Technology
NACS Explained: The New EV Charging Standard
Discover the North American Charging Standard (NACS), the Tesla-developed plug that is becoming the new standard for all EVs in North America.
What is it?
The North American Charging Standard (NACS), standardized as SAE J3400, is an electric vehicle (EV) charging connector system developed by Tesla. Originally proprietary to Tesla vehicles, it features a compact, single-plug design that handles both AC and DC charging. This is different from the Combined Charging System (CCS), which uses a larger plug and was the standard for most other automakers in North America. The NACS connector is known for being lighter and more ergonomic than its CCS counterpart.
Why is it trending?
NACS is rapidly becoming the dominant standard in North America after Tesla opened its design for other companies to use in November 2022. Since then, major automakers like Ford, General Motors, Rivian, and Volvo have announced they will equip their future EVs (starting in 2025) with the NACS port. This industry-wide shift is driven by the desire to access Tesla's extensive and highly reliable Supercharger network, which makes up a significant majority of DC fast chargers in the United States.
How does it affect people?
This transition significantly simplifies the EV charging experience for consumers. Drivers of various EV brands will gain access to thousands of previously exclusive Tesla Superchargers, reducing range anxiety and increasing charging options. For current non-Tesla EV owners, adapters will be provided to use the Supercharger network before the native NACS ports are integrated into new models. Ultimately, the widespread adoption of NACS aims to create a more unified, convenient, and accessible public charging infrastructure for all EV drivers.