NACS Connector Standardization: What Does It Mean?

The electric vehicle (EV) industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, fueled by advancements in technology and a push for sustainable transportation solutions. The number of EVs on the road continues to rise, as the United States is on track to install a network of 1.2 million public chargers by 2030. The continuation of government incentives to increase EV infrastructure has made the need for a standardized charging infrastructure increasingly apparent.

Standardizing EV Charging Connectors:

In June 2023, SAE International, the global organization responsible for developing and promoting engineering standards, announced the establishment of a new standard for the North American Charging Standard connector. This standardized connector, known as the NACS connector, aims to provide compatibility and interoperability across various EV charging infrastructures, making it easier for EV owners to charge their vehicles at any public charging station.

Benefits of NACS Standardization:

One complicated factor along the way to widespread adoption of electric vehicles has been the lack of a unified charging connector. Similar to recent the adoption of the Type-C USB connector and how its simplified the future of device charging, a universal interface for car charging will offer seamless vehicle charging. Currently, EV owners must plan charging to occur at specific charging stations or use an adaptor to utilize non-compatible stations. In the future, with the NACS standard, drivers of all EVs will be capable of charging at every station along their journey without using an adaptor.

The introduction of the NACS standard brings several benefits to the EV industry and its stakeholders. Firstly, standardization eliminates the need for multiple charging adapters, streamlining the charging experience for EV owners. It reduces the hassle and confusion associated with different connector types, making it more convenient to charge EVs on the go.

Industry-Wide Acceptance and Collaboration:

The NACS standard has gained significant traction within the industry, with various major players recognizing its potential and pledging their support. ChargePoint, a long-time partner of Leviton and a leader in the EV charging network, has also announced its endorsement of the NACS connector. This growing acceptance of the standard is a testament to its potential to revolutionize the EV charging landscape.

Leviton's Solutions for NACS:

Leviton Manufacturing has long been committed to driving innovation in the electrical and electric vehicle supply equipment industry, acting as a pioneer with over 13 years of dedication in the industry. The charging solutions that align with the NACS standard may not be as difficult as they appear. In order to charge, all that will be needed will be an adapter for existing ports. Even if the majority of new EVs on the road in America in 2025 are equipped with NACS charge ports, millions of CCS/J1772 equipped EVs will be in use for years to come and will require access to public EV charging. That means that NACS and CCS/J1772 standards will co-exist in the EV charging marketplace. Although these two standards will be co-existing in the EV charging ecosystem, the end result is beneficial for the future of EVs - creating more available charging infrastructure for drivers.

The establishment of the NACS EV charging connector standard marks a significant milestone in the progression of the electric vehicle industry. As the industry moves towards a more sustainable and interconnected future, Leviton remains at the forefront, driving innovation and empowering the EV community.