Stellantis Joins the EV Charging Revolution: Embracing Tesla’s Standard
In a major move towards standardization in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry, Stellantis, the global conglomerate of American and European automotive brands, has announced its adoption of the North American Charging System (NACS), also known as the Tesla plug. This decision makes Stellantis the latest automaker to embrace this charging standard, joining other major players in the market. The transition will begin with new electric vehicle models set to hit the market in 2025.
Formerly known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Stellantis encompasses a wide range of iconic automotive brands, including Chrysler, Dodge SRT, Jeep, Ram Trucks, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Maserati. The company’s adoption of the NACS comes as part of its participation in a joint venture with six other automakers to build a massive EV charging network. This network is expected to feature 30,000 charge points by 2030, all of which will support the NACS plug.
While Stellantis has not yet confirmed which specific EV models from its various brands will be among the first to make the switch to NACS, it has announced plans to provide adapters for owners of Stellantis EVs equipped with the current Combined Charging Standard (CCS) ports. This move ensures that current EV owners will be able to easily charge their vehicles at NACS-equipped stations during the transition period.
Starting in 2025, Stellantis will begin manufacturing select 2026 model year vehicles with native NACS support and hardware. These new models will be designed specifically to work seamlessly with the NACS charging infrastructure. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates Stellantis’ commitment to providing its customers with convenient and efficient charging solutions.
The adoption of the NACS by Stellantis marks a significant milestone in the EV charging industry. With every major automaker in North America now on board with this standard, the future of the CCS, which was already uncertain, appears to be in jeopardy. However, this does not mean that current owners of CCS-equipped EVs should panic or rush to trade in their vehicles. The transition to NACS is not expected to begin in earnest until 2026, and it may take several years to complete.
In the meantime, drivers can take advantage of the interoperability between the two standards. The large number of CCS-equipped EV charging networks expanding this year will still be available for use. Additionally, relatively inexpensive adapters that allow for charging between NACS and CCS will ensure that drivers can stay charged and on the road for years to come.
Stellantis’ decision to join the NACS revolution is a clear indication that the industry is moving towards a unified charging standard. This move will undoubtedly simplify the charging experience for EV owners and contribute to the continued growth of the electric vehicle market. With more automakers embracing the NACS, consumers can look forward to a future where charging their EVs is seamless, convenient, and accessible across different brands and models.