Honda has announced plans to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector for its future electric vehicles (EVs) in North America. This decision comes after American Honda Motor Co. President and CEO Noriya Kaihara confirmed in August that both Honda and Acura, its luxury vehicle division, would be adopting the NACS connector.
According to Honda, the NACS connector will first be used on an EV that is set to be introduced in 2025. After that, all future Honda EVs will feature this connector. However, Acura has not disclosed when it plans to incorporate the NACS connector into its EVs.
While Honda EVs launched before 2025, such as the upcoming Prologue developed in collaboration with General Motors, will continue to use the current Combined Charging System (CCS1) connector found in most non-Tesla EVs, an adapter will be provided to enable these vehicles to utilize Tesla chargers.
The decision to add the NACS connector will not only enable Honda EV owners to seamlessly access Tesla’s extensive charging network but will also significantly increase the number of DC fast-chargers available to them. As per the Department of Energy, Tesla’s DC fast-chargers currently make up around 60% of fast-chargers in the U.S. Additionally, Tesla has made a deal with the White House to open up its charging infrastructure to rival brands.
Many other automakers have also made agreements with Tesla to use its chargers and have announced plans to adopt the NACS connector. This includes Fisker, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo. Hyundai, Stellantis, and Volkswagen are considering following suit.
In July, Honda and Acura, along with GM, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, and Stellantis, announced their collaborative plans to establish a network of DC fast-chargers across North America. The first charging station is expected to open in the U.S. in mid-2024. Mercedes is also working on its own branded charging stations, with the first locations set to open this fall.
While Honda is partnering with GM for the Prologue EV, the automaker has confirmed that it will develop its own EV platform, starting with a mid- to large-size model that will debut in the U.S. in 2025. Honda and Acura are committed to launching at least 30 EV models globally by 2030, which includes the possibility of a new NSX supercar.
By adopting Tesla’s NACS connector, Honda aims to offer its EV customers greater convenience and access to a larger charging network. This decision aligns with the industry’s movement towards standardization and cooperation in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With more and more automakers embracing the NACS connector, it is expected to become a widely accepted charging standard, promoting interoperability and simplifying the charging experience for EV owners.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, the expansion of charging infrastructure is critical to support the widespread adoption of EVs. Collaborative efforts among automakers, along with agreements to share charging networks, will facilitate faster and more convenient charging options for EV owners, ultimately driving the transition to a more sustainable transportation future.
In conclusion, Honda’s decision to adopt Tesla’s NACS connector for its future EVs highlights the industry’s movement towards standardization and collaboration in charging infrastructure. By incorporating the NACS connector, Honda aims to provide its EV customers with seamless access to Tesla’s charging network and a greater number of fast-charging options. This move is part of Honda and Acura’s commitment to launching numerous EV models by 2030 and signifies a larger trend among automakers to work together in expanding charging infrastructure. As more companies embrace the NACS connector, it will become a widely accepted charging standard, simplifying the charging experience for EV owners and accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.
