- SAE supports Tesla’s NACS port, simplifying EV charging infrastructure and enhancing reliability.
- ChargePoint, along with other companies like EVgo and Tritium, adopts Tesla’s charging port standard.
- SAE collaborates with the ChargeX consortium to establish consistent tech and cybersecurity measures for EV charging.
- Major automakers like Ford, GM, and Rivian commit to integrating Tesla’s plug into their future vehicles.
- SAE’s endorsement of NACS may encourage larger EV charging companies, like Electrify America, to follow suit.
In a significant development for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, Tesla’s NACS electric vehicle charger has gained the support of SAE International, an automotive standards organization. This endorsement is expected to pave the way for the widespread adoption of the NACS port among EV charging station companies. But it’s not just Tesla and SAE that are embracing this standard; other major players like ChargePoint, EVgo, and Tritium are also jumping on board.
The SAE International’s official backing of Tesla’s EV charging port, known as the “North American Charging Standard” (NACS), is a game-changer. It simplifies the implementation of the NACS port for manufacturers and operators of EV charging stations, bringing much-needed consistency and reliability to the world of EV charging. Tesla’s decision to open up its formerly proprietary charging port last year was a strategic move to establish itself as the go-to standard for EVs in the United States.
The collaborative efforts between Tesla, SAE, and the US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation have been instrumental in driving the adoption of the Tesla plug as a standardized solution. Their aim is to enhance the charging infrastructure of the country and ensure a seamless experience for EV owners.
But it doesn’t stop there. SAE is also joining forces with the ChargeX consortium, an initiative launched by the Biden administration. Together, they are working towards the development of consistent technology across EVs and chargers. This partnership aims to enable the implementation of universal error codes and bolster the security of charging systems against potential cyber-attacks, with SAE leveraging its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology.
BIG NEWS from SAE International!
— SAE International® (@SAEIntl) June 27, 2023
Frank Menchaca, President of SAE's Sustainable Mobility Solutions has announced that SAE is standardizing the North American Charging Standard connector from @Tesla for greater charging accessibility for users. Full story: https://t.co/ce8ukdBazA pic.twitter.com/dgj9TLLzq6
In exciting news, ChargePoint has recently announced that it will enable its customers to incorporate Tesla’s port standard into new orders for a range of charging stations, including commercial AC stations, DC fast chargers, and home AC charging systems (via Electrek). ChargePoint is just one among several prominent EV charging station companies that have embraced Tesla’s charging port. The momentum behind this standard has been further amplified by major automakers like Ford, GM, and Rivian, who have committed to integrating Tesla’s plug into their future vehicles.
ChargePoint, with its extensive presence in North America, is a major player in the EV charging landscape. It operates a staggering 2,184 DC fast charging stations, offering over 743,000 “active and roaming ports” for both AC and DC charging. This extensive network underscores the growing prominence of Tesla’s NACS port in the industry.
While many non-Tesla-owned DC fast charging stations, including ChargePoint’s distinctive orange stations, predominantly utilize the Combined Charging System (CCS) connector, some still cater to Nissan Leaf vehicles with CHAdeMO plugs, although their numbers are dwindling. In the past, EV charging companies like EVgo ingeniously incorporated Tesla’s connector by modifying existing CHAdeMO connectors with Tesla’s official adapter. ChargePoint, too, has experimented with Tesla ports in the past. However, these solutions have proven less significant due to slower charging rates compared to Tesla’s extensive Supercharging network.
With the backing of SAE for the NACS standard, larger EV charging companies like Electrify America, owned by Volkswagen, will have an easier time transitioning to this standard. This harmonization of charging standards is a crucial step towards building a robust and accessible EV charging infrastructure that empowers EV owners across the nation.
