Honda and its Acura vehicles in North America will acquire NACS. For those, who are not aware of the NACS then, it’s a charging connector designed by Tesla NACS. The initiative is led by GM’s own adoption of the charging standard. At the same time, Honda has their dependencies on GM’s EV platform in North America.
Honda has anticipated to disclosed its approval over NACS. This is because of the reason since GM has already revealed that it would go for NACS in its electric vehicles by 2025.
Another reason is Honda’s next two upcoming electric vehicles will debut in the North American markets. This is namely, Prologue and Acura ZDX, while both of these use the GM Ultium platform. Therefore, it certainly makes sense that Honda would follow the track.
The move is confirmed by Honda officials in an interview with Autoblog. This is by American Honda Motor Co. President and CEO Noriya Kaihara said about the move to NACS:
It is quite important. We also have to push NACS, as well. It is clear.
Furthermore, Shinji Aoyama, executive vice president of Honda Motor Co., added:
We clearly depend on GM. Once they [switch to NACS], this will follow for ZDX, as well.
This would indicate a switch to NACS in 2025. Although, it’s not been declared by the company yet in regards to a deal with Tesla to use the Supercharger network or get adapters. Although, it appears that this is the plan as Jay Joseph, American Honda’s vice president of sustainability and business development, praised the Tesla Supercharger maintenance:
If you look at what’s so great about the Tesla Supercharger network, it’s the maintenance. They stay on top of it, they’ve got someone onsite monitoring the equipment, they’re monitoring it electronically and remotely, and they fix it – fast. That’s probably the most important thing.
Therefore, access to the Supercharger network would definitely help Honda EV buyers. Additionally, the Japanese automaker is among one of seven auto giants to declare that they will partner in building a new EV charging network in North America.