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.
In addition to adopting the NACS connector hardware, BMW Group has plans to update software, allowing owners to locate available Superchargers using their vehicle’s display and facilitating payments through their respective vehicle brand’s app.
Notably, BMW Group’s decision to adopt NACS is separate from its initiative to establish a new high-powered EV charging network in North America. Collaborating with six other automakers, the company intends to install new chargers in metropolitan areas and along major highways. These chargers will be accessible to drivers of all battery electric vehicles using either CCS or NACS charging standards.
The trend of automakers transitioning to NACS is becoming increasingly widespread, with most major players in North America expected to provide access to Tesla’s Supercharger network as early as the next year. This shift reflects the industry’s recognition of the importance of offering compatibility to enhance the convenience of EV ownership.
The move toward a standardized approach for charging will likely lead to smoother and more user-friendly experiences for EV owners, reducing compatibility issues at charging stations. This evolution represents a significant step forward for electric mobility in the US and Canada, setting a precedent for the future of EV charging infrastructure worldwide.
