Tesla Charging Technology on Track to Become the Standard in North America – A Sign of Things to Come for the UK
The electric-vehicle charging landscape in North America is undergoing a significant transformation as Tesla’s charging technology gains traction. This surge in popularity positions Tesla’s charging system to become the standard across America, aligning with the company’s vision of expanding access to its once-exclusive chargers.
Embracing Tesla’s Charging Design:
Notable automakers such as Volvo and Ford have recently partnered with Tesla, embracing its charging technology. This partnership represents a shift away from previous attempts to establish the Combined Charging System (CCS) as the dominant standard in the United States.
SAE International’s Initiative:
SAE International, a respected standards organisation, has set forth an ambitious initiative to establish an industry-standard configuration for Tesla’s charging connector within a span of six months or less. Ongoing discussions involving Tesla, Ford, other car manufacturers, and the government aim to streamline and standardise the charging infrastructure.
Collaborative Approach:
Unlike the past, where a single company dictated the charging standard, the process of developing this unified plug standard is now a collaborative endeavour. Multiple companies are working in tandem to create a standardised plug that meets the needs of all stakeholders. While Tesla refers to its technology as the “North American Charging Standard (NACS),” it still awaits approval from SAE International for wider adoption, but once this is achieved, a rollout to the Uk is probably inevitable.
Expansion of Charging Network:
In a bid to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, the United States is targeting the installation of a vast network comprising 1.2 million public electric-vehicle chargers by 2030. This network will include 1 million Level 2 chargers, providing greater accessibility and convenience for EV owners. Similarly, the UK is likely to follow suit, reinforcing the global push toward electric mobility.
Investment Requirements:
The establishment of an extensive public charging network in the UK necessitates a substantial investment of an estimated £33 billion to £55 billion in cumulative public and private capital. These figures, projected by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the United States, underscore the significant financial commitment required to support the transition to electric vehicles.
Federal Subsidies and State Mandates:
To incentivize the expansion of electric-vehicle charging infrastructure, the White House has announced that charging stations equipped with Tesla-standard plugs will be eligible for federal subsidies. However, to ensure compatibility and inclusivity, these stations will also need to include the CCS connection. States such as Texas and Washington have already expressed their intent to mandate the use of both NACS and CCS connectors as part of their federal programs.
Tesla’s electric-vehicle charging technology is rapidly gaining acceptance and support from major automakers, marking a turning point in the evolution of the charging ecosystem. SAE International’s initiative seeks to establish Tesla’s charging connector as the industry standard, streamlining the charging experience for electric-vehicle owners. This unified plug standard is expected to bolster the expansion of the electric-vehicle charging network in the United States, requiring significant investment. The Biden administration’s goal of deploying public chargers and offering federal subsidies for Tesla-standard plugs further underscores the region’s steady shift toward embracing electric mobility.