After a period of time, NACS has gained significant traction, with major automakers such as GM, Ford, Rivian, and Volvo committing to adopt the connector. However, the association behind the Combined Charging System (CCS), CharIN, expressed concerns over NACS not being an official standard like CCS.
Now, SAE International has taken the initiative to standardize NACS, addressing the concerns raised. In an official announcement, SAE International stated that it will standardize the NACS connector, enabling any supplier or manufacturer to use, manufacture, or deploy it on electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations throughout North America.
Frank Menchaca, president of Sustainable Mobility Solutions at SAE's parent company, Fullsight, commented on the significance of standardizing the NACS connector. He emphasized that it will provide certainty, expanded choice, reliability, and convenience to manufacturers, suppliers, and, most importantly, consumers. Menchaca's words reflect the positive impact this standardization effort will have on the EV industry as a whole.
SAE International aims to develop the new NACS connector standard on an expedited timeframe. This standardization effort is one of several key initiatives undertaken to strengthen the North American EV charging infrastructure. Additionally, SAE is actively involved in the development of cyber-secure charging infrastructure through Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in collaboration with National Labs. Furthermore, SAE is contributing to the reliability design of the national ChargeX consortium.
The announcement of SAE's standardization of the NACS connector is expected to encourage more automakers to adopt the NACS standard. With the increasing support from major players in the industry, the NACS train is likely to gain further momentum, bolstering the development of a comprehensive charging network across North America.
Source: electrek
