Texas has announced that state-funded electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will now be required to include a connector for Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). This decision comes as automakers like Ford, GM, and Rivian are transitioning from the Combined Charging System (CCS) to NACS.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, this shift by automakers towards NACS has prompted the state’s requirement for EV charging companies to install NACS connectors if they wish to participate in a state program that involves federal funding. However, DC fast chargers in Texas will still need to have a CCS connector to be eligible for federal funding through the program.
The US Department of Transportation has allocated up to $7.5 billion in funding for high-speed charging stations along highways. Initially, it stated that EV charging companies must include a CCS connector. Now, Texas is adding the additional requirement of an NACS connector. States have the freedom to impose additional provisions as long as they comply with federal regulations.
Last year, Tesla announced that it would open source the NACS in an effort to encourage other automakers to adopt it. Currently, Tesla boasts the largest share of EV charging infrastructure in the US, with over 21,000 Supercharger points accounting for approximately 60 percent of the country’s fast-charging stations.
In recent weeks, GM and Ford have revealed plans to provide NACS adapters to owners of their vehicles, which currently utilize CCS, before fully embracing the NACS standard in future models. Rivian has also made a similar announcement this week. Charging companies like ChargePoint and EVgo have expressed interest in incorporating NACS into their charging points.
Texas’ decision is expected to influence other states to urge EV charging companies to include an NACS connector. Reuters suggests that states such as California, Michigan, and Iowa are assessing the charging market’s landscape, with at least one state considering incentives for companies to adopt an NACS port.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about EV charging stations
Q: What is the recent requirement imposed by Texas on state-funded EV charging stations?
A: Texas now requires state-funded electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to include a connector for Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), alongside the existing requirement of the Combined Charging System (CCS) connector for DC fast chargers. This is to align with automakers’ shift towards NACS and ensure eligibility for federal funding through the state program.
Q: What prompted Texas to introduce the NACS connector requirement?
A: Texas introduced the NACS connector requirement in response to automakers such as Ford, GM, and Rivian transitioning from the CCS to the NACS. The adoption of NACS by these automakers prompted the state to include it as a prerequisite for EV charging companies to participate in the state program that involves federal funding.
Q: What is the significance of Tesla’s NACS connector?
A: Tesla’s NACS connector is an important charging standard for electric vehicles. Tesla, having the largest share of EV charging infrastructure in the US, aims to encourage other automakers to adopt the NACS. The inclusion of the NACS connector in state-funded EV charging stations facilitates interoperability and expands the charging options for Tesla and other EV owners.
Q: Are other states considering similar requirements for EV charging companies?
A: Yes, Texas’ decision to mandate the inclusion of NACS connectors may prompt other states to follow suit. States like California, Michigan, and Iowa are reportedly reviewing the charging market landscape. Some states may even consider incentives for EV charging companies to incorporate the NACS connector, potentially leading to a broader adoption of the standard nationwide.
More about EV charging stations
- Texas mandates state-funded EV charging stations to include Tesla’s NACS connector
- Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS)
- Combined Charging System (CCS)
- US Department of Transportation funding for high-speed charging stations
- Charging infrastructure market overview
