The North American Charging Standard developed by Tesla is becoming a unified standard for the future of EV charging, with more automakers joining the mix.

Similar to using universal gas pumps or unleaded gas instead of leaded, automakers are learning of the advantages of using a unified EV charging solution. With Tesla being first to market with its incredible Supercharging network, it seems the smart solution is for most automakers to adopt the same charging system as Tesla. This makes it much easier to hook up at these charging stations to ensure EVs can recharge and get on with a long road trip or excellent drive on any road.

Charging solutions matter

It’s easy enough to grab an adaptor for electrical devices when you travel to foreign countries that use voltages that differ from what we use in the United States. This isn’t quite as simple when it comes to charging up EVs. That said, there are some adapters available to allow EV drivers to take advantage of various charging stations, but until recently, other brands couldn’t plug in and use the Tesla Supercharging network. That has begun to change, and it could be the new standard in North America.

Several automakers are already moving to this new standard

Starting next year, Ford and GM have already announced the ability for EV drivers to use Tesla chargers to power up their rides. Volkswagen is in talks with Tesla to do the same. This would be a huge change in the industry. The Volkswagen Group includes VW, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, and Lamborghini, to name a few. Several of these brands already have EVs and would like to ensure these vehicles are compatible with Tesla’s plugs for the future. It might not be long before the entire automotive industry adopts the North American Charging Standard as the universal charging standard.

This change could work both ways

If the automotive world adopts a universal standard for North America, it could mean that Tesla vehicles will also charge up at various charging stations that aren’t part of the Tesla Supercharger network. Electrify America has already begun adding Tesla charging plugs to its network of chargers. A collaborative effort could be exactly what’s necessary to ensure the desired growth of EVs in the United States. If all EVs can pull in at any charging station to refuel, much like gas-powered vehicles can do at gas stations, the infrastructure can grow more rapidly with more charging locations available to all drivers.

Will other foreign automakers follow suit

Kia, Hyundai, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are only four automakers that we’re unsure about following this same standard. If the North American Charging Standard developed by Tesla becomes a requirement in the United States, all automakers will need to ensure the right plugs are onboard for EVs to recharge out on the road. Toyota has been silent on the issue thus far, but Toyota is also somewhat behind other automakers in bringing electric vehicles to the market.

The infrastructure is necessary

The federal government has already put forth goals to have at least 500,000 new charging stations added by 2030, but this won’t be enough. The exponential growth of EVs could mean more than double this number are necessary to support the future. If all charging station companies use the same plugs and can support any electric vehicle, the infrastructure can grow more rapidly. While most charging is still expected to be done at home, many EVs could be great for future road trips, with fast charging stations located along most routes in numbers that make sense.

Will current EV drivers need adaptors?

There are already many electric vehicles out on the road which can’t utilize the Tesla Supercharging network. These EVs will need adapters to adhere to the new North American Charging Standard, especially if it becomes an accepted standard for all EVs. Eventually, and it probably won’t take long, adaptors will be available for owners of these electric vehicles to be able to plug in and recharge at more stations than ever before.

Currently, the NACS is being considered and developed as a potential standard for future EVs, but it could become the norm for all EVs in North America. Will we see a time when EV charging ports share space at gas stations, allowing companies to offer refueling options for all types of vehicles? Will there be enough charging points in the United States to support the growth of EVs between now and the end of the decade?