In a move that aligns it with other major automotive players like Ford, General Motors, and Nissan, Hyundai has decided to adopt Tesla Inc’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its EVs in North America.
This decision signals a strategic shift in the industry, as more automakers are opting for Tesla’s NACS, potentially making it the prevailing standard in the region, challenging the existing Combined Charging System (CCS). Hyundai’s plan is to equip its new EV models with NACS ports, starting in the fourth quarter of 2024 in the United States and the first half of 2025 in Canada. This move will give Hyundai EV owners with NACS ports access to the extensive network of over 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, vastly improving the charging infrastructure for their customers.
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Jose Munoz, Hyundai Motor’s President and Global Chief Operating Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Our collaboration with Tesla marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional EV experiences to our customers.” This partnership with Tesla underscores Hyundai’s dedication to enhancing the EV ownership experience for its customers and expanding its reach within the rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
In addition to future NACS-equipped Hyundai vehicles, the company has considered current owners of Hyundai EVs with the CCS system. These owners will gain access to the Tesla Supercharging Network, starting in the first quarter of 2025, thanks to an adapter provided by Hyundai. Furthermore, the company plans to make adapters available for NACS-equipped vehicles to be charged at CCS charging stations, promoting compatibility and convenience for its customers.
Tesla’s NACS has gained considerable popularity and prevalence, with the U.S. Department of Energy reporting that it accounts for around 60% of the fast chargers in the United States. This widespread adoption is making it a compelling choice for automakers looking to establish a consistent charging standard.
While the CCS system is backed by major players such as Volkswagen, it’s worth noting that even Volkswagen has held discussions with Tesla about potentially adopting the NACS. The electric vehicle market is evolving rapidly, and collaboration and standardization efforts like these are crucial for the industry’s growth and the convenience of EV owners.
Hyundai’s decision to partner with Tesla for EV charging aligns with its broader strategy in the United States. The company has previously announced plans to form a joint venture with Kia Corp, Stellantis, and BMW to develop an EV charging network in the United States, aimed at competing with Tesla and taking advantage of government subsidies under the Biden administration. This ambitious endeavor underscores Hyundai’s commitment to not only producing cutting-edge EVs but also providing robust charging infrastructure to support them.
