What is the difference between NACS and Tesla's original connector?

There is no functional difference. Tesla's original connector was standardized by SAE as J3400, and the name was officially changed to North American Charging Standard (NACS). It's the same physical connector and electrical standard.

Can I use a NACS charger with my CCS-equipped car?

Yes, you can, with an adapter. Most non-Tesla EVs use the CCS standard, which has separate pins for AC and DC charging. An adapter will connect the CCS port on your car to the NACS cable. The charging speed will be limited by your car's onboard charger, not the NACS station's maximum output.

What is the maximum charging speed for NACS?

The NACS standard itself supports up to 350 kW. However, the actual charging speed you experience depends on both the charging station's capability and your vehicle's onboard charging hardware. Newer cars and high-power chargers can reach these speeds, while older models will charge slower.

Will all new EVs use NACS in the future?

Most automakers selling vehicles in North America have announced plans to adopt the NACS standard for new models starting around 2025. This suggests NACS will become the dominant connector type across the continent, gradually phasing out CCS1 for new vehicle designs.

Where can I find NACS chargers?

NACS chargers are increasingly common throughout the United States and Canada. You can find them on our database, which lists stations from various networks. As adoption grows, more charging locations will offer NACS, either as a primary connector or alongside CCS.

AC + DCactive

NACS charging

North American Charging Standard (SAE J3400)

Tesla’s original connector, standardized as SAE J3400. Smaller and lighter than CCS1; carries both AC and DC over the same pins. Adopted by most automakers selling in North America from 2025 onward.

350 kW

Peak power

AC/DC

Current type

United States · Canada

Where you'll meet it

Spec sheet

NACS in practice

Formal designation: North American Charging Standard (SAE J3400)
Current: AC + DC
Max kW (commercial): 350
Adoption status: active

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Where to plug in a NACS car

The live map and country pages let you filter by connector. Pick a region to see only the stations that carry a NACS cable.

Find NACS stations →Cars using NACS

Deep dive

The North American Charging Standard (NACS) Explained

The connector most EV drivers know as Tesla's is now the North American Charging Standard, or NACS. Standardized as SAE J3400, this connector is smaller than CCS1 and handles both AC and DC charging through the same pins. It's becoming the dominant standard across North America.

Initially developed by Tesla, the NACS connector was standardized by SAE as J3400 in 2023. This move opened the door for widespread adoption beyond Tesla vehicles. The connector itself is smaller and lighter than the CCS1 connector it often replaces.

In our database, NACS connectors are listed primarily in the United States and Canada. Major charging networks are actively transitioning to NACS. While older stations might only offer CCS or CHAdeMO, new installations and upgrades frequently include NACS ports.

Power delivery varies by vehicle and charger. NACS is capable of up to 350 kW, a speed achievable by the latest EV models and high-power chargers. However, many cars will charge at lower rates. For instance, early EVs might see peak rates closer to 150 kW. Even with adapters, older cars designed for CCS may not be able to utilize the full 350 kW potential due to onboard hardware limitations.

For drivers of non-Tesla vehicles, adapters are readily available to use NACS chargers. These adapters typically convert the CCS port on the car to connect to a NACS cable. However, the charging speed is still limited by the vehicle's charging hardware. As automakers increasingly adopt NACS for new models, the need for adapters will decrease over time. By 2025, most new EVs sold in North America are expected to feature a NACS port directly.

FAQ

What is the difference between NACS and Tesla's original connector?: There is no functional difference. Tesla's original connector was standardized by SAE as J3400, and the name was officially changed to North American Charging Standard (NACS). It's the same physical connector and electrical standard.
Can I use a NACS charger with my CCS-equipped car?: Yes, you can, with an adapter. Most non-Tesla EVs use the CCS standard, which has separate pins for AC and DC charging. An adapter will connect the CCS port on your car to the NACS cable. The charging speed will be limited by your car's onboard charger, not the NACS station's maximum output.
What is the maximum charging speed for NACS?: The NACS standard itself supports up to 350 kW. However, the actual charging speed you experience depends on both the charging station's capability and your vehicle's onboard charging hardware. Newer cars and high-power chargers can reach these speeds, while older models will charge slower.
Will all new EVs use NACS in the future?: Most automakers selling vehicles in North America have announced plans to adopt the NACS standard for new models starting around 2025. This suggests NACS will become the dominant connector type across the continent, gradually phasing out CCS1 for new vehicle designs.
Where can I find NACS chargers?: NACS chargers are increasingly common throughout the United States and Canada. You can find them on our database, which lists stations from various networks. As adoption grows, more charging locations will offer NACS, either as a primary connector or alongside CCS.

Compatible

EVs that plug into NACS

2 models from the directory. Click through for full specs and the per-model charging curve.

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