Honda and Acura have announced their intention to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors for their upcoming EV models. This decision comes as General Motors (GM), another major player in the automotive industry, also plans to incorporate the NACS port into its EVs, starting in 2025.
Honda and Acura’s forthcoming electric vehicles, namely the ZDX and Prologue crossovers, represent a collaborative effort with General Motors. These vehicles will be manufactured in GM factories and utilize GM’s cutting-edge Ultium battery-electric platform. As part of this partnership, GM has already committed to embracing Tesla’s charging system, setting the stage for Honda and Acura to follow suit.
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The timeline for the adoption of NACS by Honda and Acura is slated for 2025 or 2026, according to American Honda Motor Co. CEO Noriya Kaihara. This strategic move underscores the growing importance of standardized charging infrastructure for the widespread adoption of EVs, particularly in the United States. A robust charging infrastructure and reliable charger networks are critical elements for the success of electric vehicles in the American market.
In contrast to the United States, other regions, such as Europe, have well-established EV infrastructure networks. Jay Joseph, American Honda’s Vice President of Sustainability and Business Development, noted that in Europe, access to DC fast charging is akin to finding gasoline stations, making electric vehicle adoption more seamless. To encourage a similar level of confidence among U.S. consumers, Joseph emphasized the necessity of developing a comprehensive charging infrastructure.
Tesla’s Supercharger network has set a precedent in this regard, providing drivers with a recognizable and dependable charging solution. Joseph highlighted Tesla’s exceptional maintenance practices, including on-site monitoring and rapid issue resolution, as a key factor contributing to its success.
To address the challenges and gaps in the U.S. charging infrastructure, Honda is collaborating with six other global automakers in an ambitious joint venture. This venture aims to establish 30,000 high-speed chargers across the United States and Canada, with the first stations expected to be operational by the summer of 2024. These chargers will support both Combined Charging System and NACS compatible ports, ensuring their universal usability.
The joint venture believes that approximately 200,000 fast chargers will be required in the U.S. by 2030 to meet the growing demand from the expanding EV market. This projection aligns with a study conducted in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Energy Department’s Vehicle Technologies Office, and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. The study estimated that 182,000 fast-charging ports would be needed by 2030 to support 33 million EVs.
