The renowned automotive brands Honda and its luxury division Acura have officially declared their intention to integrate Tesla’s exclusive charging connector, the North American Charging Standard (NACS), into their upcoming electric vehicles to be sold in the United States.
This substantial development was disclosed by the President and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Noriya Kaihara, in a recent interview with Autoblog.
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The CEO emphasized the significance of this move, stating, “It is quite important—we also have to push NACS, as well.”
While the detailed outline of Honda and Acura’s adoption of the NACS connector was not specifically provided, it’s worth noting that neither of the brands seems to have a decisive say in the matter at the moment.
Both the Honda Prologue and the Acura ZDX electric crossovers, which are planned to be released for the 2024 model year, will be constructed on General Motors’ Ultium EV platform, utilizing its battery technology. GM will manufacture both models.
2024 Honda Prologue
In June, GM announced that starting in 2025, its electric vehicles will feature the NACS connector. This decision is likely to extend to Honda and Acura EVs produced by GM. Autoblog has predicted that the ZDX will be equipped with the NACS connector by either 2025 or 2026. Subsequently, an adapter will become necessary for those wishing to employ the current CCS1 (Combined Charging System) connector, which is a standard for most non-Tesla EVs at present.
By adopting the NACS connector, Honda and Acura EV owners will gain effortless and streamlined access to Tesla’s extensive charging network. This will also notably augment the quantity of DC fast-chargers available to them. Approximately 60% of the fast-chargers in the U.S. are Tesla’s DC fast-chargers, as stated by the Department of Energy. Tesla is presently expanding access to these chargers to competing brands, following an agreement between Tesla and the White House earlier in the year.
Other major automakers like Fisker, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo have also negotiated agreements with Tesla for charger usage and announced their plans to embrace the NACS connector within the U.S. market. Additionally, Hyundai, Stellantis, and Volkswagen have signaled that they may follow suit.
In a collaborative effort, Honda, Acura, GM, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis revealed their plans in July to form a partnership to establish a network of DC fast-chargers throughout North America, with the first station expected to open in the U.S. by mid-2024.
Finally, Honda and Acura have future aspirations to launch their own unique EV platforms, potentially even for an upcoming NSX supercar. However, it remains uncertain if the vehicles built on these platforms will be equipped with the NACS connector as a standard feature in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NACS connector
What is the NACS connector that Honda and Acura are planning to adopt?
The NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector is a proprietary charging connector developed by Tesla. Honda and Acura are planning to implement this connector for their future electric vehicles in the U.S., making it possible to access Tesla’s extensive charging network.
Which other automotive brands have made deals with Tesla to use its chargers?
Fisker, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo have also made agreements with Tesla to utilize its chargers. Hyundai, Stellantis, and Volkswagen have indicated a possible interest in following suit.
When will Honda and Acura’s electric vehicles with the NACS connector be available?
The Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX electric crossovers, equipped with the NACS connector, are planned for the 2024 model year. The ZDX may feature the NACS connector by 2025 or 2026.
Are Honda and Acura working on their own charging network?
Yes, Honda and Acura, along with GM, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, announced plans in July to partner on their own network of DC fast-chargers across North America, with the first station expected to open in the U.S. in mid-2024.
Will Honda and Acura’s future EV platforms also feature the NACS connector?
It is not clear whether vehicles based on Honda and Acura’s potential future EV platforms will come standard with the NACS connector in the U.S. The decision may depend on various factors that have not been disclosed.
More about NACS connector
- Honda Global
- Acura Official Site
- Tesla Charging Network
- Department of Energy – Electric Charging
- Autoblog Interview with Noriya Kaihara (Note: Link to the specific interview may be required)
- General Motors Ultium Platform
6 comments
an NSX supercar with NACS connector? count me in! But really, this collaboration will really shape the future of electric vehicles.
Wow, this is huge for Honda and Acura. Can’t wait to see how it’ll change the EV market. Tesla’s chargers are everywhere.
so whats the big deal about NACS? I mean, why can’t they just create their own standard and grow it?
Didn’t know about the plans for a new network by Honda, Acura, GM and others, thats a big step towards improving EV infrastructure.
I’m still worried bout the compatibility issues with other chargers, adapters and all those things sounds like a hassle.
Tesla opening up their charging network is a game changer. More brands should get on board, it’s good for the consumers.