General Motors recently unveiled the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq, an all-new three-row electric crossover boasting cutting-edge technology and luxury features. While the Vistiq showcases GM’s latest EV-centric tech innovations, one notable omission is its lack of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. GM originally announced that its new EVs would be equipped with an NACS connector starting in 2025.
The NACS connection type was originally developed by Tesla, and has gained traction as a widely desired charging solution, in particular as it relates to the Tesla Supercharger network. In June of 2023, GM announced plans to adopt NACS connectors in its new EV lineup starting in 2025, thus providing GM customers with access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. Currently, GM’s EVs use the Combined Charging System (CCS), which is considered the industry standard for non-Tesla electric vehicles.
GM framed the move to NACS as a significant step toward expanding charging options for customers. While GM customers already have access to more than 134,000 chargers through the Ultium Charge 360 initiative and mobile apps, the 12,000 or so Tesla Supercharger stations throughout North America are seen as a desirable addition for customers. GM EV customers were first provided official access to Tesla’s Supercharger network in September of 2024, though this is currently facilitated through the use of an adapter, not an integrated NACS plug.
Despite GM’s earlier commitment to transition its EV lineup to NACS by 2025, the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq, slated to begin production next year, will not feature an NACS plug. As such, new Vistiq owners will need to rely on adapters to utilize Tesla’s network. The new Vistiq isn’t alone in this respect, as the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ also did not offer an NACS connection at launch.
As a reminder, the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq features a dual-motor powertrain rated at 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, juiced by a 102 kWh battery to provide an estimated 300 miles of range. Production will take place at the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee early next year.
Comments
It means MY26 Lyriq also won’t get it since they bascially share most of the components.
Yeah, the entire L.O.V.E. line won’t have native NACS, liar.
Does it matter? I have a 2025 Lyriq and haven’t used my NACS adapter once. There are more CCS chargers being built daily at better locations. Either way it goes you’ll need an adapter to be complete for awhile.
I was just going to say. I live in Bergen County NJ which is Tesla (and by extension other EV) haven. And the only Tesla Supercharger spot near me is at the actual Tesla dealer. They are building more near me but most chargers by me at the moment are Shell Recharge, ChargePoint, and EVgo.
Regardless though they need to convert. Because for all the talk of an EV future if you want total and complete switching over by motorists they need to standardize the charger once and for all. This whole Apple uses lightning cable and everyone else USB-C will not work with EVs. Standardization and consistency is key.
I also want to add, I hope they do away with needing 5 different apps one for each charger. I remember TFL doing a video of this with a Model X and they needed to have like 5 different apps, one app for each different charging station just to access them. Charging should be like gassing up and should be able to allow payments with just a debit card or Apple/Google Pay at any station I use. The apps should only exist for locating the stations and any rewards programs.
With Tesla backing off support for Supercharger stations, maybe CCS is coming back too?
I use my Adapter for my 2024 Lyriq often and it works great at Tesla Superchargers . It is easy to plug the Tesla plug into the adapter and then plug the adapter into the car.
I frequently go on road trips. There are more than enough Tesla Superchargers wherever I travel. Charging starts immediately using either the MyCadillac app or the Tesla app.
Kiss of death for the Cadillac XT6 twin…just another reason it will not sell.
The Lyriq has been selling just fine. Why wouldn’t the Vistiq?
Wonder how many customers will just wait for the onboard NACS Port.