The Electric Conspiracy: How Tesla’s Charging Standard Is About to Crush the Competition
It’s been nearly two years since Ford announced its historic deal with Tesla, giving its electric vehicle (EV) owners access to the Tesla Supercharger network. But what really happened behind the scenes? Was it just a strategic move to boost sales, or was it a bold attempt to corner the EV charging market?
Fast-forward to today, and every major automaker has jumped on the NACS (North American Charging Standard) bandwagon. But here’s the real kicker: most non-Tesla customers are still waiting for access to this coveted network. That is, until GM’s latest announcement, which may spark a new wave of optimism in the EV community.
In a shocking move, GM has finally given its EV owners access to Tesla’s Superchargers. The catch? They’ll need to purchase a GM-approved adapter for a whopping $225. But what about the rest of the automakers? Will they soon follow suit, or is this just a ploy to squeeze more cash from unsuspecting customers?
We’re tracking the brands with access to the Tesla Supercharging Network and will keep you updated on this list. But for now, it’s clear that the writing is on the wall: Tesla’s charging standard is about to become the de facto standard in North America.
The Fall of CCS: How the Combined Charging Standard is Going Extinct
In 2022, Tesla made a bold move by releasing its EV charging connector design, encouraging network operators and automakers to adopt its technology. And boy, did it work. Six months later, Ford made the first major announcement, committing to integrate its future EVs with NACS ports instead of CCS. The rest, as they say, is history.
Today, there are a staggering 36,499 NACS ports available in the US, compared to a paltry 16,925 CCS ports. And despite federal dollars earmarked for CCS charger construction, it’s clear that the tide has turned.
For EV owners stuck with a CCS port, their options are limited. Third-party adapters may be available, but Tesla’s strict guidelines prohibit their use. That means owners will have to wait for manufacturer-approved adapters, which may or may not be forthcoming.
The Tesla Supercharging Network: A Game-Changer or a Monopoly
Tesla’s Supercharger network is widely regarded as one of the most robust and user-friendly in the industry. But what does the future hold? With more and more automakers flocking to the NACS standard, it’s only a matter of time before the network becomes the default choice for EV owners.
But what about the rest of the industry? Are they being forced to surrender to Tesla’s dominance? Or is this a new era of cooperation and competition in the EV charging landscape?
One thing is certain: the battle for EV supremacy has just begun. And with Tesla’s charging standard at the forefront, only time will tell who will emerge victorious.
