In a significant move towards advancing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), Electrify America, renowned for operating one of the largest charging networks in the United States, has announced its decision to embrace the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This development marks a crucial step towards making the Combined Charging System (CCS) the go-to standard for the next generation, solidifying the network’s commitment to broadening charging solutions for EV drivers.
Today’s announcement revealed that Electrify America and its affiliate, Electrify Canada, plan to integrate NACS connectors into their charging network by the year 2025. This strategic decision aims to provide a seamless charging experience for EV owners and acknowledges the growing industry support for NACS. Notably, major automakers including Ford, GM, Volvo, and Polestar have already embraced Tesla’s charging standard, making the adoption of NACS crucial for the charging network’s sustained growth and competitiveness.
It is important to highlight that while Electrify America will incorporate NACS connectors, they are not abandoning CCS connectors. Both standards will coexist within their charging network to ensure maximum convenience for EV owners. By offering a diverse range of connector options, Electrify America aims to make charging as accessible and hassle-free as possible.
Given that Electrify America is a subsidiary of Volkswagen, industry observers speculate that the automaker may follow suit and adopt the North American Charging Standard in the future. While this remains unconfirmed, the mounting momentum in favor of NACS suggests that its widespread acceptance may be inevitable.
Robert Barrosa, the CEO of Electrify America, expressed the network’s commitment to industry-wide standards that enhance vehicle interoperability and simplify public charging. Barrosa stated, “Since our founding, we have focused on building an inclusive and open hyper-fast charging network to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles. We look forward to continuing to support industry-wide standards that increase vehicle interoperability and streamline public charging.”
Electrify America and Electrify Canada currently operate an extensive network of more than 850 charging stations across North America, encompassing approximately 4,000 individual chargers. These chargers boast impressive capacities of up to 350 kW, allowing for rapid charging and minimizing downtime for EV owners.
As the transition towards electric mobility gains momentum, Electrify America’s strategic decision to embrace the North American Charging Standard represents a significant step in advancing the charging infrastructure. By incorporating NACS connectors into their network, the company aims to provide EV owners with enhanced convenience, thereby promoting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and supporting the sustainable future of transportation.
