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NACS charging

There’s been a lot of chatter amongst the EV industry lately about the North American Charging Standard, better known by the initialism “NACS.” The charging standard originally introduced by Tesla is quickly becoming the preferred charging plug and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. All the more reason to stay in the know since your next EV could very well use NACS to charge.

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The birth of a new charging standard

Like several of the EV technologies automakers have adopted and implemented today, Tesla paved the way. The American automaker decided to develop its own charging plug en route to establishing a proprietary charging network that would become today’s ultra-reliable Supercharger Network.

Back in 2012 with the launch of the Model S sedan, Tesla first introduced its proprietary charging standard, referred to as the Tesla Charging Connector (brilliant nomenclature, right?). The standard would be adopted for the American automaker’s three proceeding EV models as it continued to implement its Supercharger network around North America and into new global markets where its EVs were being sold.

Still, CCS has held a respectable reign as the inherent standard in EV charging after quickly ousting Japan’s CHAdeMO plug back in the early days of EV adoption when the Nissan LEAF was still a global leader. Since Europe uses a different CCS standard than North America, Tesla’s built for the EU market use CCS Type 2 connectors as an additional option to the existing DC Type 2 connector. As a result, the automaker was able to open up its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs overseas much sooner.

Despite years of rumors about Tesla opening up its network to all-EVs in North America, it wasn’t until recently it actually happened. Given that the Supercharger network remains, without argument, the largest and most reliable on the continent, this was a huge win for EV adoption as a whole and has led to the establishment of the NACS as the preferred method of charging.

  • NACS charging
  • NACS charging

Tesla charging connector? No, NACS

In the 11 years since the Tesla Supercharger was introduced, its network has grown to over 45,000 charging piles (NACS, and CCS) around the globe. Recently, Tesla began opening up its exclusive network to non-marque EVs thanks to a new adapter it calls the “Magic Dock.”

This proprietary dual connector allows for charging across both NACS and CCS Type 1 plugs and is slowly but surely rolling out to Supercharger stations across the continent. As plans to open its network up to other EVs were coming fruition, Tesla announced it was renaming its charging plug the North American Charging Standard (NACS).

The move quickly drew criticism from legacy automakers going electric, as CCS was still the actual charging standard. Tesla, on the other hand, argued that NACS should be adopted because its adapter is significantly more compact. It also offers more seamless connection and access to the Supercharger network as thousands of piles are being replaced with Magic Docks.

Like many new technologies and ideas, the general population threw out a blend of both skepticism and excitement, but CCS has remained the go to charging standard. However, a startup known for thinking outside the box in EV design offered a catalyst in NACS charging adoption we’re watching just begin to catch fire today.

The NACS plug on the upcoming Aptera solar EV / Credit: Aptera Motors

The industry hops on the NACS hype train

Last summer, solar EV startup Aptera Motors truly got the NACS adoption train rolling before Tesla had even opened up the standard to others. Aptera said it saw the potential in NACS charging and even created a petition to make it the true standard on the continent, garnering nearly 45,000 signatures.

By fall, Aptera was publicly debuting its Launch Edition solar EV, complete with NACS charging with the permission of Tesla. It even added DC fast charging capabilities as the request of its passionate community.

Having Aptera onboard NACS was big for Tesla, but not that big. The startup hasn’t even reached scaled SEV production yet. The real momentum for NACS adoption would come months later when Tesla announced a surprising partnership with a proper rival – Ford Motor Company.

Beginning next year, Ford EV owners will gain access to 12,000 Tesla Superchargers in the US and Canada using an NACS adapter that will be offered directly to them. Furthermore, wew Ford EVs built after 2025 will come with the NACS charging port already integrated into their design, eliminating any need for adapters.

Less than two weeks later, another major American automaker announced a partnership with Tesla to adopt NACS charging – General Motors. GM offered the same strategy as Ford in integrating adapters for initial customers followed by a full NACS integration in 2025. This announcement all but confirmed that NACS is in fact the new standard on the continent and further established the trio as a new “big three” in American EV manufacturing.

Since then, the flood gates have opened, and we’ve seen a press release almost daily from charging networks and equipment manufacturers vowing to follow suit and adopt NACS access for charger customers. Here are a few:

  • ABB
  • Blink Charging
  • Chargepoint
  • EVgo
  • FLO
  • Freewire
  • Tritium
  • Wallbox

With a slew of major players in the EV and charging world now onboard, Tesla’s Supercharger network is growing in size and value, and could be worth as much as $100 billion. Meanwhile, the American automaker continues to open up access to its chargers to non-Tesla EVs in new markets like China.

Looking ahead, CCS will remain a standard in North America for the time being, but it appears to be on borrowed time as three of the world’s largest automakers are transitioning to NACS. Some other OEMS are sure to dig their heels in and stick with CCS, but we may one day see the plug out to pasture next to CHAdeMO as yet another stepping stone to smaller, faster, and more universal charging standards.

NACS Charging FAQ

What does NACS stand for?

North American Charging Standard.

Who created NACS?

Tesla introduced NACS charging in 2012 with the launch of its Model S sedan and its own proprietary Supercharger network.

Is NACS available in Europe?

No. At least not yet. The charging standard is just beginning to be hailed as the new method of charging in North America only. Europe still primarily uses the CCS Type 2 standard. That could always change though, but it will take time.

What automakers have committed to NACS so far?

There are more and more each day, but major ones to note are Tesla (obviously), Ford, GM, and Aptera. Other legacy automakers like Stellantis have not ruled out switching to NACS, but are not ready to commit just yet.

What are the advantages of the NACS plug?

The NACS plug is smaller and more compact, and offers more seamless access to Tesla’s growing Supercharger Network – arguably the most reliable and established on the planet.

Will older EV models be able to use Tesla chargers?

Yes. Tesla is in the process of opening its charger network up to most all EVs, whether they have NACS capabilities or not. Older or CCS-type EVs will be able to connect using Tesla’s Magic Dock adapter.

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The Jeep Recon Moab EV goes full beast mode in black as it drops camo [Images]

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5 hours ago

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September 29, 2025

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The Jeep Recon Moab EV goes full beast mode in black as it drops camo [Images]

Jeep-Recon-EV-Moab

Jeep’s new electric SUV looks pretty sweet in a blacked-out Moab edition. The Jeep Recon Moab EV was spotted with hardly any camo, sporting black paint, wheels, tint, and some serious off-road upgrades.

Check out the Jeep Recon Moab EV in black

The Recon is expected to make its official debut later this year, but we are already getting a look at the new Moab trim.

Although it won’t replace the Wrangler, Jeep said the Recon takes inspiration from the legendary off-roader and will even pull a few fan favorites, like optional doors and windows.

The Recon is Jeep’s third electric SUV, following the Avenger and Wagoneer S, promising to be the brand’s first true off-road EV.

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We have a good idea of what the Recon will look like when it arrives, after several prototypes have been caught in public testing. The closer it gets to production form, the more and more it looks like a Ford Bronco, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

A new sighting, from the folks at Jeep Recon Forum, offers a closer look at the Recon Moab trim, all blacked out.

Jeep-Recon-EV-Chevy-Equinox
Jeep-Recon-EV-black

It looks about the same, maybe a little refined, compared to the first Moab model we saw, which leaked out of a dealer event in Las Vegas way back in March 2023.

You can also see a good size comparison to the Chevy Equinox sitting next to it. Jeep’s SUV is clearly taller with a more upright stance.

Jeep already took a shot at Ford during the Super Bowl earlier this year, recruiting Harrison Ford for a commercial where the Recon races past the Bronco on an off-road trail. Harrison joked at the end, “This Jeep makes me happy, even though my name is Ford.”

Jeep-Recon-EV-Ford-Bronco
Jeep Recon Moab 4xe (source: JeepReconForum)

The Recon is set to make an official debut later this year and will go on sale as a 2026 model year. Jeep has kept most details secret, but promised it will be able to tackle the Rubicon Trail with enough charge to get back to town and recharge.

Like the Wagoneer S, the Recon will be based on the STLA Large platform, which should provide at least 300 miles of driving range.

The Moab will be one of several trim options, which will likely include at least a Willys and Overland version as well.

We will learn prices closer to launch, but the Jeep Recon EV is expected to start at around $60,000. The Moab and other trims could cost upwards of $80,000 or more, similar to the Wrangler.

Source: JeepReconForum


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Tesla launches first full V4 Supercharger station with 500 kW capacity

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6 hours ago

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September 29, 2025

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Tesla launches first full V4 Supercharger station with 500 kW capacity

Tesla Supercharger V4 peak charge rate

Tesla has finally turned on its first full V4 Supercharger (stalls plus cabinets), capable of 500 kW charging, marking the end of a confusing rollout of the next-generation chargers over the last three years.

The Supercharger network is by far the best large-scale electric vehicle fast-charging network in the world.

It is arguably the best thing Tesla has ever done.

The network leads in terms of scale, usefulness, reliability, and overall ease of use. In Europe and Asia, there’s decent competition, but in North America, there’s no close second.

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However, there’s one aspect of fast-charging networks where Tesla doesn’t lead: charging rate and, therefore, time.

For a decade, other charging networks have achieved and even surpassed a 350 kW peak charge rate.

In fact, in 2016, when Tesla started talking about its next-gen V3 Superchargers, I asked CEO Elon Musk if it would be capable of 350 kW charging, and he suggested that it would be higher than that – calling 350 kW “a children’s toy”:

That comment didn’t age well as Tesla’s V3 Supercharger peaked at 250 kW, and it has been the norm for almost the last 10 years.

In 2023, Tesla started deploying “V4 Superchargers”, but the rollout has been confusing.

For the first time, Tesla claimed that V4 Superchargers finally achieved “children’s toy” capacity of 350 kW, but the automaker didn’t deploy genuine “V4” Superchargers at the time.

Instead, Tesla only deployed V4 charging stalls or posts, but the power actually comes from the charging cabinets, and those remained the same V3 cabinets.

The main change with the new charging posts was the introduction of a new, longer charging cable, which enabled easier accessibility for non-Tesla vehicles, many of which have different charge port locations.

Tesla Supercharger V4 official

Late last year, Tesla finally announced that the first full V4 Superchargers, featuring the new cabinets and up to 500 kW charging, would arrive in 2025.

Earlier this year, the automaker also announced that it managed to boost the capacity of its V4 posts with V3 cabinets to 325 kW.

Tesla’s first real V4 Supercharger is here

Today, Tesla confirmed that its first full V4 Supercharger station (with V4 stalls and power cabinets) has been activated in Redwood City, California:

The automaker shared an image of the first people to charge at the new V4 Supercharger station:

However, you can’t take advantage of the new capacity with a Model 3. Only Tesla’s Cybertruck can use the full capacity of the new V4 Superchargers.

Tesla shared a video of a Cybertruck reaching the max capacity:

The video showed the Cybertruck virtually completely depleted. Therefore, it’s unclear how long it can maintain the peak 500 kW charge rate, but the video suggests that it can charge from 0 to 80% state of charge in 35 minutes, which is a great charge time.

For now, only Tesla vehicles can charge at the new V4 Superchargers, but the automaker aims to make it available to non-Tesla vehicles soon.

Many more non-Tesla models can take advantage of the higher charge than Tesla models, which is limited to the Cybertruck.


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EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max and Ultra stations launch with up to $2,000 savings + FREE gear from $759, Bluetti Early Prime Day Sale, more

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6 hours ago

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September 29, 2025

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EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max and Ultra stations launch with up to ,000 savings + FREE gear from 9, Bluetti Early Prime Day Sale, more

We’ve got an exciting launch kicking off this week’s Green Deals, with EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 series expanding to include the new DELTA 3 Max and DELTA 3 Ultra power stations with up to $2,000 in early-bird savings and FREE bundled gear starting from $759. Right behind those is Bluetti’s fresh Early Prime Day Sale with up to 63% discounts and some select exclusive savings, which is seeing the latest Apex 300 station dropping to a new $1,394 low, among many other offers. There’s also some savings to be had on an EGO chainsaw package, as well as 60V Greenworks snow blowers, and other ongoing Early Prime Day savings waiting for you below. And don’t forget about all the hangover deals from last week collected at the bottom of the page, rounded together within our latest edition of Electrified Weekly.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

EcoFlow launches new DELTA 3 Max and Ultra power stations with up to $2,000 in savings + FREE gear starting from $759

While its Early Prime Day Sale continues through October 6, EcoFlow is launching the parallel early-bird deals on its new DELTA 3 series of power stations, which are not yet available on Amazon. Things start with EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station (and bundles) starting from $759.05 shipped for the station with a FREE trolley, after using the code 25EFAFFD3S at checkout for an additional 5% off. This new power solution will carry a $1,499 MSRP once these early launch savings end on October 12, with this being your first chance at cash savings. This is quite the release discount as the 49% markdown we’re seeing during this period cuts $740 off the going rate and sets the bar for future discounts/sales. Head below to learn more about this new unit and check out its bundle savings options.

EcoFlow’s new DELTA 3 Max power station brings a sizeable increase in capacity and output over the DELTA 3 Classic (formerly known as the DELTA 3 Plus), with a doubled 2,048Wh LiFePO4 battery that can be expanded higher than its predecessor up to 10,240Wh using either the DELTA 3, DELTA Pro 3, DELTA 2 Max, or DELTA 2 smart extra batteries. It can provide up to 2,400W of steady power through its nine output ports (four ACs, three USB-Cs, one USB-A, and one car port), surging as high as 3,400W to support hungrier devices/appliances thanks to the X-Boost 3.0 tech installed.

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One thing to note here is that this model does have an upgraded DELTA 3 Max Plus counterpart launching today too, which brings much of the same features, just with an increased output capacity of 3,000W to 6,000W. Coming rated for a minimum of 10 years of continuous power, you’ll have four primary ways to charge the DELTA 3 Max: via a standard AC outlet, with a gas generator, using the car port/ separately sold alternator charger (bundles below), or by connecting up to its max 500W solar input.

***Note: the extra savings have not been factored into any of the prices below, so be sure to use the code 25EFAFFD3S at checkout to score the best possible launch deals!

EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Max launch deals (with FREE trolley):

EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Max Plus launch deals (with FREE 10k power bank):

EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Ultra launch deals (with FREE 220W solar panel):

EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Ultra Plus launch deals (with FREE 220W solar panel):

Of course, if you’re looking for an alternate unit, especially ones with much larger capacities and capabilities, be sure to check out EcoFlow’s full Early Prime Day Sale lineup here, with up to 65% discounts, bonus savings, free gifts, and more – all starting from $169.

Man and woman running through field with Bluetti power station

Bluetti takes up to 63% off power stations and bundles in its Early Prime Day Sale + select exclusive savings – all from $329

Bluetti has officially launched its Early Prime Day Sale running through October 6 with up to 63% discounts, as well as continuing exclusive bonus savings on the brand’s latest release. Those bonus savings drop the new Apex 300 Versatile Power Station to $1,394.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS10F at checkout (which only works for Apex 300 purchases). This new unit would normally run you $2,399 at full price outside of these sales and exclusive pricing for our readers, which we’ve seen go as low as $1,439 in past sales with the exclusive savings since hitting the market in August. Now you can score it lower than ever, as the 42% combined markdown here cuts $1,005 off the tag for the all-time lowest price we have tracked. Head below to learn more about this unit and the many others benefiting from discounts during this event.

If you want to learn more about this station, or browse the full lineup of deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this Early Prime Day Sale here.

man cutting through log with EGO 56V 16-inch cordless chainsaw

EGO’s 56V 16-inch cordless chainsaw covers storm debris, firewood collection, more at $219 annual low

Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw with 2.5Ah battery at $219 shipped. This package would normally run for $279 without any discounts, which we’ve seen drop lowest to $219 in 2025, while going as low as $189 in a one-time discount a year ago. You’re looking at a 22% markdown that has been holding strong through September, with $60 slashed from the price for the third-best rate we have tracked over all, and the best price of 2025.

If you want to learn more about this chainsaw, or the other EGO tools seeing notable discounts, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

man clearing snow in yard with Greenworks Pro 60V 22-inch cordless snow blower

You can prepare for snowfall with these 60V Greenworks snow blower kits starting from $360 (Save up to $188)

As we are stepping into fall, winter is not far off, which means we’re starting to see more frequent discounts on snow-clearing tools at Amazon, like the Greenworks Pro 60V 22-inch Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower with two 5.0Ah batteries at $562.49 shipped, matching the price direct from the brand’s website. Normally going for $750 at full price, discounts over 2025 have mostly kept things above $630, though there was a one-time fall to $548 back in January, and a drop lower to the $490 low at the end of 2024. This is a 25% markdown that cuts $188 off the going rate for the second-best price of 2025 and the third-lowest rate overall. Head below to learn more about this model and its counterparts that are also seeing discounts.

If you want to learn more about this pro-tier snow-clearing solution, or its cheaper alternative, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

EcoFlow DELTA 3
EcoFlow DELTA 3
EcoFlow DELTA 3

Best Fall EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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