General Motors announced this week it plans to integrate the North American Charging Standard connector, designed by Tesla, into its new electric vehicles starting in 2025, eliminating the need to use an adaptor to recharge at Tesla Superchargers. Charger maker EVgo also plans to use the new standard.
GM said its new collaboration with Tesla will give GM EV drivers improved access to Tesla’s growing network of Superchargers. About 12,000 Tesla Superchargers are installed today in North America.
The North American Charging Standard charging connector is twice as powerful as Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, Tesla said. It provides AC charging and up to 1 megawatt of DC charging in one package, according to a Nov. 11, 2022 Tesla blogpost.
“In pursuit of our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, today we are opening our EV connector design to the world. We invite charging network operators and vehicle manufacturers to put the Tesla charging connector and charge port, now called the North American Charging Standard, on their equipment and vehicles,” Tesla said in November.
With the switch, GM also plans to integrate Tesla charger network location data into its vehicle and mobile apps so EV drivers can quickly locate the nearest charging station. In 2024, GM EV drivers will be able to use Superchargers with an adapter, and in 2025, the adaptor won’t be needed.
General Motors said it remains committed to its collaboration with EVgo and Pilot Co., which is expected to add more than 5,000 DC fast chargers to North America.
EVgo CEO Cathy Zoi said EVgo plans to install connectors using the North American Charging Standard for its fast-charging network. “We believe these developments will help to accelerate EV adoption rate and sales, which in turn will spur throughput growth on EVgo’s network,” Zoi said in an announcement Monday, following the news about GM.
Jonathan Levy, chief commercial officer at EVgo, provided CSP Daily News with more information.
CSP: What is the status of EVgo’s collaborations with GM?
EVgo: EVgo and GM’s shared commitment to deploying fast charging infrastructure remain unchanged, both in terms of the 3,250 fast charging stalls GM is helping support on EVgo’s network and our collaboration with GM to deploy 2,000 charging stalls at Pilot and Flying J locations across the country through EVgo eXtend.
EVgo and GM both recognize that access to more fast charging is necessary for ubiquitous EV adoption no matter which connector any particular EV model uses.
CSP: How different is the EVgo’s charging equipment from Tesla’s?
EVgo: EVgo has been deploying public charging stations since 2010 – and its owned and operated network spans 30 states and 60 metropolitan areas, featuring both Level 2 and DC fast chargers and offering charging speeds up to 350 kW.
EVgo works with a number of different manufacturers to supply fast chargers that meet our safety, reliability and total cost of ownership expectations. Every piece of equipment we deploy is first tested in the EVgo Innovation Lab, and we also make the Lab available for automakers to help improve vehicle to charger interoperability.
Since its inception, EVgo has remained committed to delivering convenient charging experience for all EV drivers, no matter which vehicle model they drive. As a result, EVgo’s public charging offerings have evolved to support the various charging connectors on the market today—including CHAdeMO, CCS, and Tesla—through both integrated connectors and Tesla drivers bringing their own combined charging system (CCS) adapters.
EVgo also collaborates with automakers directly to test their vehicles’ interoperability capabilities with various hardware and software solutions. Through this approach, EVgo is able to ensure network compatibility with the newest EV models from various automakers and deliver enhanced charging experiences for all.
CSP: If a consumer purchases a Tesla, can it be charged using EVgo’s equipment?
EVgo: Today, there are approximately 600 EVgo stations with integrated Tesla connectors, though those are limited to 50kW. Tesla drivers using a Tesla CCS Combo 1 Adapter can charge at EVgo’s high power fast chargers for an even quicker charge, and Tesla drivers are even eligible to enroll in Autocharge+, which allows EV drivers to initiate a charging session at EVgo locations by simply plugging in (after successfully completing enrollment in Autocharge+), eliminating the need to open an app or swipe a credit or RFID card to charge.
EVgo also recently announced plans to add additional NACS connectors to its network in future deployments and some existing charging locations to better support these drivers.
CSP: For fuel stations considering installing EV charging ports, what are the most important factors to consider as they choose a charging stall?
EVgo: It is fantastic to see that traditional fueling retailers recognize that EVs are the future and the future is now. EVgo has a long history of working with partners ranging from grocery stores to gas stations, and in all of those cases, expertise matters. EV charging isn’t rocket science, but it isn’t easy either. Testing and validating the hardware and software is crucial, as is being able to leverage the expertise of a network that knows what it takes to keep charging stations running 24/7.
Additionally, fuel stations should seek out a charging partner that can go beyond charging resources to help drive greater traffic into their business. For example, eight out of every 10 EV drivers shop or eat while they charge. With EVgo Advantage, companies can deliver on-the-spot promotions and coupons to EV drivers while they charge, helping to convert charging sessions into shopping trips.
CSP: How many c-store chains does EVgo currently work with?
EVgo: EVgo has previously announced partnerships with a variety of traditional fueling retailers and convenience stores including Sheetz, Wawa, Pilot Flying J, Chevron, Cumberland Farms, and more.