign. Ever hear of such a thing? It’s not even a Recall, although they know these engines are very dangerous. As unknowing consumers load themselves and kids in them everyday. Are their any new Class Action Lawsuits that anyone knows of?
Alan Well, it will take 30 years to fix Nissan up after the Renault Alliance reduced Nissan to a paltry mess.I think Nissan will eventually improve.
Alan This will be overpriced for what it offers.I think the "Western" auto manufacturers rip off the consumer with the Thai and Chinese made vehicles.A Chinese made Model 3 in Australia is over $70k AUD(for 1995 $45k USD) which is far more expensive than a similar Chinesium EV of equal or better quality and loaded with goodies.Chinese pickups are $20k to $30k cheaper than Thai built pickups from Ford and the Japanese brands. Who's ripping who off?