Ford and GM Opt for North American Charging Standard
Tesla, which represents a fraction of total automotive shares in the US, is using its leading position in the electric vehicle market to set EV charging standards for the biggest global players. Tesla’s North American Charging Standard will now represent roughly 75% of charging stations in the US, dictating the type of chargers all manufacturers adopt for decades to come.
The Switch to NACS
The market’s shift to the North American Charging Standard solidified over 2 months in June. First, Ford announced that it would adopt the NACS in May 2023, with General Motors backing the move just one month later. Combined, the 3 manufacturers represent 72% of the US EV market.
The Impact on EV Infrastructure
In a sense, the investment in NACS doesn’t change too much. Tesla already has more NACS charging stations installed across the US – roughly 12,000 – than the alternative Combined Charging System (CCS), regardless of manufacturer.
EV owners have already bounced between charging systems to make the most of the US’s limited EV charging infrastructure. Tesla includes a CSS adapter with all of its vehicles to help owners tap into CSS stations, which are common at groceries stores and parking garages. CSS stations tend to be Level 2 AC, which is slower than Tesla’s product.
The Implications of NACS on Bidirectional Charging
One of the key benefits of widespread EV adoption is the long-term integration of EVs as an energy storage tool to support an electrified grid. While NACS chargers are capable of bidirectional operability, it’s not a priority for Tesla. That could slow US progress toward a more efficient utility grid run on renewable energy.
Follow the Money
While manufacturers move toward NACS, the government has included minimum standards for funding. There’s $7.5 billion in funding available from the Biden administration to expand EV charging infrastructure, but the Department of Energy requires at least a portion of all charging projects to include CSS. While that regulation hasn’t changed yet, there’s little doubt that the combined weight of the industry’s most influential EV manufacturers will shift policy.
Shifting Standards Hurt Consumers - And Early Adopters
At Keen, we’re constantly evaluating changing standards to ensure our clients are investing in the right technology. Explore all your EV charging station options with an experienced EV expert. Speak with a Keen Technical Solutions consultant today!