The Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) continues to see more dominoes fall in its favor. First it was Ford, then GM, and now more third-party charger networks have announced they will integrate the Tesla connector into their chargers.
Blink’s Newest 240kW DC Fast Charger to Integrate NACS
Blink Charging Co., a global leader in the manufacture, ownership, operation, and provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services, has announced plans to launch a new 240kW DC Fast Charger. This innovative charging solution is designed to cater to the evolving needs of the global EV market, offering both Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors.
The new Blink 240kW DC Fast Charger, which incorporates advanced silicon carbide technology, is designed for speed and flexibility. It aims to quickly charge the EVs of today and tomorrow, supporting the development of a reliable, convenient, and accessible EV charging infrastructure. The charger’s small footprint makes it an ideal solution for various locations and settings.
First teased at CES 2023, the new charger is currently in the final stages of development by Blink’s in-house team. The product is designed to meet the surging demand for increased EV charging infrastructure both in the United States and globally. Once the final design phase is completed, the prototype charger will be submitted for UL certification, marking a significant step in Blink’s commitment to accelerating EV adoption.
Kempower Shifts to NACS
Kempower, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has announced plans to incorporate NACS into its product offerings. Developed by Tesla, NACS is a widely recognized EV charging connector standard in North America, said the company on Monday.
Previously, EV drivers could charge Tesla vehicles in North America using Kempower chargers with an adapter available from Tesla. However, the integration of NACS into Kempower’s charging solutions will streamline the process, eliminating the need for an adapter. In Europe, Tesla vehicles already comply with the European charging standard CCS2.
Tomi Ristimäki, CEO of Kempower, expressed the company’s commitment to providing a seamless charging experience for all EV drivers in North America. He emphasized Kempower’s agility in responding to customer and market expectations, stating, “We are adding NACS to our portfolio to continue to offer the best charging experience for all EV drivers across the globe.”
This move to include NACS in its charging offerings underscores Kempower’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the EV market and its commitment to enhancing the EV charging experience for drivers in North America. The company is preparing to add NACS as an option for all North American deliveries, further expanding its reach and service offerings in the region.
Chargepoint to Offer NACS, Was Ready Before Announcements
ChargePoint, a technology company with over 15 years of experience in enabling the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), has announced plans to offer the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector option for its charging solutions. This move is part of ChargePoint’s ongoing commitment to delivering the best possible charging experience to all EV drivers, regardless of their vehicle make or model.
ChargePoint’s charging solutions have always been compatible with multiple connectors, including CCS1, CHAdeMO, and J1772 in North America, as well as Type 2 and CCS2 in Europe. The addition of the NACS connector option is a natural progression in ChargePoint’s product strategy, which aims to develop networked charging solutions that ensure any EV can charge in any parking space.
The company’s Express 250 (DC), Express Plus (DC), CPF50 (AC), CP6000 (AC), and the award-winning Home Flex (AC) all offer modular connectors for both customer preference and serviceability. The upcoming NACS connector option will be available for all these products, with cost-effective field upgrades for chargers already in service. This approach ensures that existing customers’ investments are protected.
ChargePoint’s NACS connector solutions were already in the research and development phase before recent news about the connector type. As a result, they are expected to be available ahead of the vehicles with native NACS ports announced over the past two weeks.
Despite recent OEM announcements to adopt the NACS connector type, ChargePoint’s product strategy remains unchanged. The company continues to focus on developing networked charging solutions that cater to its customers and drivers, ensuring that any EV can charge in any parking space.
Yesterday, we also heard about FLO also supporting Tesla’s NACS in Canada as well, along with Switzerland’s ABB. Stay tuned as more announcements from other charging networks are expected to follow at this point. Electrify America next?
Update June 12: Wallbox and Nxu have also announced support for Tesla’s NACS today.
