ChargePoint NACS connector FAQ

In 2023, several automakers and EV charging companies announced support for the North American Charging Standard (NACS), the connector type most commonly associated with Tesla. ChargePoint has tested and verified our ability to support NACS cables on our stations. As new vehicles are released, we will continue to test them to ensure connector compatibility.

What is the NACS connector and who can use it?

 

NACS is an EV charging connector type developed by Tesla and opened for use to other manufacturers in 2022. It is not yet considered an industry standard, but is currently under review with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). As of late 2023, only certain Tesla vehicles are able to charge with a NACS connector, and some Teslas may require an update in order to fast charge on NACS. Several automakers have announced plans to release vehicles supporting this connector starting in 2025, replacing their existing CCS ports and connectors.

What is CCS and who can use it?

 

The “Combined Charging System” (CCS) is a standardized EV charging protocol that enables AC and DC charging using a single connector. It was developed by the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN), a global consortium of EV manufacturers and suppliers, and certified by SAE.

The CCS protocol supports charging power levels from 3.7 to 500 kW, depending on the capabilities of the EV and the charging station. This allows for a wide range of charging speeds.

Currently, most non-Tesla EVs in North America use the CCS connector for DC fast charging.

What about CHAdeMO?

 

CHAdeMO is a DC fast charging standard that has been used by some automakers in Asia. The CHAdeMO connector is available on ChargePoint Express stations.

Can Teslas use ChargePoint stations?

 

Yes. ChargePoint now sells commercial stations with Tesla-compatible NACS connectors, and we are working with site owners to make them available to drivers as fast as possible.

Even if a particular station does not currently have Tesla-compatible NACS connectors, Tesla drivers can still use it to charge their vehicles conveniently:

  • All publicly available AC stations are equipped with J1772 connectors, and drivers can use them with the adapter provided with every new Tesla vehicle.
  • On DC stations, Tesla drivers can use adapters to connect their vehicles to a CCS1 connector. These adapters are available from many vendors, including Tesla. Some vehicles may require an update to use adapters (learn more).
  • Tesla drivers in Europe can use any ChargePoint station without an adapter.

For home use, Tesla drivers can order new Home Flex stations with a Tesla-compatible connector. ChargePoint also offers cable conversion kits to easily adapt existing Home Flex stations and allow Tesla drivers to charge without an adapter.

Does ChargePoint offer the NACS connector?

 

Yes. ChargePoint is committed to delivering the best charging experience possible to drivers of all EV makes and models. We offer many stations with optional NACS connectors.

As ChargePoint generally does not own or operate the stations where drivers charge, it’s up to each site owner and administrator to decide what connectors to offer. We're constantly working with all our customers, partners and drivers to build the best charging network for all.

How do I know what connectors are available on a station?

 

ChargePoint aims to support drivers of every EV. Drivers can count on the ChargePoint app, station displays and in-dash integrations to make sure charging stations are compatible with their vehicles.

What are the differences in max cable amperage between NACS and CCS1?

 

CCS1 can deliver up to 500 amps and 1000 volts DC, providing a maximum power output of 500 kW. NACS has similar amperage and voltage ratings for DC charging, although the maximum ratings are not specified.

Which ChargePoint stations are available with NACS connectors?

 

ChargePoint has NACS solutions available for all AC and DC use cases.

ChargePoint Home Flex, CPF50, Express 250 and Express Plus Power Link 1000 stations can be ordered with NACS connector options. Other stations, including CP6000 and Express Plus Power Link 2000, will be available to order with NACS options soon.

Will station owners be able to convert existing stations to NACS?

 

Yes. To lower repair and maintenance costs, most ChargePoint stations offer cable modularity so station owners can replace, repair or exchange charging cables and connectors, including NACS connectors as needed.

How can drivers identify which stations have NACS connectors?

 

The ChargePoint mobile app lets EV drivers access more than 314K charging spots and includes filters for NACS, J1772, CCS and CHAdeMO connectors so EV drivers can easily locate and access the right charging spot for their vehicle.

How can drivers charge with NACS at home?

 

Drivers with an EV that uses a NACS connector have multiple home charging options in addition to using an adapter. Drivers who already have a ChargePoint Home Flex station can order a NACS cable conversion kit to switch to a streamlined NACS cable. Drivers can also buy ChargePoint Home Flex with a NACS cable.

What about Europe?

 

NACS has not been released in Europe. Tesla vehicles and ChargePoint stations in Europe use the CCS Type 2 charging standard.