Why Every Automaker Should Adopt Tesla’s Charging Network

Jul 01, 2023

A universal charging network is necessary to support EV growth. Every automaker should adopt Tesla's charging network with the NACS connector.

Many automakers recently began transitioning from other charging ports and standards to the new North American Charging Standard (NACS). What makes this new charging standard unique? It’s the same charging ports and connections as developed and used by Tesla.

As Tesla opened its Supercharger network to other automakers, the number of available charging stations for electric cars increased dramatically in North America. Adopting the Tesla charging network as the new standard makes perfect sense for other automakers. Tesla has a proven track record of excellence in its charging network.

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When the push for 50-percent sales of electric vehicles by 2030 was first implemented, a similar growth goal for EV charging stations was also adopted. The U.S. Federal Government set a goal of 500,000 new public EV charging stations across the country, but this number should be doubled to support the exponential growth of electric vehicles.

Although the infrastructure growth of electric vehicle charging stations is a stated goal, having several different companies supporting only some vehicle brands is a serious challenge. Although most automakers adopted the same business model for charging, allowing branded EVs to charge on only certain networks, its created a serious problem. Unlike gas pumps, EV chargers require software and specific connectors to ensure electrons flow into the EV batteries without causing damage.

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Tesla was the first company to create a DC fast-charging system, which generally means they have had more time to face challenges and solve problems with the charging network. The connector, which is now known as the NACS, should become the industry standard. Other charging networks adopted the CCS connector as a standard, but this connector is heavier, bulkier, and more difficult to use.

Over the next few years, most automakers will likely adopt the NACS connector and Tesla’s charging software as the universal standard. Some have already begun to do this. Ford recently announced an agreement with Tesla to provide access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across the United States and Canada. This agreement gives Ford EV owners more than 22,000 fast chargers to recharge while on the road.

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More electric vehicle charging stations support the CCS connector than the NACS connector. If taken with only this information, the CCS connector might be considered the standard and make more sense for all EVs to use, but there’s a bit of a catch. Most Tesla Supercharger locations have a dozen or more ports for several EVs to connect and charge quickly. Companies supporting the CCS connector typically only provide two or three ports for charging, which can be problematic if other EVs are charging.

Currently, there are 275,913,237 vehicles registered in the United States. This figure includes commercial vehicles, which will eventually require a supported charging network. In 2022, new car sales in the US reached 13,903,429, down from a few years ago. To support the expected sales growth of EVs, more charging ports are necessary at every charging station. This suggests a combination of the CCS location numbers and Tesla’s multiple-port locations would make the most sense.

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Most of us have seen bags or out-of-order signs on some gas pumps when pulling into a station to refuel. This can be extremely frustrating, especially when your gas tank is nearly empty. Typically, another gas station is close by, making it only a minor inconvenience to fill up with fuel at the next stop. The same isn’t true of electric vehicle charging stations. Currently, non-Tesla charging networks show a failure rate of 21.6%, according to a recent J.D. Power customer satisfaction study.

The lack of electric vehicle charging stations is a serious problem when one out of five fails to charge an EV. The expanded availability and use of the Tesla charging network changes this. Only 3.9% of consumers using Tesla Superchargers have reported an inability to charge. Because most of these charging locations have several charging ports, most Tesla owners find a charging port that works and refuels their EV with the necessary electricity. Electric vehicle owners attempting to utilize other charging networks could face additional range challenges if the charging station doesn’t communicate well with their EV.

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Gas pumps with hoses and nozzles have been around for decades, providing a universal way to offer a safe flow of gasoline and diesel from the tanks in the ground to the tank in a vehicle. This process was developed before computer software and has lasted for more than a century. Recharging electric vehicles requires special connectors and software to communicate with the vehicle. The communication shared regulates the flow of electrons to the batteries to avoid damaging them and adjusts the number of miles the vehicle can travel based on the charge.

Ford, GM, Volvo, Polestar, Rivian, and Mercedes-Benz have all announced support for charging on the Tesla charging network. More brands will likely adopt the NACS charging connectors before the end of 2023. If this support continues and all automakers adopt this connector as the standard, we could see all EVs utilizing the NACS connection by the end of 2026 or sooner. By this time, no new EVs will be built with the CCS port, which could create the required universal connector. The transition to the NACS connector requires automakers and charging networks to support software from each automotive brand, which means a few changes for Tesla’s charging network.

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Until recently, Tesla only had to focus on the software and connections included in Tesla vehicles. Controlling the vehicles connected and software allows the company to enjoy an incredible reputation for reliable electric vehicle charging on the network. As new automakers adopt the new NACS charging plugs, the Supercharging network must be upgraded to become compatible with each automaker’s vehicles.

The network’s openness might create a slightly less reliable network, but that should be expected. A universal charging system that allows all EVs to charge at any station is important and necessary. Much like a gas-powered car can pull into any gas station and fill up, the same should be true for future EVs. EV owners must find chargers on their supported networks without a universal system, which is an unnecessary challenge.

As other charging networks adopt the NACS charging connector and software, reliance on the Tesla charging network should lessen. This could create the competition for EV charging business that we see among oil companies with various branded gas stations on nearly every street corner.

Nathaniel has nine years of experience as an autos writer under his belt. From model reviews to industry politics to new innovations and development, he covers a wide range of topics. Through careful research, attention to detail, and a desire to tell a story, Nathaniel found an unexpected enthusiasm for covering anything related to cars, trucks, SUVs, and everything in between.