The state of Washington has recently announced that it will require electric vehicle (EV) charging companies to include Tesla’s plug if they want to be a part of the state program that aims to electrify highways using federal dollars. This move by Washington . In this blog post, we will dive deeper into this topic, explore what NACS means for EV charging, and discuss what this move by Washington state signifies for the future.
The move towards a national charging technology is a significant development in the EV industry. For manufacturers and consumers alike, it means fewer charging standards to contend with and greater access to charging infrastructure. Companies such as GM, Ford, and Rivan have already backed Tesla’s NACS, refusing to adopt the Biden administration’s Combined Charging System (CCS) plan, which was intended to become the dominant charging standard for America.
Washington state’s decision to require Tesla’s charging plug is seen as an endorsement of the company and its leading position in the EV market. According to Tonia Buell, alternative fuels program manager at Washington state’s Department of Transportation, the decision is all about future-proofing investment in EV infrastructure. Tesla’s NACS is not only tested and certified, but it also provides access to as many types of EVs as possible.
However, there is still some work to be done, says Buell. While Washington state is committed to requiring NACS at state and federal funded sites, there are still uncertainties surrounding the right mix of NACS chargers that comply with current federal requirements. But with more companies backing Tesla’s standard, it seems only a matter of time before NACS becomes the dominant charging technology across America.
The Biden administration’s current pushback on NACS adoption in favor of CCS is an indication that there may be resistance from some quarters, but the move by Washington state and Texas signifies a break in the dam. With so many other leading manufacturers adopting NACS and several states embracing it, CCS may struggle to gain the traction it needs to become the dominant charging standard.
As EV use and sales continue to rise, the significance of a standardised charging technology can’t be overstated. Greater adoption of EVs means a need for greater charging infrastructure, and widespread adoption of a single charging standard is critical to achieving that goal. By requiring NACS, Washington state is taking an essential step towards ensuring that the state’s investment in EV infrastructure is future-proof, ensuring that its citizens have access to clean, reliable transport going forward.
Conclusion:
The move by Washington state to require charging companies to adopt Tesla’s NACS charging standard seems like another critical development in the EV industry’s evolution. NACS’s adoption by other leading manufacturers and several states in favor of the Biden administration’s CCS push is a clear indication that it may soon become the dominant charging technology in America. As we move towards electrifying our highways and making EVs more accessible to everyone, standardisation of charging infrastructure is essential. The move by Washington state is the first step towards achieving that goal.
