Nissan has announced that it will adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) from 2025 onwards, becoming the first major Japanese manufacturer to do so.
Nissan’s electric vehicles (EVs) are set to rely heavily on Tesla’s Neutral-At-Command System (NACS) as the primary charging method for Japan.
Starting in the next 12 months, Nissan plans to roll out a new charger adapter for its inaugural electric SUV, the Ariya, allowing owners to access Tesla’s vast Supercharger network.
Next year, Nissan is set to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) to the US and Canadian markets for the first time, featuring a NACS charging port.
Nissan’s Senior Vice President and Chairperson of Nissan Americas, Jérémie Papin, noted that the landmark settlement represents a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Emphasizing its commitment to making electric mobility more attainable, Nissan underscores its focus on advancing its Ambition 2030 vision for widespread electrification.
The automaker expressed joy at being granted access to hundreds more rapid charging points for Nissan EV drivers. With approximately 17,000 Tesla Superchargers across the US, this partnership will provide Nissan EV owners with access to one of the country’s largest and most reliable charging networks?
In the wake of Ford and General Motors’ decision to collaborate with Tesla on next-generation charging technology, numerous American companies have followed suit.
Leading charging station providers, including Blink and Electrify America, along with EV startups like Rivian and Polestar, as well as German automaker Mercedes-Benz, have announced plans to adopt Tesla’s NACS connector, further solidifying its position as the standard connector in North America.
Nissan is revamping its Canton, Mississippi plant to serve as its North American “electrification hub” and EV manufacturing facility over the next several years.
The automaker intends to launch a pair of novel electric vehicles, which will begin production at the site by late 2025. According to industry forecasts, electric sedans will be the leading models in 2026, followed closely by electric crossovers. As Nissan forges ahead with its ambitious goal to achieve 40% electric vehicle (EV) sales in the US by 2030, its brand-new fashion-forward offerings are set to play a pivotal role in driving this vision forward.
Electrek’s Take
Nissan deserves praise for being the first major Japanese automaker to align itself with Tesla’s industry-standard NACS connector, a move that further normalizes electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Japanese manufacturers, including industry leaders like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, have trailed behind in the shift towards electric vehicles. Mitsubishi Motors announced last week that it would be halting operations in China due to the company’s inability to compete in the world’s largest electric vehicle market.
As a pioneer in the electric vehicle (EV) market, Nissan has struggled to regain its footing following the rapid proliferation of all-electric vehicles across the industry.
After unveiling the pioneering LEAF model in 2010, it took Nissan over a decade to introduce its follow-up, a purely electric vehicle that rivals the original’s innovative spirit and eco-friendly credentials. Nissan has been actively touting its Ariya electric SUV for over a year now, and impressive results have followed, with the vehicle already surpassing LEAF sales through the first half of 2023.
With the adoption of Tesla’s Neutral At-Grade Charging System (NACS), Nissan customers can now enjoy access to a vast network of hundreds of additional Level 2 charging stations, providing greater convenience and flexibility when planning long-distance trips.
While other major Japanese automakers such as Toyota and Honda have already made commitments, those others remain hesitant. Nissan’s landmark settlement could galvanize a sense of urgency across the industry.
