General Motors has officially confirmed that the 2026 Optiq will be the first vehicle from the company to come equipped with a native Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug. This news has been met with excitement from electric vehicle enthusiasts, as having access to a Tesla Supercharger network can make road trips much more convenient.
Following the Optiq, General Motors will also be releasing the Optiq-V, which was announced earlier this month. Both vehicles will feature the NACS plug, providing customers with direct access to over 21,500 fast charging options across North America. This move by GM is part of a growing trend among electric vehicles to adopt the Tesla-style charging standard, making charging more accessible and convenient for EV drivers.
In addition to the new charging standard, the 2026 Optiq will also introduce a rear-wheel-drive entry version, adding more diversity to the lineup. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive version will offer 315 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version will see a significant power increase to 440 hp and 498 lb-ft of torque. Both models will feature an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a range of 300 miles on a full charge.
DC fast-charging capabilities on the Optiq will max out at 150 kilowatts, allowing for a quick charge of nearly 80 miles in just 10 minutes. The vehicle will also come equipped with Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving assistance system, which integrates with Google Maps and can adjust speed to match posted speed limits.
While pricing for the 2026 Optiq has not yet been announced, the outgoing model started at $54,390 before destination fees. The Optiq has been a popular choice for Cadillac, with 75% of buyers coming from other brands. More details about the vehicle are expected to be released closer to its fall release date.
Overall, the introduction of the Tesla NACS plug on the 2026 Optiq marks a significant step forward for General Motors in the electric vehicle market. By offering a more seamless charging experience and advanced technology features, the Optiq aims to provide a compelling option for those looking to make the switch to electric driving.
For more information and updates on the 2026 Cadillac Optiq, you can contact the author at patrick.george@insideevs.com.