Honda and Acura EVs to Join Tesla’s Supercharger Network Starting in 2025
Last month, it was announced that Honda and Acura would be joining Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). This move comes as no surprise, as the Japanese automakers rely on General Motors’ (GM) EV technology for some of their new models, and GM has already committed to Tesla’s standard. Now, Honda and Acura have confirmed these reports and provided a timeline for their commitment, stating that they will implement the NACS plugs in new EVs starting in 2025.
The two new EVs from Honda and Acura, namely the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, are built on GM’s Ultium platform and battery technology. This partnership with GM gave them a head start in new vehicle development but also tied them to GM’s decisions on evolving and refining the platform. It is worth noting that General Motors has already announced its plan to transition to the NACS in 2024.
In addition to joining Tesla’s Supercharger network, Honda has also partnered with Hyundai, Kia, Stellantis, BMW, GM, Mercedes-Benz, and others to develop another nationwide charging network of DC fast chargers. This collaborative effort aims to contribute to the development of a more comprehensive national charging network. Various public and private businesses, as well as government agencies, are also working on similar projects to expand the charging infrastructure across the country.
One of the main challenges with today’s EV chargers is their unreliability and failure to reach their advertised charging speeds. Companies like Electrify America, EVGo, and ChargePoint have charging stations spread across the country, but they often experience downtime, and their payment systems can be frustrating to use. On the other hand, Tesla’s Supercharger network is known for its reliability and user-friendly experience. However, it frequently reaches capacity, resulting in long wait times for drivers to access a charger.
By joining Tesla’s Supercharger network, Honda and Acura aim to provide their EV owners with a more reliable and efficient charging experience. Tesla’s Supercharger network has a reputation for being well-maintained and easily accessible, which will be a significant advantage for Honda and Acura EV owners. This partnership will also help alleviate some of the strain on Tesla’s Supercharger network by expanding its capacity and availability.
The decision to join Tesla’s Supercharger network is part of Honda’s broader strategy to support the growth of electric vehicles. The company recognizes the importance of a robust charging infrastructure in promoting widespread EV adoption. By collaborating with other automakers and investing in charging networks, Honda aims to address one of the main concerns of potential EV buyers – range anxiety.
In conclusion, Honda and Acura’s decision to join Tesla’s Supercharger network starting in 2025 is a significant step towards improving the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. By leveraging Tesla’s well-established network, Honda and Acura will provide their EV owners with a more reliable and convenient charging experience. This partnership also highlights the importance of collaboration among automakers in developing a comprehensive national charging network. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, expanding the charging infrastructure will be crucial in accelerating the transition to a sustainable transportation future.
