In a significant development for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Freewire, a unique charging network, has announced its support for the integration of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug on its own chargers. This comes shortly after the partnership announcement between American automotive giants Tesla and Ford, where Ford committed to incorporating NACS charging plugs in their future EVs.
The NACS plug, although considered by many as a superior design compared to the current Combined Charging System (CCS) standard, had primarily been exclusive to Tesla vehicles. While Tesla recently opened up its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs, it still required the use of a charging adapter. However, the collaboration with Ford has paved the way for broader adoption of NACS and easier access to Tesla’s reliable Supercharger network.
Recognizing the potential of NACS as the future of charging, various EV innovators, including Aptera, have joined forces with Tesla to integrate the plug in their upcoming solar EVs. Now, Freewire, an EV fast charging and energy management solutions company, has expressed its support for the NACS collaboration and plans to incorporate the connector into its chargers to accommodate the anticipated influx of vehicles.
Founded in 2014, Freewire Technologies is playing a crucial role in accelerating the transition to electric vehicles by offering turnkey solutions for EV charging and energy management across the United States. Their Boost Chargers, which combine integrated battery storage and proprietary management software, enable DC fast charging using existing low-voltage and low-power grid connections. This innovative approach eliminates the need for high-voltage connections to the local grid, reduces installation labor, and minimizes bureaucratic obstacles. Freewire’s technology allows for cost-effective and efficient deployments, with installations typically completed within a matter of days or even hours.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and standardization in the industry, Freewire commends Tesla and Ford’s recent announcement to make NACS charging accessible to a broader range of vehicles. They believe that expanding investments and establishing reliable, publicly accessible fast-charging infrastructure is vital for a sustainable transition to electric transportation. By working together, charging providers can meet the growing demand for public charging, ensuring convenience for drivers and keeping pace with nationwide EV adoption. Freewire plans to introduce NACS connectors on their Boost Chargers by mid-2024, aligning with their commitment to industry-wide standardization.
Currently, Tesla owners can use Freewire chargers but require a CCS to NACS adapter, similar to many other charging networks. However, as per the recent statement from Freewire CEO Arcady Sosinov, Boost Chargers will soon be equipped with their own NACS connector, eliminating the need for adapters.
Freewire currently offers two DC Boost Charger variants, delivering charging rates between 150-200 kW using the CCS plug. With the integration of NACS connectors, it remains to be seen what charging rates NACS users will be able to achieve. This exciting development marks a significant step forward in the evolution of EV charging infrastructure, promising enhanced convenience and accessibility for EV drivers across the nation.
