Honda has recently disclosed its intentions to incorporate Tesla’s exclusive charging connector, known as NACS (North American Charging Standard), into their upcoming electric vehicles (EVs) destined for the North American market.
This strategic decision comes after American Honda Motor Co. President and CEO Noriya Kaihara announced in August that both Honda and Acura would adopt the NACS connector. Now, Honda has confirmed that this transition will commence in 2025.
Initially, the NACS connector will be integrated into a Honda EV scheduled for launch in 2025, with plans to extend its utilization across all subsequent Honda EV models. Acura, on the other hand, has not yet revealed its timeline for implementing this connector.
It is worth noting that Honda’s EVs introduced before 2025, including the forthcoming Prologue developed in collaboration with General Motors, will continue to utilize the prevailing CCS1 (Combined Charging System) connector, common among non-Tesla EVs. To ensure compatibility, an adapter will be supplied for these vehicles, enabling them to utilize Tesla chargers seamlessly.
This adoption of the NACS connector not only streamlines access to Tesla’s extensive charging network for Honda EV owners but also substantially increases the availability of DC fast-charging options. Currently, Tesla’s DC fast-chargers constitute approximately 60% of such facilities in the United States, as reported by the Department of Energy. Furthermore, they have initiated cooperation with rival automotive brands as part of an agreement between Tesla and the White House earlier this year.
Several prominent automakers, including Fisker, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo, have also entered agreements with Tesla to access its chargers, with many of them expressing intentions to adopt the NACS connector for their U.S.-bound vehicles. Hyundai, Stellantis, and Volkswagen have hinted at similar considerations.
In a collaborative effort, Honda and Acura, alongside GM, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, and Stellantis, announced plans in July to establish their network of DC fast-chargers throughout North America, with the first station anticipated to open in the United States in mid-2024. Additionally, Mercedes is actively developing its network of Mercedes-branded charging stations, with the first facilities set to debut this autumn.
While Honda partnered with GM for the Prologue project, they disclosed in April their intention to transition to their proprietary EV platform, beginning with the introduction of a mid- to large-sized model in the U.S. in 2025. Collectively, Honda and Acura remain committed to launching no less than 30 EVs worldwide by 2030, with the possibility of a new NSX supercar in the pipeline.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about EV Charging Integration
What is the NACS connector, and why is Honda adopting it?
The NACS connector stands for the North American Charging Standard and is Tesla’s proprietary charging connector. Honda is adopting it to enhance the compatibility of their electric vehicles (EVs) with Tesla’s charging infrastructure, making it easier for Honda EV owners to access Tesla’s extensive charging network.
When will Honda start incorporating the NACS connector into their EVs?
Honda plans to start adding the NACS connector to their EVs in 2025. Initially, it will be used in a Honda EV set for release in that year and subsequently in all future Honda EV models.
What about Acura? Will they also adopt the NACS connector?
While Honda has confirmed its plans to adopt the NACS connector, Acura has not yet specified when they intend to introduce it in their vehicles.
What will happen to Honda’s EVs launched before 2025?
Honda’s EVs launched before 2025, such as the upcoming Prologue developed in collaboration with General Motors, will continue to use the CCS1 (Combined Charging System) connector. To ensure compatibility, an adapter will be provided for these vehicles, allowing them to use Tesla chargers.
How does adopting the NACS connector benefit Honda EV owners?
Adopting the NACS connector streamlines access to Tesla’s vast charging network, which currently comprises around 60% of fast-chargers in the United States. This move significantly increases the number of DC fast-chargers available to Honda EV owners, providing more convenience for charging their vehicles.
Are other automakers also adopting the NACS connector?
Yes, several other automakers, including Fisker, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo, have made agreements with Tesla to utilize its chargers and are considering adopting the NACS connector for their U.S. vehicles.
What is Honda’s broader commitment to electric vehicles?
Honda, together with Acura, has committed to launching at least 30 electric vehicles globally by 2030. They are also transitioning to their own EV platform, starting with a mid- to large-sized model set to debut in the U.S. in 2025.
More about EV Charging Integration
- Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) – Information about Tesla’s NACS connector.
- Honda Newsroom – Official news and updates from Honda.
- Department of Energy – EV Charging – Data on DC fast-chargers in the United States.
- Tesla’s Collaboration with Other Automakers – Details on Tesla’s collaboration with other automakers for charging infrastructure.
- Honda’s Electric Vehicle Plans – Official press releases from Honda regarding their electric vehicle initiatives.
3 comments
2025 sounds like a faraway future, but Honda’s gotta plan, and they’re gettin’ ready for da big change. #EVRevolution
Honda’s makin’ moves in EV land, and they’re gonna roll out their own platform in 2025. Serious competition for Tesla!
hey, dis is great news! Honnda’s jumpin’ on da Tesla train with dat NACS thing. Makes life easy for EV folks, ya know?