Tesla and Volex: Powering the Future of EV Charging

Tesla, the electric vehicle titan, has taken another monumental step in the EV charging realm. By granting Volex, a colossal connector manufacturer, the rights to its North American Charging Standard (NACS), they’re setting the stage for an electrified future.

“Being chosen as the NACS coupler supplier reinforces Volex’s position as Tesla’s go-to partner for charging tech, serving top-tier EV manufacturers and suppliers globally.” – Nat Rothschild, Executive Chairman of Volex

The NACS Connector: More Than Just a Plug

  • Widespread Adoption: Brands like Ford, GM, Volvo, Rivian, and Nissan are already on the NACS bandwagon. With access to a whopping 12,000 Superchargers in North America, the future looks bright for EV drivers.
  • Charging Giants on Board: Not just automakers, but charging behemoths like Blink and Electrify America have voiced their intentions to embrace the NACS.
  • State Support: Some states are even considering making NACS the gold standard for all charging infrastructures.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Triumphs

While the momentum is strong, there’s a road of challenges and triumphs ahead:

  1. Hesitation from Some: Companies like Hyundai and Toyota are still warming up to the idea of NACS.
  2. Standardization Process: The Charging Interface Initiative (CharIn) champions NACS but emphasizes the need for a proper vetting process.
  3. Open Charging Framework: The industry seeks an open charging framework for evolution, a space where NACS can potentially shine.

In Conclusion: The collaboration between Tesla and Volex signifies a pivotal moment in the EV charging domain. As the world gears up for an electric future, connectors like NACS will play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for all EV enthusiasts.

References and Facts

Here are some related news and facts about Tesla licensing its North American Charging Standard (NACS) to connector manufacturing giant Volex:

  • Tesla has licensed its NACS connector to Volex, a large UK-based power equipment manufacturer23.
  • Volex is now able to produce the NACS connector and supply it to automotive OEMs and charging infrastructure suppliers1.
  • Tesla’s NACS connector has already been adopted by several big-name automakers like Ford, GM, Rivian, Volvo, and Polestar, whose drivers will gain access to 12,000 North American Superchargers next Spring16.
  • The NACS connector is an electric vehicle charging connector system developed and owned by Tesla, Inc. It has been used on all North American market Tesla vehicles since 2012 and was opened for use to other manufacturers in 20226.
  • Prior to opening the NACS standard in late 2022, several electric vehicle charging networks were using the CCS connector, which is a different standard6.
  • Tesla’s decision to license the NACS connector to other manufacturers is part of its mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy5.
  • The licensing of the NACS connector to Volex further validates that Volex continues to be the trusted manufacturing partner of Tesla’s charging system technology to the world’s leading EV manufacturing companies and suppliers who utilize the NACS EV Charging system1.