ChargePoint to support Tesla-compatible NCAS EV chargers.
Innovative solutions include a first public fast-charging alternative for Tesla drivers.
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Campbell, Calif – ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT), a leading provider of networked solutions for charging electric vehicles (EVs), is now rolling out NACS connector support for its AC and DC charging solutions, with much of the lineup to be delivered over the coming month. Cable conversion kits for existing DC fast chargers will be delivered to customers in November, offering Tesla drivers a public fast charging alternative for the first time.
“With more than 35 million historical ChargePoint sessions initiated by Tesla vehicles, we saw the need to offer native connector solutions for this large portion of the EV market,” said Pasquale Romano, CEO of ChargePoint. “Our support for both installed and new products opens up ChargePoint’s DC chargers to millions of drivers who have not yet had a fast charging alternative to the Tesla ecosystem, and makes their AC charging experience more convenient.”
ChargePoint’s lineup of NACS solutions bolsters the company’s commitment to delivering a seamless charging experience for drivers of all EV makes and models by being the first in the charging industry to ship a native DC connector that is compatible with Tesla vehicles. The lineup offers AC solutions as well, negating the need for a cumbersome adapter to charge. For those preparing to purchase a NACS-equipped vehicle, cables for ChargePoint’s popular Home Flex ship this month for installation in residential homes and garages.
With many car manufacturers recently adopting the NACS standard for upcoming models, ChargePoint now offers every necessary cable solution to charge an EV in North America and Europe.
North American Charging Standard NACS
Seven major global automakers – BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, Stellantis NV – will create a new charging network joint venture that will significantly expand access to high-powered charging in North America. The joint venture will include the development of a new, high-powered charging network with at least 30,000 chargers to make zero-emission driving even more attractive for millions of customers.
With the generational investments in public charging being implemented on the Federal and State level, the joint venture will leverage public and private funds to accelerate the installation of high-powered charging for customers. The new charging stations will be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker using Combined Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging Standard (NACS) and are expected to meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The joint venture is expected to be established this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Fisker also signed an agreement with Tesla to provide customers with access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Fisker will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS)on its first vehicles
in 2025.
The first stations are expected to open in the United States in the summer of 2024 and in Canada at a later stage. Each site will be equipped with multiple high-powered DC chargers, making long-distance journeys easier for customers. In line with the sustainability strategies of all seven automakers, the joint venture intends to power the charging network solely by renewable energy.
Initial plans call for the deployment of charging stations in metropolitan areas and along major highways, including connecting corridors and vacation routes, aiming to offer a charging station wherever people may choose to live, work and travel.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as of July 2023, there are 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers in the United States for use by 2.3 million electric vehicles, a ratio of 72 vehicles per charger. The NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) estimates that 182,000 DC fast chargers will be needed to support 30-42 million plug-in vehicles expected on the road by 2030.
ChargePoint Holdings, Inc.
The ChargePoint cloud subscription platform and software-defined charging hardware are designed to include options for every charging scenario, from home and multifamily to workplace, parking, hospitality, retail and transport fleets of all types. Today, one ChargePoint account provides access to hundreds-of-thousands of places to charge in North America and Europe.