Since Ford and G.M. announced intentions to integrate Tesla’s charging connector and charge port—called the North American Charging Standard—into their next-generation E.V.s and sell adapters for current E.V. customers, support for the standard has grown.
Over a dozen third-party charging networks and hardware firms have openly supported Tesla’s NACS. CharIN, the global organization that promotes the Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors used in all U.S. E.V.s except Tesla, is faltering.
CharIN “stands behind” CCS and promotes NACS “standardization” at Monday’s 36th Electric Vehicle and Symposium in Sacramento. CharIN endorses cautiously. However, it will form a task group to submit NACS to the standardization process because several North American members are interested in Tesla’s charging innovation.
According to a press release, ISO, IEC, IEEE, SAE, and ANSI must approve any technology before it becomes a standard.
Last week, CharIN claimed deviating from CCS would hurt the global E.V. industry. It also warned that G.M. and Ford would offer adapters to provide current E.V. owners access to the Tesla Supercharging network, which could cause poor handling, charging equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Tesla revealed their E.V. charging connector design last year to urge network operators and automakers to embrace it and make it the North American standard. There was minimal public support to make Tesla’s technology industry standard. E.V. startup Aptera and U.S. charging network EVGo supported the move.
Since Ford and G.M. announced their support, at least 17 E.V. charging businesses have pledged to offer NACS connectors. ABB, Autel Energy, Blink Charging, Chargepoint, EVPassport, Freewire, Tritium, and Wallbox have announced Tesla connector plans.
Despite mounting support, CCS has one key backer to help it survive. The White House said Friday that E.V. charging stations with Tesla standard plugs and CCS charging connectors might get billions in federal incentives.