The North American Charging Standard (NACS) is Tesla's proprietary electric vehicle (EV) charging connector, which has been widely adopted in the U.S. and Canada. Introduced in November 2022, Tesla made the decision to open up the patented design and specifications of the NACS connector, allowing other EV manufacturers and charging network operators to integrate it into their products and infrastructure. This move was a significant milestone in the push toward standardizing EV charging, and since then, NACS has become the dominant charging standard in North America. The standard supports both AC and DC charging and is designed to be compact, efficient, and capable of handling high-powered fast charging sessions.
NACS has been Tesla's charging connector of choice since 2012, used across its entire fleet of North American vehicles, and for its DC-powered Superchargers, as well as its Level 2 Tesla Wall Connectors for home and destination charging. Tesla’s extensive network of Supercharger stations and its dominant presence in the North American electric vehicle market have made NACS the most common and widely supported standard for EV charging in the region.
Evolution of NACS and its Technological Advancements
One of the key features of the NACS is its evolution in terms of both design and functionality. Unlike the previous Tesla connector, which used the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus for communication, the NACS employs the ISO 15118 communication protocol. This makes it compatible with the Combined Charging System (CCS), which is the predominant charging standard for non-Tesla EVs. The compatibility between NACS and CCS is facilitated through the use of simple adapters. This means that both Tesla vehicles and other EVs can use the same infrastructure for charging, making the process more seamless for users of different EV brands.
NACS' new design improves charging experiences by providing a more streamlined solution, reducing the number of components required for communication and power transfer. By integrating both AC and DC charging into a single connector, it simplifies the entire charging process for drivers and charging network operators alike. This efficiency is enhanced by the fact that NACS supports DC fast charging at up to 1,000 volts and 900 amperes, which enables rapid charging times and flexibility for a variety of charging needs.
NACS Connector Design: Compact, Efficient, and User-Friendly
The NACS connector is designed to be compact and user-friendly, making it easier to handle than other charging standards. Its 5-pin layout is optimized for both power delivery and communication, with pins dedicated to power, grounding, and communication. In addition, the connector includes a Control Pilot (CP) and Proximity Pilot (PP) pin, which allow for sophisticated communication between the vehicle and charging equipment. This ensures not only efficient power transfer but also safe operation and accurate monitoring of the charging state.
The NACS connector is versatile and supports a wide range of charging scenarios. From residential AC charging at 240 volts to high-powered DC fast charging at up to 1,000 volts, it can meet the needs of different types of users and vehicles. In typical residential applications, the NACS connector provides up to 48 amps of current at 240 volts, which is sufficient for most home charging situations. However, for more demanding applications, such as fast charging at public charging stations, the connector can handle much higher power levels, delivering up to 500 amps at 500 volts.
How NACS Charging Works
The NACS system supports both AC charging and DC fast charging, which is a significant benefit for users. The NACS connector is equipped with a button on the top center of the handle. Pressing this button activates a UHF (ultra-high frequency) signal that locks the connector into place once it is connected to the vehicle. When the connector is locked, it communicates with the vehicle, instructing it to retract the latch holding the connector in place. If the connector isn’t locked, the signal prompts the vehicle to open the door that covers the inlet for easy connection.
In terms of power delivery, NACS can handle varying levels depending on the application. For AC charging, it can deliver up to 80 amps at 277 volts, which is ideal for residential and low-power applications. For DC fast charging, NACS can provide up to 500 amps at 500 volts, which significantly reduces charging times for EVs. The combination of high power capacity and efficient design allows NACS to be used in diverse settings, from home charging to public DC fast charging stations.
Comparing NACS to Other Charging Standards
While NACS is quickly becoming the dominant charging standard in North America, there are several other charging standards used globally. Here’s how NACS compares to other popular charging systems:
Combined Charging System (CCS)
CCS is the most widely used standard for DC fast charging outside of North America. It exists in two main versions: CCS1 (used in North America and South Korea) and CCS2 (used in Europe and Oceania). CCS connectors are larger and less ergonomic than NACS, and they generally have lower power delivery capabilities. However, CCS is the legally mandated standard for DC fast charging in many regions.
CHAdeMO
This is another charging standard used predominantly in Japan for DC fast charging. CHAdeMO is still used by some vehicles in North America and Europe, but its adoption is declining in favor of CCS and NACS. Like CCS, CHAdeMO connectors are also less ergonomic than the compact NACS connector.
NACS
Compared to both CCS and CHAdeMO, NACS is more compact, ergonomic, and capable of delivering higher power for faster charging. It supports advanced communication protocols that enable optimized charging and ensure the safety of the entire charging process.
NACS Adoption and Industry Support
The NACS connector’s growing popularity was underscored in May 2023 when Ford Motor Company became the first major automaker to announce that it would adopt NACS for its electric vehicles. Starting in 2025, all new Ford EVs will feature NACS charge ports, and existing Ford EV owners will be able to use NACS charging stations via a CCS1-to-NACS adapter. This announcement was a major milestone in the standardization of EV charging in North America, as it signaled widespread support from automakers who had previously favored the CCS standard.
In the months following Ford's announcement, several other automakers, including Audi, Fisker, GM, Mazda, Polestar, Porsche, Rivian, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo, also committed to equipping their EVs with NACS ports starting in 2025. This rapid adoption of NACS by global automotive giants is expected to further solidify its position as the primary charging standard in the North American market.
The widespread adoption of NACS is also supported by the Tesla Supercharger Network, which continues to expand across the U.S. and Canada. As more non-Tesla EVs adopt NACS, the infrastructure around NACS is expected to grow, making it easier for all EV owners to access fast and reliable charging.
Benefits of NACS
The adoption of NACS as the primary standard for EV charging offers several key benefits:
Faster Charging Times
The NACS connector is designed to handle higher power, enabling faster charging sessions. This is particularly beneficial for DC fast charging stations, where reducing charging times is crucial for enhancing convenience and reducing downtime for EV owners.
Compact and Ergonomic Design
The NACS connector is smaller and more user-friendly than other charging connectors, making it easier to handle, especially in public charging settings.
Widespread Adoption
With major automakers adopting NACS for their EVs, the infrastructure supporting the standard is rapidly growing, making it more accessible for EV owners across North America.
Compatibility with CCS
The NACS system is designed to be compatible with CCS through simple adapters, ensuring that both Tesla and non-Tesla vehicles can use the same charging stations.
Streamlined User Experience
The inclusion of advanced communication protocols, such as ISO 15118, helps ensure a smooth and efficient charging experience. This enables features like automated charging, fault detection, and better optimization for different charging scenarios.
Future-Proofing
As more automakers and EV manufacturers adopt NACS, it ensures that the standard will continue to evolve and support the growing needs of the electric vehicle market.
Conclusion
The North American Charging Standard (NACS) represents a significant step forward in the evolution of EV charging. With its compact design, high power delivery, and advanced communication capabilities, NACS is well-positioned to become the leading charging standard in North America. As major automakers and charging network operators embrace NACS, it is poised to play a key role in the global transition to electric vehicles, making charging faster, easier, and more accessible for all EV owners. Whether for home use or public fast-charging stations, NACS is setting the stage for a more seamless and efficient charging future.
