A consortium of electric vehicle (EV) charger manufacturers and operators has raised objections to Texas’ plan to mandate the inclusion of Tesla technology in charging stations, citing premature implementation. This information is based on a document seen by Reuters and a reliable source familiar with the issue.
Last week, Reuters reported that Texas intends to enforce regulations requiring charging companies to incorporate Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) and the widely recognized Combined Charging Standard (CCS) technology to qualify for a government program aimed at electrifying highways with federal funding.
Following Texas’ decision, Washington has followed suit, and SAE International, a standards organization, has committed to establishing an industry standard configuration for Tesla’s charging connector within six months. This development enhances Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s ambition to make NACS the national charging technology.
However, five EV charging companies, including ChargePoint Holdings and ABB, together with a clean energy association, have composed a letter to the Texas Transportation Commission, calling for additional time to re-engineer and test Tesla’s connectors.
The companies expressed concerns that Texas’ plan “jeopardizes the successful implementation” of the initial phase of federal funding. The letter, which Reuters has obtained, was sent to the commission’s chairman on Thursday.
“It is imperative to allocate sufficient time to standardize, test, and certify the safety and interoperability of Tesla connectors across the industry,” the letter stated.
A source familiar with the matter informed Reuters that some of these organizations are planning to raise the issue with the federal government in the near future.
At the time of writing, the Texas Department of Transportation, ChargePoint, ABB, and other signatories, including FreeWire, EVBox, and FLO, have not responded to Reuters’ request for comment. Americans for Affordable Clean Energy, an association representing truck stops and convenience stores, could also not be reached immediately.
Tesla, the prominent EV manufacturer in the United States, has achieved several victories for its charging technology in recent weeks. Ford Motor announced its adoption of NACS, followed by General Motors, Rivian Automotive, and numerous auto and charging companies, all motivated by concerns of customer attrition if they solely offer CCS.
According to the US Department of Energy, Tesla’s Superchargers constitute approximately 60 percent of the total fast chargers in the United States. These new partnerships will enable non-Tesla EV users to access Tesla’s extensive charging network.
However, concerns persist regarding the seamless interoperability of the two charging standards and the potential increase in costs for vendors and customers resulting from the market presence of both standards.
The charging companies outlined various modifications required for NACS connectors, such as cable length extension and ensuring suitability for diverse temperature ranges, as well as securing certifications for specific components.
Additionally, the companies emphasized the necessity of a robust supply chain for NACS cables and connectors that comply with the specified requirements.
© Thomson Reuters 2023
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Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
