Toyota and Lexus, two of the world’s largest automakers, have announced that they will be adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) in their future electric vehicles. This is a major coup for Tesla, as it means that its Supercharger network will now be open to a much wider range of EVs.
What is NACS?
NACS is a proprietary charging standard developed by Tesla. It is currently the fastest charging standard available in North America, with speeds of up to 250 kW. NACS connectors are also smaller and lighter than other charging connectors, such as the Combined Charging System (CCS).
Why are Toyota and Lexus adopting NACS?
There are a few reasons why Toyota and Lexus are adopting NACS. First, NACS is the fastest charging standard available in North America. This is important to EV owners, as it means they can spend less time charging and more time driving.
Second, NACS is a proprietary standard. This means that Tesla has complete control over the design and development of NACS connectors and charging stations. This allows Tesla to ensure that its charging network is reliable and efficient.
Third, NACS is becoming increasingly popular among other automakers. Ford, General Motors, Rivian, and Volvo Cars have all signed deals with Tesla to join its charging network. This means that Toyota and Lexus EV owners will have access to a wide range of charging stations, even outside of the Tesla Supercharger network.
Benefits of NACS for Toyota and Lexus EV owners
There are a number of benefits for Toyota and Lexus EV owners who will be able to use NACS chargers.
- Faster charging speeds: NACS chargers are the fastest charging standards available in North America, with speeds of up to 250 kW. This means that Toyota and Lexus EV owners will be able to charge their vehicles much faster than they would be able to with other charging standards.
- More charging stations: Tesla has the largest charging network in North America, with over 12,000 Superchargers. Toyota and Lexus EV owners will now be able to access this network, which will give them more options for charging their vehicles.
- More reliable charging: Tesla has a reputation for building reliable and efficient charging stations. Toyota and Lexus EV owners can be confident that they will be able to charge their vehicles quickly and easily at NACS chargers.
When will Toyota and Lexus EVs start using NACS?
Toyota and Lexus have not yet announced when their first EVs with NACS connectors will be available. However, the companies have said that they expect to start rolling out NACS-equipped EVs in 2025.
What does this mean for the future of EV charging?
The decision by Toyota and Lexus to adopt NACS is a major step towards the standardization of EV charging. With more and more automakers adopting NACS, it is likely that this standard will become the dominant EV charging standard in North America.
This will be a good thing for EV owners, as it will give them more options for charging their vehicles and make it easier to find charging stations. It will also be good for automakers, as it will make it easier for them to develop and sell EVs.
How to prepare for the future of EV charging
If you are planning on buying an electric vehicle, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the future of EV charging.
- Research the different charging standards: Make sure you understand the different charging standards that are available and which ones are most common in your area.
- Find a charging station map: There are a number of websites and apps that allow you to find charging stations near you.
- Consider installing a home charger: If you have a garage or driveway, you may want to consider installing a home charger. This will make it easier and more convenient to charge your electric vehicle.
The decision by Toyota and Lexus to adopt Tesla’s NACS charging standard is a major step towards the standardization of EV charging. With more and more automakers adopting NACS, it is likely that this standard will become the dominant EV charging standard in North America.
This is good news for EV owners, as it will give them more options for charging their vehicles and make it easier to find charging stations. It is also good news for automakers, as it will make it easier for them to develop and sell EVs.
If you are planning on buying an electric vehicle, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the future of EV charging. Research the different charging standards, find a charging station map, and consider installing a home charger.