The influence of peer pressure in the electric vehicle (EV) industry is undeniable. Not long after the announcement that Korean automotive giants Hyundai and Kia would be incorporating Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) in their upcoming EVs, BMW Group has now followed suit. The company recently made it known that it intends to adopt the NACS connector for its battery electric vehicles in the US and Canada, beginning in 2025.
BMW Group’s EV offerings, including vehicles from BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce (such as the Spectre), currently use the Combined Charging System (CCS), which is compatible with numerous charging stations worldwide. However, given the prominence of Tesla’s Supercharger network, especially in the US and Canada, it makes strategic sense for BMW to offer NACS to its customers, ensuring a seamless ownership experience.
Sebastian Mackensen, President and CEO of BMW of North America, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing easy access to reliable, fast charging for EV drivers in the US market. He mentioned that with an expanding range of electric models, ensuring charging access is a top priority. Mackensen highlighted that the agreement with NACS aligns with BMW Group’s ongoing efforts to enhance charging options for its customers in the journey toward electrification.
