- tech360.tv
Volkswagen to Adopt Tesla's Charging Standard for its North American Customers
Updated: Jan 5
Volkswagen is currently in discussions with Tesla to potentially adopt Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) technology. This move comes as other automakers and charging equipment manufacturers show interest in Tesla's charging design, fearing potential customer loss if they exclusively offer the Combined Charging System (CCS) backed by companies like Volkswagen and Hyundai Motor. Ford, General Motors, and ChargePoint have recently joined the list of companies opting for Tesla's charging design.
Electrify America, Volkswagen's EV charging network unit, which boasts over 850 charging stations and around 4,000 chargers across the United States and Canada, has already confirmed its intention to utilise the NACS system while continuing to offer the widely used CCS connector during the transition period.
While Tesla's Superchargers currently make up approximately 60% of fast chargers in the United States, the company has expanded its charging stations to include the CCS connector. This development aligns with the Biden administration's efforts to subsidise charging network expansion significantly.
The decisions made by Volkswagen and Electrify America to transition to the NACS system have had a disruptive impact on the EV charging industry. The industry was seemingly leaning towards the rival CCS connection, aided by federal subsidies. However, this new development has introduced a significant change in the market landscape.
In a separate agreement, Polestar has teamed up with Tesla to grant its customers in the United States and Canada access to Tesla's charging network. This collaboration reinforces the importance of strong partnerships in the expanding electric vehicle market.
Volkswagen is in talks with Tesla for the adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS).
Electrify America, Volkswagen's EV charging network, commits to utilising NACS while still offering the widely used CCS connector during the transition.
Tesla expands its charging stations to include the CCS connector, in line with the Biden administration's push for charging network expansion.