The recent announcements by Ford and GM adopting Tesla’s NACS connector for their upcoming EVs in North America mark a significant milestone as the NACS connector, once exclusive to Tesla vehicles, is now set to become the dominant charging standard across the region.
But what exactly is NACS, and why does it outperform the current CCS combo connector used by most other EVs? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of NACS, its functionality, and the benefits it brings.
What is NACS?
NACS stands for North American Charging Standard. It is Tesla’s proprietary charging connector and charge port design, made available to other manufacturers and charging network operators in November 2022.
The NACS connector boasts a slim and sleek design without any moving parts, capable of handling both AC and DC charging at a remarkable 1 MW power capacity. In comparison, the CCS combo connector, employed by most EVs, features separate plugs for AC and DC charging and is twice as large while delivering half the power.
Tesla introduced the NACS connector in 2012, and since then, it has been utilized across all their vehicles in North America. With over 20 billion EV charging miles to its name, the NACS connector has demonstrated remarkable reliability and efficiency.
Tesla vehicles house the NACS charge port on the rear left side, featuring an automated flap that opens when the connector is brought near. Additionally, the charge port is adorned with a ring of LED lights that indicate the charging status.
How does NACS work?
NACS serves as an electrical and mechanical interface that accommodates various communication protocols and use cases. It supports both Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, as well as DC fast charging at different power levels.
For AC charging, NACS utilizes single-phase or three-phase alternating current (AC), capable of delivering up to 19.2 kW of power. This is ideal for home or workplace charging, allowing the EV to remain plugged in for several hours.
For DC fast charging, NACS employs direct current (DC), delivering an impressive 1 MW of power. This is well-suited for highway or public charging, enabling the EV to charge within minutes.
Tesla has developed its proprietary communication protocol for its Supercharging network, utilizing NACS connectors to deliver up to 250 kW of power per vehicle. Tesla also operates the Destination Charging network, which utilizes NACS connectors to provide up to 22 kW of power per vehicle at hotels, restaurants, and other locations.
However, NACS isn’t limited to Tesla’s protocol or network. Other manufacturers and network operators can implement their own protocols or standards with NACS connectors, such as CHAdeMO or ISO 15118.
What are the benefits of NACS?
NACS offers several advantages over the current CCS combo connector, making it the superior choice for EV charging in North America.
Firstly, NACS boasts a more compact and elegant design compared to CCS combo, which features a bulkier and more complex structure necessitating separate plugs for AC and DC charging. NACS is easier to handle and plug in, occupying less space on both the vehicle and the charger.
Secondly, NACS provides greater power and versatility than CCS combo, which is limited to a maximum of 350 kW for DC fast charging. NACS delivers up to 1 MW of power, resulting in faster charging times and extended driving ranges. Moreover, NACS accommodates both AC and DC charging through a single plug, ensuring enhanced convenience and compatibility.
Thirdly, NACS is more prevalent and widespread across North America compared to CCS combo. According to Tesla, NACS vehicles outnumber CCS-equipped vehicles by a ratio of two-to-one, and Tesla’s Supercharging network features 60% more NACS posts than all the CCS-equipped networks combined. This means that NACS users enjoy increased access and availability to charge their EVs wherever they travel.
Furthermore, since Tesla opened its standard in 2022, numerous other companies have expressed their support for NACS. Major automakers like Ford and GM, as well as prominent charging station manufacturers and operators such as ABB, Blink Charging, Chargepoint, EVgo, FLO, Tritium, Wallbox, and more, have announced their commitment to NACS. This indicates that NACS-equipped chargers and vehicles will become increasingly prevalent in the near future.
NACS has emerged as the new standard for charging in North America. Its superior design surpasses the capabilities of the current CCS combo connector, offering more power, versatility, and convenience. With its widespread adoption and support from various industry players, NACS provides EV drivers with fast, reliable, and hassle-free charging experiences across North America. Embracing NACS ensures a future-proof charging solution for electric vehicles in the region.
