Charging Changes

If you’re like us, a bit dizzy from all of the latest EV charging updates, you are not alone. Let’s break it down.

📖 Terminology:

• NACS = North American Charging Standard, aka Tesla chargers
• CCS = Combined Charging System

💡 Here’s What We Know:

• Multiple charging ports, such as NACS and CCS, have developed alongside the evolution of EVs resulting in inconsistencies and confusion for drivers and potential buyers.
• November 2022, Tesla invited fellow EV makers to adopt its once-proprietary NACS charging connector by making design and specification files available worldwide.
• Tesla’s charging network is not only extensive, with more than 12K Supercharger connections across the US and Canada, but also considered the gold standard of charging experiences.
• To unify the standard in favor of Tesla’s vast and reliable network, several automakers have announced future NACS integration, including Ford, GM, Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, and Mercedes-Benz.

😡 What the heck? Many manufacturers compelled dealers to install costly charging stations with CCS-standard connectors, but they are already abandoning it for NACS chargers.

🔌🔌 Better safe than sorry. Until everyone can settle on just one charging standard, ensure the hardware you buy has two cables and two connectors so you’re covered.

📞 Get your manufacturer rep on the horn to discuss plans to retrofit any existing charging ports.

🤓 Continued education. Dealers and staff should understand the basics of EV charging in order to convey information and answer customer questions effectively. The “basics” are still evolving, so staying up to date with the latest industry news will be important (that’s what we’re here for!).