BMW has reached an agreement with Tesla to gain access to its network of charging stations in North America and adopt Tesla’s proprietary charging connector, known as NACS (North American Charging Standard). This agreement also extends to BMW’s Mini and Rolls-Royce brands.
Starting in early 2025, owners of EVs from BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce will be able to use designated Tesla chargers. Initially, an adaptor will be required, but BMW plans to adopt Tesla’s NACS connector by 2025 for EVs delivered in the U.S. and Canada.
To enhance the user experience, BMW is currently developing a feature that will allow owners of BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce EVs to locate and access available Tesla chargers through their vehicle’s display and make payments using the respective brand’s app.
This partnership will significantly increase the number of DC fast chargers available to BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce EV owners. Tesla’s DC fast chargers currently amount to approximately 12,000 in North America, representing about 60% of DC fast chargers in the U.S., according to the Department of Energy. Tesla’s decision to open its charging stations to rival brands came after a deal made with the White House in February.
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Several other automakers, including Fisker, Ford, Honda (and Acura), Hyundai (and Genesis), Jaguar, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo, have also made agreements with Tesla to use its charging stations. Furthermore, many of these companies have announced their plans to adopt the NACS connector for their vehicles in North America. Stellantis and Volkswagen have expressed interest in following suit.
In addition to partnering with Tesla, BMW has also joined forces with six other automakers to develop a separate network of charging stations across North America. This network aims to have at least 30,000 chargers and will support both CCS and NACS connectors. The first of these charging stations is scheduled to open in the U.S. in mid-2024.
Overall, these agreements and developments highlight the increasing collaboration between automakers as they aim to provide convenient and accessible charging infrastructure to support the growth of electric vehicles. By leveraging Tesla’s existing charging network and adopting the NACS connector, BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce owners will have greater flexibility and ease when it comes to charging their EVs. Additionally, BMW’s involvement in creating a separate charging network further demonstrates the automaker’s commitment to expanding charging infrastructure and supporting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
