Aug
19
Honda and Acura’s Shift to NACS
Honda and its luxury division, Acura, are set to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for their upcoming electric vehicles (EVs) in North America. This move, confirmed by American Honda Motor Co. President and CEO Noriya Kaihara, marks a significant step in aligning with industry trends. However, it is expected that the new Acura ZDX will initially feature the Combined Charging System (CCS1) before transitioning to NACS, likely aligning with General Motors’ timeline for their own switch in 2025.
Future Prospects and Charging Infrastructure
While the immediate future sees Honda and Acura’s initial EV models, such as the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, equipped with CCS1, the transition to NACS is on the horizon. This shift is closely tied to General Motors’ adaptation of NACS, as Honda’s upcoming all-electric models are built on GM’s Ultium platform and produced at GM’s facilities. As Honda develops its own EV platform for future models, it is anticipated that these vehicles will integrate NACS from the outset.
Advancing Charging Networks
In addition to adopting NACS, Honda is collaborating with other major automakers, including BMW, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, to establish a new fast-charging network across North America. This joint venture aims to ensure the new network is secure, reliable, and accessible, drawing inspiration from Tesla’s well-maintained Supercharger network. Jay Joseph, Honda’s Vice President of Sustainability, highlighted the importance of robust software and hardware standards for this new infrastructure, emphasizing the need for reliable maintenance and swift response to technical issues.