Toyota and Lexus electric vehicle (EV) owners in North America will soon have access to more than 12,000 Tesla Supercharger DC fast chargers, thanks to a new agreement between Toyota and Tesla. The announcement comes as part of Toyota’s push to expand its EV lineup and improve charging infrastructure for its customers.
Under the agreement, certain Toyota and Lexus EVs sold in the U.S. will be equipped with Tesla’s proprietary charging connector called the North American Charging Standard (NACS) starting in 2025. This move will allow Toyota and Lexus owners to charge their vehicles at Tesla Supercharger stations without the need for additional adapters or modifications. As for existing Toyota and Lexus EVs with a CCS connector, an adapter will be provided to give them access to Tesla’s chargers as well.
The introduction of Tesla’s Supercharger network will significantly expand the number of DC fast chargers available to Toyota and Lexus owners. Currently, Tesla’s Superchargers make up about 60% of all DC fast chargers in the U.S., according to the Department of Energy. By tapping into Tesla’s extensive charging infrastructure, Toyota aims to address one of the major concerns of EV owners – access to reliable and convenient charging options.
Toyota is not the only automaker to strike a deal with Tesla for charging access. BMW (including Mini and Rolls-Royce), Fisker, Ford, Honda (including Acura), Hyundai (including Genesis), Jaguar, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo have also partnered with Tesla to utilize its charging stations. Many of these companies have also committed to adopting the NACS connector for their EVs in North America. Stellantis and Volkswagen are considering following suit as well.
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This collaboration reflects Toyota’s changing stance on EVs. While the company has been known for its focus on hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell technology, it is now gearing up for a major shift towards electric mobility. Toyota has set an ambitious target of launching 30 EV models worldwide by 2030 and making Lexus an EV-exclusive brand in the U.S., Europe, and China by the same year. By 2035, Toyota aims to offer EVs globally. This commitment to EVs aligns with the industry-wide shift towards electrification and the growing recognition of the importance of reducing carbon emissions.
In addition to expanding its EV lineup, Toyota is also investing in solid-state battery technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the industry. Solid-state batteries promise significantly higher energy density, longer range, and faster charging times compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Toyota’s expertise in solid-state battery technology could give the company a competitive advantage in the EV market, offering consumers even greater convenience and peace of mind when it comes to charging their vehicles.
The partnership with Tesla allows Toyota and Lexus to leverage Tesla’s established charging infrastructure, providing their customers with a convenient and reliable charging experience. By tapping into Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network, Toyota and Lexus aim to address the range anxiety concerns that often deter potential EV buyers. With more fast-charging options available, EV owners will have greater freedom to travel longer distances without worrying about running out of power.
As the adoption of EVs continues to grow, the availability of charging infrastructure will play a crucial role in supporting the transition to electric mobility. Collaborations between automakers like Toyota and Tesla are essential for creating a cohesive and interconnected charging network that serves customers’ needs. By collaborating and standardizing charging connectors, automakers can help build a more sustainable and convenient charging infrastructure that encourages the wider adoption of EVs.
In conclusion, the agreement between Toyota and Tesla to provide access to Tesla’s Supercharger network and adopt the NACS connector represents a significant step towards improving charging infrastructure for Toyota and Lexus EV owners. This collaboration will expand the availability of fast chargers, addressing one of the key concerns of EV ownership. It also underlines Toyota’s commitment to electric mobility and positions the company as a major player in the evolving EV landscape. With Tesla’s charging infrastructure and Toyota’s focus on solid-state battery technology, the partnership holds great promise for the future of the electric vehicle industry.
