Understanding the North American Charging Standard: A Guide for Electric Vehicle Owners

Originally developed by Tesla in 2012 for the Model S, NACS was rebranded and opened to other manufacturers in late 2022. Now standardized as SAE J3400, it offers access to Tesla's Supercharger network, which currently boasts 60% more DC fast-chargers than all CCS-equipped networks combined.

The most visible difference is size; NACS is significantly more compact. Technically, it uses the same pins for both AC and DC charging, requiring sophisticated control electronics to switch modes safely. For many drivers, this transition will initially be bridged by NACS-to-CCS1 adapters.

Since mid-2023, the industry has reached a tipping point. Most vehicle manufacturers have committed to equipping their North American EVs with NACS ports starting in 2025, while charging network operators are already integrating NACS connectors into their existing infrastructure.

You can already see how this shift affects your travels! In ABRP, simply go to settings and select 'NACS' under charger types. This allows you to simulate routes that include the vast Tesla Supercharger network, giving you a glimpse into the future of seamless EV road tripping.