Mazda embraces Tesla’s NACS standard

Mazda, a latecomer to the electric vehicle (EV) scene, has finally announced its commitment to embrace Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). This move aims to give Mazda’s upcoming EVs access to the widely acclaimed Tesla Supercharger network.

Mazda EV Access to Tesla Superchargers

Mazda recently announced its decision to use Tesla’s NACS connector for future electric vehicles. This strategic move ensures that Mazda’s limited fleet of electric vehicles in North America will be able to use Tesla’s efficient Superchargers.

Following Tesla’s lead, almost every major automaker in North America has pledged to use the NACS connector for their upcoming electric vehicles. These manufacturers agree to introduce NACS through adapters in 2024, paving the way for direct integration into new EVs beginning in 2025.

Mazda’s Unique Approach

While many automakers have announced plans to implement NACS via adapters before 2025, Mazda’s announcement takes a different approach. Unlike its competitors, Mazda has not previously mentioned introducing an adapter, owing to its small presence in the North American electric vehicle market.

Given Mazda’s current lack of electric vehicles in North America, there is minimal concern about overwhelming the Tesla Supercharger network. Mazda’s adoption of the NACS standard is more of a forward-looking commitment than an immediate impact on charging infrastructure.

Mazda Joins the NACS Alliance

Last year, Ford set the standard by becoming the first automaker to commit to NACS adoption. It resulted in a domino effect, with other manufacturers following suit. Ford’s strategic decision granted current and future electric vehicle owners access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network in Canada and the United States.

Mazda’s recent agreement with Tesla marks the end of its status as one of the few automakers holding out on NACS adoption. This decision aligns with the industry trend, as even the latecomers recognize the significance of joining forces to create a standardized charging infrastructure.

Mazda’s Future Vision

Despite having only one electric model, the MX-30, Mazda is looking ahead and has officially adopted the NACS standard for its future EVs, which will begin in 2025. Unlike some competitors, Mazda’s announcement does not mention plans to provide adapters to existing EV owners. Still, it does promise access to over 15,000 Superchargers for its future electric vehicle customers in North America.

Mazda’s decision to join the NACS alliance marks a turning point in the electric vehicle landscape in North America as it moves closer to standardized charging infrastructure. By uniting in this commitment, automakers can offer consumers a consistent charging experience across brands in the future.