The North American Charging Standard (NACS), also known as the Tesla charging standard, is an electric vehicle (EV) charging connector system developed by Tesla, Inc. It was first introduced in 2012. Since then, it has become the de facto standard for DC fast charging in North America.
Background and Development
Tesla developed the NACS connector to meet the specific needs of its EVs. These vehicles require higher power levels than other EVs on the market. Tesla designed the connector to support up to 1,000 volts DC and 650 amps. This allows their vehicles to charge much faster than EVs using other charging standards.
In November 2022, Tesla announced that it would open up the NACS connector to other EV manufacturers and charging network operators. The industry met this decision with mixed reactions. Some praised Tesla for its openness. Others expressed concerns about potential fragmentation in the EV charging market.
OEMs support
Many OEMs have announced plans to use the NACS connector in some or all of their future EVs. This is a major step forward for the NACS standard. It could help accelerate its adoption and make it easier for drivers to find compatible chargers.
| OEM Name | Announcement | Vehicles released |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | 2023 | 2025 |
| Rivian | 2023 | 2025 |
| Hyundai | 2023 | 2024 |
| Kia | 2023 | 2024 |
| GM | 2023 | 2025 |
| BMW | 2022 | 2025 |
NACS Technical Specifications
The NACS connector is a bayonet-style connector with a locking mechanism. It provides an easy-to-use and secure connection between the EV and the charger. It is also durable and withstands the rigors of repeated use. The NACS connector supports both AC and DC charging. AC charging typically serves for slower overnight charging, while DC charging is used for fast charging. The NACS connector supports up to 277 volts AC and 500 or 1,000 volts DC. It contains two large pins to carry the electric current (the same pins are used for AC and DC), a ground pin, and two control pins (PP and CP).
NACS vs CCS-1
The incumbent EV plug protocol in the US is the Combined Charging System (CCS-1) standard. It is a four-pin connector that supports up to 350 kW of charging power. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) developed the CCS standard, which is supported by all non-Tesla automakers and charging network operators in the US.
In November 2022, Tesla announced that it would open up the NACS standard to other automakers and charging network operators. The industry met this decision with mixed reactions. Some automakers and charging network operators welcomed the move, as it could help to promote greater compatibility between EVs and chargers. Others expressed concerns that the NACS standard could fragment the EV charging market and make it more difficult for drivers to find compatible chargers.
The main benefit of the NACS standard is that it is much smaller, has a built-in latch mechanism, and can be used within the Tesla charger network, the largest network in the US.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its many benefits, the NACS connector also faces some challenges. These challenges include:
- Proprietary design: The NACS connector is a proprietary design, meaning it is not owned or controlled by a standards organization. This could make adopting the connector more difficult for other EV manufacturers and charging network operators.
- Fragmentation: The opening up of the NACS connector could lead to fragmentation in the EV charging market, as there may be multiple charging standards in use.
Despite these challenges, the NACS connector is a promising technology that has the potential to accelerate the adoption of EVs. Tesla has a long history of innovation, and the NACS connector is a testament to the company’s commitment to developing cutting-edge technology.
Charger and Software support for the NACS standard
As the NACS standard becomes more popular in the US, many charger vendors (Tritium, Zarova, and many others) announce their product support. Charge Point Management Platforms (CMPS) such as Wevo Energy have also announced support for this standard.
Conclusion
The North American Charging Standard is a significant development in the EV industry. It has the potential to make it easier and more convenient for people to own and drive EVs. As the EV market grows, the NACS connector will likely play an increasingly important role in transitioning to a sustainable transportation system.
