Honda has made an important announcement regarding its future electric vehicle (EV) models in North America. The automaker revealed that it will be adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its upcoming EVs sold on the continent. This means that Honda models launching in 2025 and beyond will utilize the NACS instead of the Combined Charging System (CCS) that it currently employs.
In order to facilitate the transition, Honda is also developing an adaptor that will enable pre-2025 Honda vehicles to utilize the Tesla charging system. This move by Honda demonstrates the company’s commitment to establishing NACS as the standard in North America. Interestingly, Tesla had opened up its proprietary charging system to its rivals less than a year ago, allowing other automakers to adopt the NACS.
Addressing this development, Honda in America stated on its official X (formerly Twitter) page, “We’re excited to announce that Honda will expand fast-charging access for Honda & Acura #EV customers by adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS).” The company also mentioned its plan to launch a brand-new EV model in North America in 2025, equipped with the NACS port. Going forward, all Honda EVs will use Tesla’s charging standard.
Moreover, Honda has joined forces with renowned automakers such as BMW, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, and Stellantis to establish a new EV charging network across North America. This recently formed consortium aims to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and make zero-emission driving more appealing. While Honda’s press release stated that the adoption of NACS is an addition to these plans, it remains unclear whether and how this announcement might impact the coalition’s strategy. We await further clarification from Honda on this matter.
Honda is not the only automaker embracing the NACS in North America. Ford, GM, Mercedes, Polestar, and Volvo have also announced their adoption of Tesla’s charging standard. Furthermore, the state of Texas revealed earlier this year that state-funded EV charging stations would need to incorporate the NACS. This widespread acceptance of the NACS reflects its growing recognition as the preferred charging standard in the region.
In conclusion, Honda’s decision to switch to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard for its future EV models sold in North America is a significant move. It solidifies NACS as the industry standard and further contributes to the transition towards electric vehicles. With other major automakers also adopting the NACS and the creation of a new charging network, the infrastructure needed to support widespread EV adoption continues to improve. As the automotive industry embraces cleaner and more sustainable mobility, initiatives like these are crucial for driving the transition forward.