In November last year, Tesla announced that it would give free access to its NACS charging port standard documentation, a standard that the company initially developed and employed. Almost every major automaker, with the exception of Stellantis and Volkswagen, pledged to adopt this standard by 2025. Finally, this week, Volkswagen announced adoption of this standard for its Volkswagen, Scout, Audi, and Porsche brands.
According to Electrek, the aforementioned brands will, from 2025, employ the NACS charging ports in North American sales, while offering adapters for earlier made cars. However, this action will not be taken in 2024 like many competitors, but in 2025. In addition, Electrify America, Volkswagen’s supported charging station network, will advocate for the NACS standard, although it was initially based on CCS.
Besides Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche, the Scout brand of electric SUVs will also support the NACS connectors, with North American market production commencing in 2026. As far as premium brands like Bugatti, Bentley, and Lamborghini are concerned, Volkswagen has not elaborated on their charging station compatibility plans.
The SAE Association has certified the NACS charging port standard this week, which could have significantly contributed to its adoption by Volkswagen. Stellantis is the only major automaker that has not yet announced support for NACS. Its models in North America are represented by Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, and Dodge. It is worth noting that Stellantis is part of a seven-automaker alliance that has developed a charging station network in North America supporting both CCS and NACS since July this year. Now, it remains to be seen when this auto manufacturer will announce the adoption of the NACS type charging ports for their electric vehicles.
