Tesla’s NACS Charging Standard Wins MotorTrend Best Tech Award
MotorTrend has announced the winner of their Best Tech of 2025 award for Public Charging System, and it goes to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), also known as the Tesla Plug.
NACS is Tesla’s proprietary connector standard that has become the norm in North America. Tesla made the decision to open up this connector standard in November 2022, inviting other automakers to collaborate on a more efficient and user-friendly charging standard.
Initially, CCS was gaining popularity as the industry standard, but with Teslas being the most common EV on the road, Tesla saw an opportunity to establish a new standard in North America using their popular connector.
After Tesla opened up its connector, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) quickly adopted it, naming it the J3400 EV Coupler. This move officially established NACS as the industry standard in North America, with major automakers like Volkswagen and Stellantis eventually coming on board.
NACS stands out as an innovative charging standard that surpasses both CCS1 and CCS2 in terms of performance and user experience. It is lighter, more versatile, and offers better thermal efficiency than other systems. The design of the handle and plug is more ergonomic and streamlined, making it easier to use.
One of the key advantages of NACS is its use of digital communication for both AC and DC charging, unlike analog systems like CCS1. This allows for better and more reliable information exchange during the charging process, leading to improved diagnostics and testing.
The seamless communication between the vehicle and the Supercharger also simplifies the payment process for charging, making the entire experience effortless for Tesla owners. In contrast, other charging systems may require additional steps and verification before the charging process can begin.
A growing list of automakers have committed to using NACS in their future EV models, solidifying its position as the dominant charging standard in North America. With its superior performance and user-friendly design, NACS has set a new benchmark for EV charging standards in the region.
In conclusion, Tesla’s NACS Charging Standard has emerged as the top choice for EV charging in North America, offering a more efficient and intuitive experience for electric vehicle owners.