In a significant development in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Toyota, the world’s largest automaker by sales, has inked an agreement to incorporate Tesla’s electric-vehicle charging technology into its offerings from 2025. This partnership is part of Toyota’s broader strategy to expand its electric vehicle portfolio and enhance charging options for its customers.
Toyota joins a growing list of automakers, including Ford, General Motors, and Nissan, which have embraced Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). This adoption represents a shift within the industry, with Tesla’s proprietary charging technology edging closer to becoming an industry-wide standard.
NACS Adoption in Toyota and Lexus BEVs
Toyota’s move to embrace the NACS involves integrating NACS ports into certain Toyota and Lexus battery-electric vehicles. Specifically, the upcoming battery-electric Toyota SUV, scheduled for assembly at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) plant, will feature these charging ports. This development will grant Toyota and Lexus customers convenient access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers located across North America.
Notably, Toyota has taken an inclusive approach to ensure a seamless transition for existing owners of Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with the Combined Charging System (CCS). These customers will be offered access to an adapter to enable NACS charging, commencing from 2025.
NACS vs. CCS: A Battle for Charging Dominance
Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) has already gained significant ground in the charging infrastructure landscape. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that NACS accounts for approximately 60% of fast chargers in the United States. Its availability and adoption have accelerated Tesla’s influence in the EV charging realm.
Meanwhile, the Combined Charging System (CCS), an alternative charging system supported by automakers such as Volkswagen, has faced increasing competition from NACS. Volkswagen, a proponent of the CCS system, has reportedly engaged in discussions with Tesla regarding the possibility of adopting the NACS.
Toyota’s Charging Network Expansion
As Toyota embraces the NACS technology, the company is committed to delivering a seamless charging experience for its customers, both at home and in public. To ensure convenience and accessibility for EV owners, Toyota offers extensive charging networks via the Toyota and Lexus apps. These networks encompass over 84,000 charging ports throughout North America, featuring level 2 and DC fast chargers. The incorporation of NACS in Toyota’s EV lineup will provide customers with even more charging options, particularly in the form of DC fast chargers. This expanded infrastructure aims to boost confidence among EV owners, enabling them to explore more destinations without concerns about charging availability.
The adoption of Tesla’s NACS by Toyota marks a significant milestone in the EV industry and is poised to offer consumers a more diverse and robust charging ecosystem. With automakers increasingly embracing Tesla’s charging technology, it becomes clear that industry players recognise the importance of a unified charging standard for the growth and widespread adoption of electric vehicles.