A group of electric vehicle (EV) charger makers and operators is challenging Texas’ plan to mandate the inclusion of Tesla technology in charging stations, citing concerns and the need for standardization. The move, they argue, is premature and risks hindering the successful deployment of federal funds earmarked for the electrification of highways. The opposition comes in response to Texas’ recent requirement for charging companies to incorporate both Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) and the nationally recognized rival Combined Charging Standard (CCS) technology to qualify for a state program leveraging federal dollars.
The state’s decision gained momentum when Washington followed suit, and SAE International, a standards organization, expressed its intention to establish an industry standard configuration of Tesla’s charging connector within six months or less. This development aligns with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s aspiration to make NACS the national charging technology.
However, five prominent electric vehicle charging companies, including ChargePoint Holdings and ABB, along with a clean energy association, have penned a letter to the Texas Transportation Commission, urging for more time to re-engineer and test Tesla’s connectors. The letter, seen by Reuters, cautions that the current plan jeopardizes the successful implementation of the initial phase of federal funds.
The signatories emphasized the importance of standardization, testing, and certification to ensure safety and interoperability across the industry. They contend that additional time is necessary to adequately standardize, test, and certify Tesla connectors to guarantee their compliance with industry-wide requirements.
According to a source familiar with the matter, some of these organizations plan to escalate the issue to the federal government in the near future. As of now, the Texas Department of Transportation, ChargePoint, ABB, and other signatories such as FreeWire, EVBox, and FLO have not responded to Reuters’ requests for comment. Americans for Affordable Clean Energy, an association representing truck stops and convenience stores, could not be reached immediately.
Tesla, as the leading EV manufacturer in the United States, has recently achieved several victories for its charging technology. Ford Motor announced its adoption of NACS, followed by General Motors, Rivian Automotive, and numerous other auto and charging companies, all concerned about potential customer losses if they solely offer CCS. Tesla’s Superchargers account for approximately 60 percent of fast chargers in the United States, according to the US Department of Energy. The agreements reached will enable non-Tesla EV owners to access Tesla’s extensive charging network.
Despite these developments, concerns persist regarding the seamless integration of the two charging standards and the potential increase in costs for vendors and customers with both standards in the market. The charging companies highlighted the need to address various aspects of NACS connectors, including cable length extension and ensuring adequate temperature ranges, as well as obtaining certifications for specific components.
The companies further emphasized the importance of establishing a robust supply chain for NACS cables and connectors that meet the requisite standards and specifications. As discussions unfold, stakeholders aim to strike a balance between advancing EV charging infrastructure and ensuring compatibility and cost-effectiveness for the entire industry.
