The shift towards Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) is accelerating, with major automakers such as Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz opting to integrate Tesla’s charging plug in their electric vehicles (EVs). This marks a decisive move away from the Combined Charging System (CCS), which has faced criticism for poor infrastructure and frequent reliability issues. The migration to Tesla’s system is drawing parallels to the VHS versus Betamax wars—only this time, the stakes are much higher for both the automotive industry and the environment.
The NACS Migration
Tesla’s Supercharger network, long praised for its reliability, is opening up to non-Tesla vehicles, with roughly 20,000 of Tesla’s 30,000 Superchargers in North America now accessible to brands such as Rivian, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and others. This expansion brings much-needed consistency to the EV charging experience, which has often been plagued by failed connections and limited availability at CCS stations.
However, this transition is not without its bumps. Connecting non-Tesla vehicles to Superchargers requires compatible vehicle hardware and software, and, often, an NACS adapter. While Tesla is ramping up production of these adapters—manufacturing around 8,000 per week from a facility in Buffalo—shortages and delays have been common. Several automakers, including Kia and BMW, have delayed their NACS rollout until later in 2025 due to technical hurdles and supply chain issues.
Adapter Challenges
Using an adapter is the current workaround for many EV owners, but it comes with complications. Ford, for example, distributed free adapters to its owners but soon advised customers to stop using them due to concerns they might cause slower charging or damage the vehicle’s port. General Motors has responded with a $225 adapter, a hefty price tag that owners may find worth it to access Tesla’s vast and reliable network.
For drivers of non-Tesla vehicles, the “Magic Dock” stations—which can accommodate CCS connectors—are a rare option. Currently, there are only around 100 of these stations, mostly concentrated in the northeastern U.S. and Canada. The availability of these stations is expected to grow, but until then, NACS adapters are in high demand.
New Models with NACS Ports
In 2025, non-Tesla EVs will start arriving at dealerships with native NACS ports. Hyundai and Kia are leading the way, with models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Genesis Electrified GV70 now coming factory-equipped with NACS plugs. Hyundai is even offering complimentary adapters to existing Ioniq 5 owners who purchased or leased their vehicles before January 31, 2025.
This shift to NACS is welcomed by many automakers who are frustrated with the inconsistent performance of the CCS infrastructure. Charging issues often reflect poorly on both car manufacturers and the charging providers, making smooth, universal access to reliable stations crucial for broader EV adoption.
Charging Speed and Compatibility Issues
One challenge with the NACS transition is compatibility with fast-charging capabilities. For instance, while Hyundai’s 2025 Ioniq 5 boasts a high-speed 257-kW charging capacity, Tesla’s V3 Superchargers are optimized for vehicles with a 400-volt architecture, which limits the charging speed for 800-volt models like the Ioniq 5. Currently, the Hyundai can charge at a maximum of 135 kW on Tesla’s network, slower than the 20-minute charge times available on other CCS chargers. However, when Tesla releases its V4 Superchargers, charging speeds are expected to improve.
Future of CCS and Other Networks
As Tesla’s NACS network continues to expand, public CCS providers like ChargePoint and Electrify America must scramble to add NACS outlets to their stations or retrofit existing machines. This effort comes as CCS is being viewed as an increasingly obsolete technology, especially given Tesla’s dominance and the ease of use associated with the NACS plug.
Tesla’s success is not just due to the size of its network, but also the simplicity and reliability of its plug and cord design. The NACS plug is lighter, more compact, and features fewer pins than the CCS design, making it easier for users to handle, particularly those with physical limitations. As more automakers switch to NACS, it’s likely that charging times and connection success rates will improve across the board.
A Competitive Future for Charging Networks
The migration towards NACS doesn’t necessarily mean the end for CCS. In fact, some automakers are offering both NACS and CCS ports on their vehicles to ensure maximum flexibility across all charging networks. For example, Mercedes-Benz’s 2026 CLA-Class sedan will offer both a NACS and a CCS port, with the NACS reserved for fast DC charging. This approach helps mitigate the current lack of universal charging standards, but drivers may need to carry multiple adapters to access all charging options.
As more stations adapt to these changes, the EV landscape will become increasingly connected. Despite the initial challenges, the industry appears to be consolidating around NACS as the new standard, paving the way for faster, more reliable charging in the years to come.
Related Topics:
