BMW is the newest automaker to achieve an agreement with Tesla to realize access to its network of charging stations in North America, in addition to to adopt the EV company’s proprietary charging connector generally known as NACS (North American Charging Standard).
The agreement also covers BMW’s Mini and Rolls-Royce brands.
Owners of EVs from all three brands will have the option to make use of designated Tesla chargers starting in early 2025. An adaptor will initially be required but BMW plans to adopt Tesla’s NACS connector starting in 2025, for EVs delivered within the U.S. and Canada.
BMW is currently developing a user experience that can enable owners of BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce EVS to search out and access available Tesla chargers on their vehicle’s display, and make payments through the vehicle brand’s own app.
Tesla Supercharger connector – now called NACS
The agreement will significantly increase the variety of DC fast chargers available to BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce EV owners. Tesla’s DC fast chargers number roughly 12,000 in North America, and currently represent about 60% of DC fast chargers within the U.S., in keeping with the Department of Energy. Tesla began opening its charging stations to rival brands following a deal made with the White House in February.
Fisker, Ford, Honda (and Acura), Hyundai (and Genesis), Jaguar, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo have also made deals with Tesla to make use of its charging stations, and plenty of of those corporations have also announced plans to adopt the NACS connector for his or her vehicles in North America. Stellantis and Volkswagen have indicated that they might also follow suit.
BMW has also partnered with six other automakers to develop a separate network of charging stations spanning North America and containing no less than 30,000 chargers. The primary of those charging stations will open within the U.S. in mid-2024 and have support for each CCS and NACS connectors.
This Article First Appeared At www.motorauthority.com
