Electrify America has introduced a new concept to its DC fast charging network in the United States. The company has launched two pilot sites in Orlando, Florida, and Waterford, Connecticut, where electric vehicle owners can now charge their cars using both CCS1 and NACS cables without the need for an adapter.
These pilot stations are equipped to provide up to 400 kW of power to an EV, making them one of the fastest charging options available. Each station has three stalls, with each stall capable of charging two cars simultaneously. The Alpitronic dispensers at these stations have four cables – two for CCS1-equipped EVs and two for NACS-equipped EVs.
Drivers can easily initiate a charging session and make payments using the Electrify America app. Additionally, there is a contactless payment system available on-site for added convenience.
With the increasing availability of electric vehicles with different charging standards, this move by Electrify America aims to provide a seamless charging experience for all EV owners. Models like the Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Honda Prologue come with a CCS1 inlet, while other automakers are adopting the NACS standard for their American-spec EVs.
While Tesla’s Supercharger network remains a popular choice for many EV owners, the introduction of 400 kW charging stalls by Electrify America offers a faster and more powerful alternative. Cars like the Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, which can accept higher charging speeds, can benefit from these new stations.
As the EV market continues to evolve, having charging options that cater to different standards is crucial. Tesla is also working on upgrading its Supercharger network to deliver more power, while other charging operators are integrating NACS ports into their stalls to accommodate a wider range of electric vehicles.
Overall, the shift towards offering dual CCS1 and NACS charging options at stations like those from Electrify America represents a step towards a more inclusive and efficient charging infrastructure for electric vehicle owners.