Ford isn’t the only electric automaker embracing Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its electric vehicles (EVs). General Motors (GM) has announced that it will also adopt the NACS open-source connector standard, according to CEO Mary Barra. The announcement was made during a Twitter Spaces chat with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Thursday. GM plans to implement the NACS in all its EVs by 2025.
As part of this collaboration, GM EV owners will gain access to Tesla’s extensive network of 12,000 Superchargers starting in 2024. Existing GM EV drivers will not be required to upgrade their vehicles to utilize Tesla’s chargers, but they will need to use an adapter to ensure compatibility. Additionally, GM intends to develop an adapter that will allow future NACS-enabled EVs to charge at its existing network of CSS-capable fast charging stations.
The introduction of a backward-compatible charger is a significant development. Initially, Tesla’s decision to open up its charging system to non-Tesla vehicles was announced in conjunction with a $7.5 billion initiative by the Biden administration to expand the availability of EV chargers across the United States. However, the plan heavily focuses on the expansion of Combined Charging System (CCS) chargers.
We're teaming up with @tesla to enhance your electric vehicle experience. More charging stations, less range anxiety, more sustainable journeys. It's about your convenience, not our competition. #EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/D4joovLjPh
— General Motors (@GM) June 8, 2023
GM CEO Mary Barra emphasized the importance of this collaboration in a statement on the partnership, saying, “This collaboration is a key part of our strategy and an important next step in quickly expanding access to fast chargers for our customers. Our vision of the all-electric future means producing millions of world-class EVs across categories and price points, while creating an ecosystem that will accelerate mass EV adoption.”
By adopting the NACS open-source connector standard and gaining access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, GM aims to enhance the charging infrastructure available to its EV customers. This move reflects the company’s commitment to driving widespread EV adoption and producing a diverse range of high-quality electric vehicles across various market segments and price points.
The collaboration between General Motors and Tesla marks a significant milestone in the development of a cohesive and accessible charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. As more automakers embrace standardized charging systems and work together to expand charging networks, the transition to electric mobility is likely to accelerate, paving the way for a sustainable future in transportation.
