In 2024, the North American Charging Standard (NACS) is at the forefront of the EV revolution in the United States. To help you understand the new technology, this blog will outline everything you need to know about NACS and its potential impacts on current and future EV drivers.
What is a NACS connector?
NACS is an EV charging port and plug system used to deliver alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) to electric vehicle batteries.
Based on proprietary technology from Tesla, the NACS connector was made available to other equipment manufacturers in late 2022. Now in 2024, nearly every EV company in the U.S. market plans to adopt NACS by 2025, including Ford, GM, Rivian, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche. Recent industry efforts to standardize the technology have been applauded by the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.
To give current and future drivers the best possible EV ownership experience, new NACS-enabled Enphase IQ EV Chargers include several smart features for safe, reliable, and optimized EV charging:
- Compatibility with Tesla and all NACS-enabled EVs
- Tesla charge port opens by clicking the button on the connector handle when it is close to the port
- Solar charging seamlessly enabled through integration with an Enphase Energy System
- Enphase App control for easy, customizable charging schedule set-up and implementation
- Multiple models to match your vehicle's optimal charging speeds, with hardwired and plug-in options available
- Real-time, in-app notifications and usage insights to optimize future charging decisions
Overview of charging connector types
To understand NACS connectors within the context of other electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), let’s look at a few of the most popular EV charging technologies in use today.
| Tesla connector | Before opening the NACS to other automakers, Telsa’s system for AC and DC charging was informally known as the Tesla connector or Tesla plug. |
| J1772 connector | While NACS was exclusive to Tesla, most other EV brands in the United States used J1772 connectors (or J Plugs) for home and destination AC charging. |
| CHAdeMO Connector | Popularized by Japanese EV brands like Nissan, the CHAdeMO connector is a DC charging system separate from Tesla and J1772 that has largely been phased out in the United States. |
| CCS Connector | Prior to NACS standardization, most non-Tesla EVs were compatible with the CCS (Combined Charging System) for AC and DC charging. The CCS combines a J1772 connector with additional pins for DC fast charging. |
Pros and cons of NACS charging for EV drivers
NACS standardization presents North American EV drivers with several benefits and a few potential challenges.
Pros:
- Universal charging at home, work, and elsewhere: The NACS solution gives EV drivers in the U.S. an easy, universal solution to charge vehicles at home and on the go using the same equipment.
- Access to existing NACS charging stations: Already equipped with NACS chargers, Tesla Superchargers make up the most prominent and reliable public DC fast charging network in the United States by a large margin. Beginning in 2024, Tesla will systematically open all its public chargers to every EV brand.
- Compact handle for easier mobility: Smaller, lighter, and installed with a more flexible cable, NACS connectors have a distinct physical advantage over CCS, including greater accessibility to drivers with mobility or hand strength issues.
Cons:
- Potential challenges at NACS charging stations: Drivers with non-Tesla EVs may encounter difficulties with chargers designed specifically for Tesla vehicles. For instance, a short NACS charging cable may not physically reach an EV port located somewhere other than the taillight assembly on the “correct” side. There have been reports of some larger vehicles not fitting in the parking spaces at Superchargers without taking up multiple spots.
- Supply chain hurdles: As the U.S. auto industry rapidly adjusts to the new standard, pivoting to NACS technology may necessitate design and supply chain adjustments for many companies at once, which could lead to potential delays or increased costs for buyers in the high-demand EV market.
Looking ahead
As NACS becomes the standard EVSE technology in the United States, here is how it may affect current and future EV drivers.
Potential impact on current EV owners
If you drive an EV, the impact of NACS standardization will be slightly different for Tesla and non-Tesla owners.
| Tesla owners | No matter how you currently charge your Tesla, NACS standardization opens the doors to more EVSE options than ever before. For instance, NACS-enabled Enphase IQ EV Chargers can be integrated directly into your Enphase Energy System to charge your Tesla using solar energy. This will help reduce energy costs and help increase savings. |
| Other EV drivers | If you drive a non-Tesla vehicle, you can continue to use your existing charging systems. Then, when purchasing new equipment or using public-facing NACS-enabled charging stations, an adapter will enable EV battery charging for J1772-equipped vehicles. |
Potential impact on future EV owners
Integrating a new IQ EV Charger with a NACS connector into an Enphase Energy System unlocks the power of sustainable charging by directing excess solar into your EV battery. If you’re planning to buy a Tesla or any other brand of electric vehicle, Enphase IQ EV Chargers can help you save money for every charge.
NACS-ready vehicles can provide a smooth transition into EV ownership in the United States, including access to safe, reliable, and smart charging with Enphase next-generation EVSE.
If you have any questions about how NACS will impact your EV travel, contact us today to discuss your EV charging equipment or find the perfect EV charger for you.
