In a significant shift, major automakers have adopted Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS), promising to provide adapters for non-Tesla electric vehicle (EV) owners to access the Supercharger network. The move marks a major transformation in the EV charging landscape, with nearly every major automaker now committed to adopting the standard.

The shift began in May 2023, when Ford announced a deal with Tesla to give its EV owners access to the Supercharger network. Since then, automakers such as General Motors, Hyundai, Rivian, Mercedes-Benz, and others have followed suit, committing to integrate NACS ports into their future EVs and providing adapters for existing customers.

Tesla's charging network, considered superior in terms of design and user experience, has long been a major advantage for the company. However, with the adoption of NACS, non-Tesla EV owners will soon be able to access the network, expanding the reach of the Supercharger network and providing more convenience for EV owners.

According to Tesla, there are currently 36,499 NACS ports available publicly in the US, compared to around 16,925 Combined Charging Standard (CCS) ports. While federal dollars have gone towards building out CCS chargers, the adoption of NACS is expected to accelerate the growth of the charging network.

For EV owners stuck with CCS ports, manufacturer-approved adapters will be necessary to access the Supercharger network. However, some third-party adapters claim to be compliant with safety and performance standards, although Tesla's website prohibits their use. Automakers such as GM have emphasized the importance of using approved adapters to protect EV batteries and maintain vehicle warranties.

Recent announcements from automakers suggest that adapters are on their way to customers. Ford, for example, has begun delivering adapters to certain customers, while GM has updated its software to allow customers to use Tesla's Superchargers. Hyundai and Kia have also announced plans to provide adapters and integrate NACS ports into their future EVs.

The adoption of NACS has significant implications for the EV industry, as it promises to expand the reach of the charging network and provide more convenience for EV owners. As more automakers commit to the standard, the industry is likely to see a shift towards greater interoperability and cooperation, ultimately benefiting consumers.

TechCrunch will continue to track which brands have access to the Tesla Supercharging Network and update the list as more automakers gain official access.