Kentucky has recently announced a mandate requiring electric vehicle charging companies to incorporate Tesla’s plug technology to qualify for a state program aimed at electrifying highways with federal funding. This groundbreaking policy, effective from Friday, positions Kentucky as the first state to demand the integration of Tesla’s charging technology, as per the documents reviewed by Reuters.
Although Texas and Washington states have previously hinted at similar intentions, Kentucky’s official mandate has set a new precedent in the US. The state’s electric vehicle charging program now necessitates the use of the North American Charging Standard (NACS), Tesla’s plug, in addition to the federal requirement for the rival Combined Charging System (CCS), according to the request for proposal (RFP) released on Friday.
In the RFP, the stipulation reads, “Each port must be equipped with an SAE CCS 1 connector. Each port shall also be capable of connecting to and charging vehicles equipped with charging ports compliant with the North American Charging Standard (NACS).”
Tesla, the leading EV maker in the US, has been enjoying a series of wins for its charging technology recently, with even the likes of Ford Motor announcing their adoption of the NACS. However, this mandate has encountered resistance from a consortium of EV charger manufacturers and operators who argue that Texas’ plan to insist on Tesla technology in charging stations is “premature,” as indicated in a letter to the Texas Transportation Commission seen by Reuters.
The opponents argue for a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for thorough standardization, testing, and certification of Tesla connectors across the industry to ensure safety and interoperability.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Transportation stipulated that charging companies must provide CCS plugs to be eligible for federal funding aimed at deploying 500,000 EV chargers by 2030. However, the rule also allows for other connectors as long as they support CCS, which is a national standard.
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI) has allocated $5 billion to states to foster the development of EV infrastructure. Kentucky’s recent mandate serves as a significant move in the broader national strategy for EV adoption and infrastructure enhancement.
