In the ongoing push for standardization and widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), Tesla CEO Elon Musk has extended an invitation to Toyota, urging them to join the coalition of automakers embracing the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This move comes after several major players in the automotive industry have already committed to adopting the NACS connector in recent weeks.
Ford led the charge by announcing their plans to transition all their EVs to be compatible with Tesla Superchargers, starting in 2025 without the need for an adapter. By next year, Ford EVs will be able to access the extensive network of 12,000 Supercharger locations across North America, albeit with the use of an adapter. However, by 2025, Ford vehicles will be directly compatible with Tesla Superchargers.
Following Ford’s footsteps, General Motors (GM) also announced a similar partnership with Tesla, further solidifying the growing trend. In addition to automakers, various charging companies, including ChargePoint, Blink, and Kempower, have pledged their commitment to adopting the NACS connector.
Blink, one of the charging companies embracing the NACS, acknowledged the recent developments and stated, “Given recent announcements by Tesla, GM, and Ford, we are clearly witnessing the continued evolution of the EV charging industry as technologies advance and industry stakeholders come together and evaluate best practices.”
While the NACS connector itself does not directly affect charging speeds, its adoption enables vehicles to charge at more locations. This development aims to improve the travel experience during longer trips, reducing the inconvenience faced by EV drivers due to limited charging infrastructure compatibility.
Despite the growing momentum, it is important to note that the NACS has not yet been established as a standard by CharIN, the governing body responsible for the electrification of various transportation modes.
Elon Musk specifically called on Toyota to join the NACS coalition in response to an article highlighting the slow charging experience of Toyota’s bZ4X EV. Musk’s invitation emphasizes the potential benefits of the NACS connector for Toyota, as it would expand charging options for their vehicles, potentially alleviating concerns during longer journeys.
They should join the NACS coalition!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 14, 2023
Toyota has been known for its focus on hybrid powertrains rather than fully embracing EV technology, lagging behind some of its competitors in this area. However, this week Toyota announced its plans to develop high-performance solid-state batteries, aiming to enhance driving range and reduce EV production costs.
As the automotive industry undergoes a significant shift toward electrification, the invitation from Elon Musk to Toyota highlights the importance of collaboration and standardization in advancing the EV charging infrastructure. The inclusion of more automakers, including Toyota, in the NACS coalition could further accelerate the growth of the EV market and provide enhanced convenience for EV owners across North America.
