“Electric Vehicle Charging Landscape: Tesla’s NACS Connector Gaining Traction Among Major Automakers and Tesla Charging Networks”
For drivers of traditional diesel or gas-powered vehicles, refueling is a straightforward task – simply pull up to a fuel pump and fill the tank. However, the same simplicity does not yet extend to electric vehicle (EV) drivers. Currently, EVs come with a variety of charge ports, ranging from the CHAdeMO to the more prevalent Combined Charging System (CCS) and Tesla’s proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS).
Tesla’s NACS charge port, coupled with its extensive Supercharger network, has emerged as the gold standard in the EV industry. It appears that other automakers are embracing Tesla’s system as the potential industry standard. In May 2023, Ford became the first major automaker to join forces with Tesla, announcing its adoption of the NACS plug. Subsequently, several other automakers have followed suit, with the engineering group SAE International also deciding to standardize the NACS connector.
As more automakers and charging networks look to adopt Tesla’s plug, we have compiled a list of those who have made agreements and those reportedly in discussions to join this EV charging revolution. This list will be continually updated as new agreements are confirmed or potential deals come to light.
Automakers That Have Agreed to Adopt Tesla’s Charging Plug
Tesla charging Network
BMW: BMW and its subsidiaries, Mini and Rolls-Royce, will adopt Tesla’s NACS charge port, beginning in early 2025. Existing EVs with CCS-type ports will also be compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network via an adapter. BMW aims to integrate in-car payment for charging and provide navigation directions to Tesla chargers.
Fisker: Fisker has agreed to adopt Tesla’s NACS charge port, starting in 2025. The startup EV automaker plans to introduce its Fisker Ocean EV SUV, with additional electric models like the 1000-hp Rōnin, the sub-$30K Pear, and the utilitarian Alaska truck by the end of 2025.
Ford: Ford’s EV owners will gain access to the Tesla Supercharger network starting in the spring of 2024. While the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E feature CCS-type charge ports, an adapter will enable them to connect to Tesla’s fast-chargers. Ford’s new EVs will feature a standard NACS plug in 2025.
Genesis: Genesis Motor North America has announced its adoption of the NACS as the exclusive charging port for its EVs, commencing in the United States in late 2024 and in Canada in 2025. In the first quarter of 2025, Genesis EV owners with CCS ports will be able to use an adapter to charge their vehicles on the Tesla Supercharger network. Genesis will also offer adapters for NACS-equipped vehicles to use CCS equipment.
GM: General Motors was the second automaker to sign an agreement with Tesla for adopting its charge port. GM EV owners will gain access to Tesla’s Superchargers in 2024 with an adapter allowing their CCS ports to work with NACS. Starting in 2025, GM will make NACS standard on all its EVs and offer adapters for NACS-equipped models to connect to CCS chargers.
Honda: Honda has joined the list of automakers adopting Tesla’s charge port, announcing that all its new electric models will have the NACS plug starting in 2025. Honda also plans to introduce an adapter for its CCS-equipped EVs to make them compatible with Tesla’s charging network.
Hyundai: Hyundai revealed its plans to equip new or refreshed EV models with the Tesla NACS charge port starting in the fourth quarter of 2024. Hyundai will also offer adapters to existing EV drivers without NACS ports, allowing these vehicles to be compatible with CCS charging stations.
Jaguar: Jaguar announced in September 2023 that its upcoming EVs will be compatible with the NACS starting in 2025. The company will source adapters from Tesla to supply to existing I-Pace owners for Supercharger access.
Kia: Kia America will integrate the NACS port into new EVs sold in North America in the fourth quarter of 2024. Kia dealers will offer CCS-to-NACS adapters starting in early 2025. Kia EV owners can locate Tesla Supercharger stations using the Kia Connect app once a forthcoming software upgrade is completed.
Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz will become the first German automaker to adopt Tesla’s NACS charge port, starting in 2025 for its electric models. The company plans to offer an adapter for its CCS-equipped models in 2024. Mercedes is also building its own charging network in North America, with over 2500 fast-chargers arriving in the last few months of the year, accessible to non-Mercedes EVs as well.
Mini: In line with BMW’s agreement, new electric Mini models will be equipped with the NACS plug starting in early 2025. Existing Mini EVs with CCS-type ports will also be compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network through an adapter.
Nissan: Nissan is the first Japanese automaker to announce plans to adopt Tesla’s NACS charge port for the Canadian and U.S. markets, beginning in 2025. For Nissan Ariyas with CCS-style ports, an adapter will be available in 2024 for connection to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Polestar/Volvo: Polestar and Volvo, Chinese-owned Swedish brands, will make the NACS port standard on all their EVs starting in 2025. Adapters to make their CCS ports compatible with Tesla’s Superchargers will be offered in the first half or middle of the next year. Polestar and Volvo will also provide an NACS-to-CCS adapter for those needing to connect to non-Tesla chargers.
Rivian: Rivian, following Ford and GM, has agreed to work with Tesla, with the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV getting NACS ports sometime in 2025. An adapter for those models will become available next year.
Rolls-Royce: As part of BMW’s agreement, new electric Rolls-Royce models will be equipped with the NACS plug starting in early 2025. Existing RR EVs with CCS-type ports will also be compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network through an adapter.
Automakers Reportedly in Talks with Tesla
Stellantis: Stellantis executives have confirmed considerations about adopting Tesla’s charge port, although an official deal has not been announced. Stellantis includes brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram in the U.S. market.
Volkswagen: Volkswagen is reportedly considering a deal with Tesla, which would likely impact other brands under its umbrella in the U.S. market, including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, and Lamborghini.
Charging Networks Adopting NACS
In addition to automakers, some public charging networks have also signed agreements to offer the NACS connector at their stations.
ChargePoint: ChargePoint has announced its plans to incorporate the NACS-type plug into its charging stations, with a timeframe yet to be specified. ChargePoint will continue to provide other types of chargers.
Electrify America: Owned by the Volkswagen Group, Electrify America will adopt Tesla’s NACS connector at its stations in 2025. It will also continue to