Starting soon, owners of electric vehicles (EVs) from Toyota and Lexus will be able to utilize over 12,000 Tesla Supercharger DC fast-charging stations spread throughout North America.
On a recent Thursday, Toyota formally disclosed that it has entered into a partnership with Tesla to integrate its electric vehicles with Tesla’s North American charging infrastructure. This collaboration will also involve the use of Tesla’s specialized charging connector, known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Lexus vehicles are also included in this agreement.
Beginning in 2025, specific Toyota and Lexus electric vehicles sold in the United States will come equipped with the NACS connector. Notably, among these will be a three-row electric SUV from Toyota, to be manufactured in Kentucky, which will also have a Lexus counterpart.
For existing Toyota and Lexus EV owners who have vehicles equipped with the CCS connector, an adapter will be provided to facilitate compatibility with Tesla’s charging network, commencing in 2025 as well.
The implementation of the Tesla Supercharger, now renamed as NACS, will substantially augment the quantity of DC fast chargers accessible to Toyota and Lexus electric vehicle owners. According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, Tesla’s Superchargers currently make up approximately 60% of all DC fast chargers in the United States. This initiative to open up its charging network to competitors began with an agreement Tesla brokered with the White House in February.
Several other automakers including BMW, Fisker, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo have already established agreements with Tesla to utilize its Supercharger stations. Many of these companies have also disclosed plans to incorporate the NACS connector into their North American vehicle line-up. Stellantis and Volkswagen have signaled a potential interest in doing the same.
Although Toyota has been relatively slow to fully embrace the electric vehicle market, it is now gearing up for an expansive entry into the sector. The company has previously pledged to introduce 30 new electric vehicles globally by the year 2030. Additionally, it aims to transform Lexus into a fully electric brand in the United States, Europe, and China by 2030, and in other global markets by 2035. Toyota is also considered to be at the forefront of solid-state battery technology, a development that is expected to substantially improve range and decrease charging times compared to existing battery technologies.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tesla NACS Connector
What is the NACS Connector?
The NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector is a proprietary charging connector developed by Tesla for its Supercharger network.
When will Toyota and Lexus incorporate the Tesla NACS Connector?
Starting in 2025, certain Toyota and Lexus electric vehicles sold in the United States will feature a built-in NACS connector.
Will existing Toyota and Lexus electric vehicles be compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network?
Yes, existing Toyota and Lexus electric vehicles equipped with a CCS connector will be given an adapter starting in 2025 to enable access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
What percentage of the DC fast-charging market in the U.S. does Tesla currently occupy?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Tesla’s Superchargers make up approximately 60% of all DC fast chargers in the United States.
Which other automakers have agreements to use Tesla’s Supercharger network?
Other automakers including BMW, Fisker, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo have entered into agreements to use Tesla’s Supercharger stations. Stellantis and Volkswagen have also indicated interest.
What is Toyota’s broader strategy for electric vehicles?
Toyota has pledged to introduce 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2030. It also aims to make Lexus a fully electric brand by 2030 in the United States, Europe, and China, and in other markets by 2035.
Is Toyota investing in any new battery technology?
Yes, Toyota is considered to be leading in the field of solid-state battery technology, which promises to deliver significantly more range and faster charging times compared to existing battery technologies.
More about Tesla NACS Connector
- Tesla’s Supercharger Network
- Toyota’s Future Electric Vehicle Plans
- U.S. Department of Energy Fast Charging Data
- Tesla and White House Charging Infrastructure Deal
- Solid-State Battery Technology
- Lexus Future Electric Ambitions
- Standardization of EV Charging Connectors
- Automakers Partnering with Tesla for Charging
8 comments
finally, some standardization in the charging infrastructure. Its a nightmare to keep track of all the different connectors.
That 2035 deadline for Lexus going fully electric feels kinda far away, no? Why so slow?
Wow, didn’t see that comin. Toyota and Tesla, together at last. This is gonna be a game changer folks.
its about time Toyota jumped on the EV train. they’ve been lagging behind for way too long.
Tesla owning 60% of the fast charging market? Thats a monopoly if I’ve ever seen one.
I own a Lexus and was actually considering switchin to Tesla just for the Superchargers. No need now, I guess.
Didn’t think Tesla would open its network to competitors like this. What’s the catch?
Solid-state batteries and now this? Toyota is gearing up for something big. Keep an eye out.