Image: Tesla
Honda has announced its intention to integrate Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports into its upcoming electric vehicles (EVs). This move will also extend to its luxury division, Acura, enabling both brands to tap into Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network, reports Autoblog.
Noriya Kaihara, the President and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., emphasized the significance of this decision, stating, “We also have to push NACS, as well. It is clear.”
However, the timeline for this integration is contingent on General Motors (GM). Honda’s forthcoming EVs, the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, are built on a shared platform with GM, utilizing GM’s advanced Ultium battery technology. While the ZDX will initially feature the traditional CCS port, incompatible with Tesla’s chargers, it is slated to transition to the NACS design between 2025 and 2026.
Shinji Aoyama, Executive Vice President of Honda Motor Co., highlighted the company’s reliance on GM’s decisions, noting, “Once they [switch to NACS], this will follow for ZDX, as well.”
In a broader initiative, Honda is collaborating with seven other global automakers on a project to establish over 30,000 EV fast-charging stations across the U.S. and Canada. While the chargers are still under development, Honda assures that all involved companies share a unified vision for the network’s success.
Jay Joseph, American Honda’s Vice President of Sustainability and Business Development, emphasized the need for reliable software and robust hardware for these charging stations. He praised Tesla’s Supercharger network for its maintenance and efficiency, stating, “They stay on top of it… and they fix it – fast.”
Given the advantages of the NACS system, it’s evident why Honda and other car manufacturers are keen to transition swiftly.
Here’s a brief timeline of major automakers agreeing to join Tesla’s NACS:
