Fisker, the electric vehicle (EV) brand, has announced its plans to integrate Tesla’s proprietary charging connector, known as NACS (North American Charging Standard), in its vehicles. This move is part of a growing trend among car companies to make use of Tesla’s charging network and infrastructure.
Starting in early 2025, Fisker customers in the U.S. and Canada will be able to use Tesla’s network of Supercharger DC fast-chargers. Initially, an adapter will be provided to enable Fisker owners to access the charging stations. However, Fisker plans to install the NACS connector in its vehicles as standard, replacing the current CCS1 (Combined Charging System) connector, later that year. An adapter will still be provided for vehicle owners to use CCS1 chargers if needed. This integration will make it seamless and convenient for Fisker owners to access Tesla’s charging network, which currently accounts for about 60% of fast-chargers in the U.S., according to the Department of Energy.
Fisker’s decision to adopt the NACS connector follows similar agreements made by other car manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo. These companies have all partnered with Tesla to use its charging infrastructure and have also announced plans to adopt the NACS connector for their EVs in North America. Hyundai, Stellantis, and Volkswagen have also expressed interest in following suit.
This move by Fisker comes in the wake of the company’s recent announcement of three additional vehicles to join its debut model, the 2023 Ocean compact crossover. The new vehicles include the Pear urban runabout, Alaska lifestyle pickup truck, and Ronin four-door convertible, which boasts an impressive 1,000 horsepower and 600 miles of range. Fisker’s expanding lineup of EVs further emphasizes the importance of access to a reliable and widespread charging network, making Tesla’s Supercharger DC fast-chargers an attractive option for the company.
In addition to integrating Tesla’s charging infrastructure, several major automakers, including BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, have also announced their plans to collaborate on building their own network of DC fast-chargers across North America. This joint effort aims to provide a comprehensive and convenient charging solution for EV owners and is set to begin with the opening of the first station in the U.S. in mid-2024. The collaboration demonstrates the commitment of these automakers to support the growth of the EV market and ensure that charging infrastructure keeps pace with the increasing number of electric vehicles on the roads.
Overall, the integration of Tesla’s NACS connector in Fisker vehicles and the adoption of Tesla’s charging network by other car manufacturers highlight the importance of collaboration and standardization in the EV industry. By leveraging existing infrastructure and collaborating on the development of new charging networks, automakers can provide a more convenient and seamless charging experience for EV owners, ultimately accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and driving the transition towards a more sustainable transportation system.