Companies that want to take advantage of some $400 million in federal subsidies to build charging infrastructure in Texas must include Tesla-style NACS connectors. That’s a new official rule in the Lone Star state and it’s going into effect despite opposition on the move. It makes Texas the second state in the union to officially require the NACS plug on all state-backed chargers. It might not be the last.
Texas proposed this rule a few months back and over that time it’s garnered criticism. Five different EV charging manufacturers have complained that it’ll slow them down and could create issues with the rollout of infrastructure. The pushback delayed the vote on this measure twice. Texas officials believe that it’ll be worthwhile though as it’ll ensure that most vehicles are covered by the associated chargers.
“The two-connector approach being proposed will help assure coverage of a minimum of 97% of the current, over 168,000 electric vehicles with fast charge ports in the state,” Humberto Gonzalez, a director at the Texas Department of Transportation said according to Reuters. A year ago a move like this wouldn’t have been on the table.
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After a slew of different automakers agreed earlier this year to adopt the Tesla-style NACS plug, things changed. Now, these upcoming charging stations will support both types of charger plugs and that seems to be best for owners.
On the flip side, Tesla has also committed to opening up its Supercharger network to CCS-style EVs. To do so it’s already begun the process of installing something called the Magic Dock which adapts the NACS-style plug to a CCS charging port.
It’s worth noting that Kentucky also requires federally-funded chargers in the state to have both charging cords. Washington State could also end up going the same route. If that happens, it could trigger similar requirements across the nation.
