Word on the street is Tesla’s proprietary charge plug is gaining popularity amongst automakers. Sources say at least 13 brands have signed secret documents agreeing to swap their ports for Tesla’s coveted NACS connector, with more in talks. This could make the Tesla Supercharger network the charging standard across the industry.
Our insider at BMW leaked that the Bavarian automaker will make the switch starting in 2025. This includes Mini and Rolls-Royce under BMW’s luxury wing. To bridge the gap, adapters will allow their current CCS plug cars to plug into Superchargers while they transition.
American upstart Fisker was next to put pen to paper. The Ocean SUV and future lineup from Mr. Fisker’s new venture will come standard with NACS plugs beginning in 2025. With stylish designs and eco-credentials, Fisker is looking to make big waves in the sustainability space.
Blue Oval brand Ford made a bold move, becoming the second major automaker to ink the Tesla deal. By spring 2024, Lightning and Mach-E drivers will be able to top up at Superchargers thanks to an interim adapter. All new Ford EVs from 2025 will ditch CCS for NACS straight from the factory.
General Motors wasn’t about to be left out of this electrifying partnership either. Their EVs will be able to draw power from Tesla’s lightning-quick chargers from 2024 with a CCS-NACS adapter. GM leaders have settled on making NACS the standard GM plug starting in 2025.
Across the pond, Genesis announced its intent to solely offer the NACS connector in late 2024 for the American market. Meanwhile, Koreans under Hyundai’s wing will roll out the flashy plug in late 2024 as well. Both brands will provide CCS adapters to maintain legacy EV charger compatibility.
Across the showroom at Lexus, sources say their first bespoke electric models will arrive in 2025 fitted as standard with NACS ports. Like other early adaptors, adapters will be made available for current CCS cars to play nicely on the Tesla network.
Lucid was quick to throw its hat into the ring, confirming plans to make the change to Tesla’s prized charge plug starting in 2025. For now, CCS cars will get an interim adapter to access Tesla’s vast network of ultra-rapid stalls.
In a shock move, Mercedes raised its hand to be the first euro brand onboard. From 2025, future Benz BEVs will have Tesla’s charge port as a factory fitment. Meanwhile, a planned roll-out of more than 2500 fast chargers across North America aims to rival Tesla’s network.
Mini, as part of BMW Group, will make the change at the same time as its parent company. Current CCS Mini Coopers will be boosted by Superchargers too via an adapter in 2025.
Across the Pacific, Toyota and Nissan were next to show excitement, joining the pact to fit NACS from 2025. Canada and America will see this tech integrated first on models like the upcoming bZ4X and Ariya.
Polestar planted its flag, making it and Volvo the earliest foreign automaker signees. Chinese-owned Swedish brands will factory-fit the plug starting in 2025, with CCS adapters to be available in mid-2023.
Homegrown truck maker Rivian threw support behind the deal, committing its R1 lineup to NACS integration starting in 2025. Like Ford, interim CCS adapters will arrive in 2023 to plug into Tesla stalls.
Under BMW’s accords, Rolls-Royce models will come similarly equipped with NACS ports from 2025. Existing CCS cars can draw power via Tesla’s network with the forthcoming adapter.
To support this widespread shift, ChargePoint and Electrify America charging networks have revealed they will soon roll out Tesla’s plug at pump locations. This could see NACS chargers rival gas stations nationwide.
Rumors circulate that Stellantis may come to terms soon. If so, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram trucks could be added to the ever-growing roster of NACS brands by 2025.
Volkswagen’s participation may be catalytic. German automotive powerhouse could leverage scale to accelerate standardization if they back Tesla’s plug-over CCS. Carrying Audi, Porsche, Bugatti, Lamborghini too.
Analysts estimate that 90% of future EVs will integrate Tesla’s charger by 2030 if talks continue successfully. Superchargers look positioned to dominate fast charging like iPhone standardized mobile connectivity.
With SAE’s support marching Tesla’s connector towards official industry standard status, supply chain economies may favor NACS long-term over regional plugs. Global harmonization is the ultimate objective.
Investors see Tesla controlling primary battery refueling infrastructure as a potential cash cow if licensing deals take effect. Charging networks report surging demand, bidding up Tesla stock price. The Californian upstarts could cement an unassailable edge as e-mobility takes over the roads.