Electrify America, Volkswagen’s charging network, has made a commitment to incorporate Tesla’s widely popular North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector into its infrastructure by 2025. By doing so, Electrify America aims to significantly enhance accessibility to the NACS connector, originally developed by Tesla and known as the Tesla charging connector.
For those accustomed to the company’s CCS-1 plug standard, there’s no need to worry. Electrify America has assured that the CCS-1 connectors will remain in place alongside the NACS connectors at their charging stations, without any plans for replacement. Electrify Canada, a sibling organization, is also set to adopt the NACS connector by 2025. This strategic move is part of a broader initiative by the company to “support industry-wide standards” and streamline public charging options.
With an impressive network comprising 850 charging stations and over 4,000 chargers across the United States and Canada, this undertaking by Electrify America holds significant importance. Moreover, the company has recently joined forces with the National Charging Experience Consortium (ChargeX), a consumer advocacy group, to contribute to the enhancement of charging infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) owners.
In the coming months, Electrify America plans to share additional details regarding the transition to NACS connectors, as well as its future plans for updating charging stations. There are speculations suggesting that the parent company, Volkswagen, may integrate the NACS standard for its own vehicles, as reported by Reuters.
These past few months have witnessed significant milestones for the Tesla-created charging standard. Polestar, Volvo, Ford, GM, and Rivian have all announced their commitment to utilizing Tesla’s technology in North America. Furthermore, SAE International, a prominent standardization body in the automotive industry, has officially endorsed the NACS connector, solidifying its position as the leading player in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about charging infrastructure
What is Electrify America’s plan regarding Tesla’s NACS connector?
Electrify America plans to incorporate Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector into its charging network by 2025, alongside its existing CCS-1 plug standard. This move aims to improve access to the NACS connector without replacing the CCS-1 connectors.
How many charging stations does Electrify America currently have?
Electrify America boasts a network of 850 charging stations throughout the United States and Canada, equipped with over 4,000 chargers.
Is Electrify Canada also adopting Tesla’s NACS connector?
Yes, Electrify Canada, a sibling organization of Electrify America, has committed to adopting the NACS connector by 2025, aligning with the goal of supporting industry-wide standards and streamlining public charging options.
How does Electrify America contribute to improving the charging infrastructure for EV owners?
Electrify America has joined the National Charging Experience Consortium (ChargeX), a consumer advocacy group, to collaborate on enhancing the charging infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) owners.
Will Volkswagen integrate the NACS standard for its own vehicles?
There are rumors suggesting that Volkswagen, the parent company of Electrify America, may start incorporating the NACS standard for its own vehicles, as reported by Reuters. However, no official confirmation has been provided at this time.
