Volkswagen’s charging network, Electrify America, has made a significant commitment to the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, which was initially developed by Tesla and was formerly known as the Tesla charging connector. Electrify America has pledged to adopt the NACS connector by 2025, aiming to enhance accessibility to this widely popular charging standard.
However, for those utilizing Volkswagen’s CCS-1 plug standard, there’s no need for concern. Electrify America assures that the CCS-1 connectors will continue to be available alongside the NACS connectors at their charging stations, with no plans for phasing them out. Electrify Canada, a sister organization, has also committed to adopting the NACS connector by 2025. This decision aligns with Electrify America’s overarching objective to support industry-wide standards and streamline public charging options.
With a network encompassing 850 charging stations and over 4,000 chargers across the United States and Canada, Electrify America’s adoption of the NACS connector carries significant weight. Furthermore, the organization has joined forces with the National Charging Experience Consortium (ChargeX), a consumer advocacy group dedicated to enhancing the charging infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) owners.
In the coming months, Electrify America plans to share further details about the transition to NACS connectors, along with future updates for their charging stations. Rumors have circulated that Volkswagen, as the parent company, may integrate the NACS standard into its own vehicles, as reported by Reuters.
The adoption of the Tesla-created charging standard has gained considerable momentum in recent months. Polestar, Volvo, Ford, General Motors, and Rivian have all committed to utilizing Tesla’s technology for EV charging in North America. The endorsement by SAE International, a prominent standardization body in the automotive industry, has further solidified the prominence of NACS connectors, making them the dominant player in the field.
As the EV market continues to expand, the unification around a common charging standard is crucial for the convenience and seamless experience of EV owners. Electrify America’s commitment to the NACS connector signifies a significant step towards standardization, paving the way for greater accessibility and interoperability in the EV charging landscape.
