Apple Maps is set to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) navigation capabilities by integrating support for Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) in an upcoming iOS update
This upcoming change was first discovered in the latest iOS 18.4 beta code by developer and @aaronp613, who uncovered multiple references to Tesla’s NACS charging system within iOS 18.4 beta 2, including messages such as “Tesla NACS Adapter Required” and “Charging adapter required on this route.”
These alerts suggest that Apple Maps will soon provide real-time notifications when a NACS adapter is necessary for charging at certain stations, improving EV routing and charging station accessibility for a broader range of drivers.
This update is particularly beneficial for non-Tesla EV owners who rely on Tesla Superchargers equipped with NACS charge connectors. While some Superchargers include a built-in Magic Dock that supports CCS connectors, others require an adapter for non-Tesla vehicles. The new Apple Maps functionality aims to prevent surprises by alerting drivers in advance when an adapter is needed.
A future iOS 18.4 beta will add support for NACS in Apple Maps for electric vehicles pic.twitter.com/AGCwUUEmlu
— Aaron (@aaronp613) March 3, 2025
The integration of NACS awareness into Apple Maps aligns with Apple’s broader efforts to improve EV navigation through CarPlay. Currently, Apple Maps EV routing is only available for select vehicles, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Porsche Taycan. (via 9to5Mac) While Ford has begun providing NACS adapters for its EV owners, Apple Maps has yet to recognize these charging capabilities, limiting route planning to CCS-only stations.
The latest iOS 18.4 beta appears to address this gap by updating Apple Maps’ charging database, allowing it to recommend Tesla Superchargers for compatible EVs equipped with the proper adapter. This change ensures that Mach-E and Lightning owners can make full use of Tesla’s vast Supercharger network without being restricted in the navigation to CCS stations.
