0
0
The Automotive Industry Unites on North American Charging Standard
After several years of discussions and negotiations, major players in the automotive industry have finally reached an agreement on the North American Charging Standard. This standard, akin to the universal USB format in technology, aims to streamline the charging process for electric vehicles across different brands.
One of the key decisions made during these talks was to adopt Tesla’s charging infrastructure as the standard. Tesla’s extensive network of Supercharging stations played a significant role in this choice, as it is currently one of the most developed and widespread systems in the market.
While some automakers have already started implementing the new standard, others are facing delays. According to a report by PC Mag, several brands are still working on the transition, with some adjustments to their initial timelines.
Delays and Adjustments in Adoption
On Tesla’s official Supercharging site, GM, Volvo, and Polestar are listed as the next automakers set to adopt the North American Charging Standard. The site initially indicated a Spring 2024 timeline for their integration. However, a representative from Polestar mentioned to PC Mag that the brand’s adoption schedule has been revised, with plans to switch to the new standard by summer.
Similarly, GM’s timeline for adopting the NACS seems uncertain. While a GM spokesperson mentioned that NACS adapters would be distributed soon, no specific date was provided. Sanaz Marbley, director of global strategic technology communications at GM, stated that the adapters would be available through GM’s vehicle brand apps later this year.
Suggesting a potential delay, Marbley added that GM does not have a specific date for the rollout but emphasized that the target is still Spring 2024. With about three weeks left until summer officially begins, the timeline is under scrutiny.
If the schedule holds, GM EVs could access Tesla Superchargers in the coming weeks. However, recent changes at Tesla, including significant layoffs in the Supercharging team, have raised concerns among other automakers. While Tesla’s George Bahadue remains optimistic about the progress, GM is closely monitoring the situation.
Reports suggest that Tesla CEO Elon Musk pushed for more layoffs than initially planned, indicating potential instability in the Supercharging team. For non-Tesla EV owners, staying informed about these developments is crucial, as it may affect access to Superchargers in the near future.
Image/Photo credit: source url
