SAE Shapes the Future of EV Charging with Tesla NACS Connector Standards

SAE International has announced that it is expediting the development of manufacturing, performance, and reliability standards for Tesla‘s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. This push is in line with the organization’s commitment to securing clean, accessible, and connected transportation. The effort also aims to increase charging accessibility for consumers.

The NACS connector standardization represents a significant milestone in electric vehicle infrastructure, reflecting the integration of industry and governmental entities towards a sustainable mobility future. Frank Menchaca, President of Sustainable Mobility Solutions, an innovation wing of SAE’s parent company, Fullsight, underscored the importance of the initiative: “Standardizing the NACS connector will provide certainty, expanded choice, reliability, and convenience to manufacturers and suppliers.”

Several prominent automakers, including General Motors, Ford Motor Co., Rivian, and Volvo, have announced plans to adapt Tesla’s NACS plug by 2025. The adaptation allows non-Tesla EV drivers to leverage Tesla’s rapidly expanding network of chargers. Stellantis and Hyundai Motor Group are contemplating a similar shift, according to Automotive News, reflecting the growing industry consensus on the value of Tesla’s charging technology.

David L. Schutt, CEO of SAE International, mentioned that the NACS standard development is one of several fast-tracked charging projects, which include cybersecurity, aimed at boosting the performance, reliability, and safety of EV charging. “Taken together, these efforts will contribute substantially to SAE’s commitment to secure, clean and connected transportation,” Schutt stated.

It is worth noting that the transition to the NACS system will not impact the federal government’s financial support for a nationwide charging network. The Federal Highway Administration confirmed that both CCS and NACS connectors and adapters remain eligible for funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. This arrangement ensures the creation of a charging infrastructure catering to all EV drivers, regardless of their vehicle’s current or future connector type.