One of the bigger questions in the broader move to mainstream EV adoption is the plug type. Currently, GM EVs utilize the Combined Charging System (CCS), widely regarded as the industry standard for non-Tesla EVs. However, General Motors previously announced that it would adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) starting with the 2025 model year. Now, The General is moving that timeframe back to the 2026 model year.
NACS connector compared to a CCS connector
The NACS was originally developed by Tesla, and has gained in popularity as more automakers embrace it. Its streamlined design and compatibility with Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network make it an attractive option for EV customers, and General Motors isn’t alone in its adoption, as Ford has made similar announcements. While General Motors already provides access to over 134,000 chargers through its Ultium Charge 360 program, the additional 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America represent a nice boost to convenience for General Motors EV owners, while the charger itself is seen as an upgrade as well.
NACS-CCS adapter
However, although General Motors initially planned to incorporate NACS into its EVs by the 2025 model year, the automaker has now shifted that timeline.
“We expect the first GM EVs to feature a native NACS inlet to be as early as model year 2026,” General Motors states.
Among the many General Motors vehicles expected to feature NACS are the next-generation 2026 Chevy Bolt EV, as well as the Chevy Equinox EV, Chevy Blazer EV, Chevy Silverado EV, BrightDrop delivery van, GMC Sierra EV, GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Optiq, Cadillac Lyriq, Cadillac Escalade IQ, and Cadillac Celestiq. Some of these models may even transition to NACS compatibility by the end of the 2025 calendar year, but full implementation will likely coincide with the 2026 model year.
Interestingly, the recently unveiled 2026 Cadillac Vistiq will not feature a NACS connector, as reported previously.
General Motors’ shift to NACS is part of a broader trend among automakers aiming to simplify the charging experience for EV customers. By aligning with a popular standard, the move to broader EV adoption becomes a bit clearer – although there are still plenty of hurdles left to overcome.
Comments
NACS adoption throughout the Industry cannot happen soon enough.Not just for GM.
I do however wish that GM would have been the first true legacy automaker to switch to NACS
I love the GM marketing pictures of their vehicles blocking all the spots so Tesla’s are not able to charge alongside the GM vehicles.
HaHa so true
Yeah they should place the ports on the rear left fender or the front right fenders.
There should be a standard.
Yes. A standard about the design of charging station layouts and cable length so it doesn’t matter where the charge port on the car is. Kind of like how it doesn’t matter where my gas cap is.
@rEVolutionary
I believe it would be much easier to Standardize the location of the Ports.
Why make super long cables when the material used for those long cables can make like 2 or three cables instead of just the one long cable. It would help build the infrastructure much quicker.
Hence placing them on the Driver rear fender, the passenger front right fender, or right up front by the grill areas. The third choice would be last for me but just saying that those three options would work best.
I was going to trade my 23 Lyriq for a new one next year: a 2025. Now that the NACS port won’t be available until 2026 I will wait for it and keep my 2023
Not sure why they dont put both charger ports on!! Put the Tesla one where it is on a Tesla body. Whats the big deal. Create the module for it and be done with it. Once standard on all their cars its a no brainer. Even at $500 a car it should be done to provide driver flexibility. Using adapters is asking for trouble with mentality of current car owners
uhh cost? Duh.
Sorry to see that this story didn’t mention the fact that NACS adapters are already available to GM EV owners. I used remaining points from my GM credit card to cover the $225 purchase via my dealer where I’d also used $4,650 in GM card credit as down payment for my 2023 Bolt EUV Premier, which also qualified for the $7,500 federal tax credit. The NACS adapter was backordered for about six weeks, but finally shipped to my home, fits in the glove box just fine, and works great in the unlikely event that I ever need it (my wife has a pristine, seldom-used Mazda CX-5 for long-haul driving). GM paid $1,400 for the Level 2 charger installation in my garage, which is all I’ve ever needed. Then I also got an $1,165 check in the mail from my electric company and a $420 federal tax credit for the 240-volt panel upgrade and outlet installation. Plus a friend bought my clean 2003 Impala for $3,500. I charge the Bolt at the discount 7 cents/kWh time-of-day rate. It’s been an unbelievably inexpensive, drama-free, fun 17 months of waving at gas stations as a volunteer driving neighbors in my village to medical appointments etc. Still, it’s nice to know I can use the NACS adapter to help provide a more relaxing experience if I want to drive beyond my normal range. The adapter’s availability is basic info that should have been included in this story.
I’m finding the adapter to use Tesla Superchargers is very easy to use.
Caution about depending on this announcement.
Notice the actual language, “We expect the first GM EVs to feature a native NACS inlet to be as early as model year 2026,” General Motors states.”
I can “expect” to win the lottery and “as soon as” 2026, but that is not a guarantee that will happen.
As we know, GM’s expectations are not firm commitments and their timing is wildly optimistic.
May never happen especially if Tesla hits the toilet consider what EM is up to to get rid of the credit since his dont qualify. But then there is a god when you consider what CA just announced rightfully so. Play dirty get dirty! Now if the buyers of Tesla start boycotting and the new likers of EM dont buy anyway what will happen to his business model? Time will tell.
@[email protected]
What do you mean his cars do not qualify?
Tesla sells like half a million of Model Y and 3’s in the USA and every single one gets the Rebate.
Do you mean the the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck do not qualify?