Honda has officially confirmed its decision to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS), developed by Tesla, for its electric vehicles destined for the North American market. This strategic move aligns Honda with a growing list of automakers, including Ford, GM, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Fisker, and Rivian, who have also chosen to embrace the NACS.
Honda’s implementation of the NACS is slated to commence in 2025 with the introduction of a mid- to large-sized SUV, which will be based on Honda’s proprietary e Architecture platform. This marks a pivotal step in Honda’s commitment to the electrification of its vehicle lineup in the United States.
However, it’s worth noting that Honda’s Ultium-platform-based vehicles, the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, developed in collaboration with General Motors, will initially utilize the CCS (Combined Charging System) when they launch in 2024. Notably, Honda has clarified its intentions to transition the Acura ZDX to the NACS standard once General Motors makes this transition, with a tentative timeline set for 2025 or 2026.
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To ensure a seamless transition and to maximize charging compatibility for its customers, Honda has also announced the development of a CCS to NACS charging adapter. This adapter will allow all Honda EVs, including the Prologue and Acura ZDX, to leverage the extensive Tesla Supercharger network, widely recognized as one of the most reliable and efficient fast-charging networks available. This move aims to alleviate the dissatisfaction experienced by EV owners using other charging networks characterized by breakdowns and compatibility issues.
In a statement, Honda expressed its belief that the collaboration with Tesla will “significantly enhance charging convenience” for its customers, reinforcing its dedication to creating a favorable charging ecosystem to accelerate EV adoption in the United States.
See also: Volvo Adopts Tesla’s NACS Connector for Future Electric Vehicles
Furthermore, Honda is actively engaging in collaborative efforts to expand the charging infrastructure in North America. The company has partnered with BMW, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis to establish a new North American charging network. This ambitious joint venture aims to deploy a minimum of 30,000 charging stations across the United States and Canada. These charging stations will offer DC fast charging capabilities and accommodate both CCS and NACS plugs, ensuring broad compatibility with a wide range of EVs. The initial deployment will focus on metropolitan areas and key highway routes before expanding to crucial connecting corridors and popular vacation routes.
