The Biden administration at the White House has expressed backing for the standardization of Tesla's NACS (National Advanced Computing Systems), signaling support for the initiative.
Although Tesla CEO Elon Musk and US President Joe Biden may not be on the best terms, the White House seems to acknowledge Tesla's significance in the rapid charging market in the US. Recent reports indicate that SAE International has officially recognized Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) as a standardized EV connector.
The US holds a prominent position in the electric vehicle market, with Tesla as a leading pure electric car manufacturer. However, while Tesla's models like the Model 3 and Model Y have significantly contributed to the country's EV sector, the US trails behind China and certain European nations in electric car adoption.
A major challenge hindering adoption in the US is the scarcity of rapid chargers outside of Tesla's Supercharger Network. Though alternatives like Electrify America exist, they don't match the scale and convenience of Tesla's charging infrastructure.
Tesla's move to open up its NACS to other automakers gained traction, attracting companies like Ford, General Motors, and even Volkswagen, despite initial resistance. SAE International, formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers, confirmed Tesla's NACS as a standard electric vehicle connector. This standardization aims to expand charging access for both current and future EV drivers nationwide.
Loren McDonald, CEO of EVAdoption LLC, highlighted that SAE International's decision signifies the end of Superchargers being exclusive to Teslas. However, he cautioned that transitioning from previous CCS plugs to NACS might inconvenience electric vehicle owners initially.
McDonald emphasized that while the move eliminates exclusivity, the transition period could lead to challenges for existing CCS owners. The coexistence of different connectors may create complications for mainstream consumers until automakers' strategies for distributing adapters become clearer. This phase might lead to what McDonald referred to as "adapter hell" for the next few years, potentially posing difficulties for consumers unfamiliar with the changes.
--------This article is partly excerpted from AP News.
