Nissan to Add Tesla's NACS Connector to U.S.-bound EVs Starting in 2025

Nissan is the most recent of several automakers to announce plans to integrate Tesla's charging connector, known as NACS (North American Charging Standard), in vehicles scheduled for sale in the United States and Canada. It is the newest manufacturer.

The move will give Nissan owners seamless and convenient access to Tesla's vast charging network. It will also significantly increase the number of available DC fast charging locations.

According to the Department of Energy, Tesla's DC fast chargers, known as Superchargers, account for about 60% of all fast chargers in the U.S. and are now open to rival brands under a deal struck between Tesla and the White House earlier this year.

Nissan said Wednesday that it will provide Ariya owners with adapters that will allow them to use NACS chargers starting in 2024. The Leaf was not mentioned in the announcement, presumably because it still uses the fast-charging standard CHAdeMO, which was conceived by the Japanese automaker in 2010.

And starting in 2025, Nissan EVs sold in the US and Canada will incorporate the NACS connector. Nissan did not say whether the current CCS1 (Combined Charging System) connector will also be included or whether an adapter will be required.

"We are pleased to be able to provide Nissan EV drivers with access to thousands more fast chargers, enhancing reliability and convenience as they plan their long-distance journeys," Jeremy Papin, head of Nissan Americas, said in a statement.

Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo have similar agreements with Tesla to use its charging network, and many of these automakers have also announced plans to adopt the NACS connector in North America. Hyundai, Sterantis, and Volkswagen have also indicated that they may follow suit.