SAE International to standardize Tesla’s NACS connector

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) announced a monumental decision to standardize Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. The agreement ensures that any supplier or manufacturer can deploy or manufacture this charging port on EVs or charging stations in North America, a considerable step towards creating a unified charging infrastructure.

This decision comes on the heels of Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Volvo, and numerous other companies opting for the NACS connector over the long-standing SAE J1772 Combo charging standard. The standardization process is the next stage in solidifying NACS and verifying its ability to meet performance and interoperability criteria.

While Tesla had originally introduced the NACS connector as a "standard," it wasn't reached through industry consensus. However, the widespread adoption by automakers and the industry's shift in favor of NACS indicate that it will indeed become a standard, thanks to market domination.

The SAE plans to develop this new NACS charging connector standard on an accelerated timeframe, aiming for completion potentially by 2025. This urgency aligns with the announcements made by multiple automakers who plan to start utilizing NACS charging inlets in new electric vehicles by 2025.

Emphasizing the significance of this standardization, Frank Menchaca, President of Sustainable Mobility Solutions, stated, "Standardizing the NACS connector will provide certainty, expanded choice, reliability, and convenience to manufacturers and suppliers, and most of all, increase access to charging for consumers."

Already, several US states have announced that they are adopting the NACS connector as a standard, with Texas and Washington leading the way. In fact, it will soon be a requirement to qualify for state funding, and more states are expected to follow. This nationwide adoption provides an opportunity to establish a single connector across EVs, making charging more accessible and seamless for users.

Tesla, known globally for its robust Supercharger Network, offers over 45,000 stalls worldwide. By standardizing the NACS connector, other automakers can leverage this expansive and reliable charging infrastructure, enhancing the overall consumer experience.

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