Rivian Switches To Tesla-Style NACS Plugs; Hyundai Ponders Switching
Is this the end of CCS?
The charging standard plug wars rage on. Hyundai announced that it’s considering adopting the NACS charging plug standard for its US and Canadian market EVs. This is slightly before Rivian’s announcement that it would be switching to NACS for its R1T and R1S trucks.
According to a report from Reuters, the Korean brand is considering adding the NACS plug to its vehicles. No doubt, that action would allow Hyundai vehicles to use the Supercharger network, but things are a little more complicated than that. Hyundai CEO Jaehoon Chang said that it’s considering if switching is in the best interests of its customers. For starters, the 800V architecture of its e-GMP platform doesn’t mesh well with the lower voltage of the Tesla Superchargers. Thus, the lightning-fast 200kW+ speeds advertised by Hyundai on some of its models, may not be possible using the Tesla equipment.
Hyundai says it will need to consult with Tesla to see if alterations are possible for its vehicles to use the network at high speeds.
In similar news, Rivian has announced that it will start manufacturing its vehicles with the NACS plug, and allow its vehicles to use Tesla Superchargers. Could this be the end of the CCS charging standard plug? Ford and GM have joined, and so has Rivian. If Hyundai, and possibly Stellantis follow suit, that means most of the EVs sold in the US will use the NACS standard. Like Ford and GM, Rivian vehicles will have access to the Superchargers starting in Spring 2024.
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Kevin has been obsessed with cars ever since he could talk. He even learned to read partially by learning and reading the makes and models on the back of cars, only fueling his obsession. Today, he is an automotive journalist and member of the Automotive Press Association. He is well-versed in electrification, hybrid cars, and vehicle maintenance.
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ok so then what will electrfy america use if they ever get to the business of putting up chargers? tell me how does a startup do things better tha those that have been in it since the dark ages?