America’s Largest EV Charging Network Adopts Tesla’s NACS Connector

In a significant move for the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry, ChargePoint, the largest EV charging network in the United States, has announced its adoption of the Tesla-compatible North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. This decision will enable ChargePoint to offer Tesla-compatible connectors at all its current and future charging stations, solidifying its commitment to providing widespread compatibility for EV owners.

With an impressive network boasting nearly 49,000 charging ports across Level 1, Level 2, and DC chargers at 15,454 locations, ChargePoint has firmly established itself as America’s leading EV charging network. In fact, ChargePoint accounts for approximately 43% of all public EV charging ports in the country. Tesla, on the other hand, holds a dominant position in the DC fast charging market through its expansive Supercharger network.

By incorporating the Tesla NACS connector alongside the existing CCS, J1772, and CHAdeMO connectors available at ChargePoint locations, the network aims to cater to EV owners regardless of their vehicle make or model year. This move ensures a higher level of convenience and flexibility for drivers, making charging more accessible and efficient.

ChargePoint has confirmed that the Tesla NACS connectors will be compatible with both new and existing chargers, including DC, AC, and home charging units. Manufacturing of the charging stations equipped with the NACS connector is expected to commence later this year. This announcement aligns with the decision of major automakers like GM, Ford, and Rivian, as well as several smaller charging networks, to adopt the NACS standard.

However, Electrify America, one of the major EV charging networks, remains one of the few holdouts that has yet to disclose its strategy regarding Tesla charging systems. As more states, including Texas and Washington, mandate the inclusion of NACS connectors in state-subsidized EV chargers, Electrify America may find joining the NACS movement to be an increasingly desirable option to secure federal or state subsidies.

Conclusion

The integration of Tesla’s NACS connector into ChargePoint’s expansive network marks a significant step towards standardization and interoperability in the EV charging industry. It reflects the growing recognition that collaboration and compatibility are key to advancing the adoption of electric vehicles and creating a seamless charging experience for EV owners across the United States.