BMW has become the latest automaker to agree to add Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) to its electric vehicles (EVs). The agreement covers BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce EVs in Canada and the US.
In a press release on Tuesday the German automaker said it is adopting NACS to “provide the best possible electric vehicle charging experience for its customers.” However unlike Tesla’s previous deals with other automakers, existing EV owners won’t gain access to the Supercharger network in 2024 but will instead have to wait until 2025. At that time BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce with CCS-equipped EVs will get an adapter that will allow them to plug in to the Supercharger network.
Also in 2025 BMW will start producing its EVs in the North American market with an integrated NACS charge port.
“With six fully electric BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce models now available in the U.S. market, and more to come, it is our top priority to ensure that our drivers have easy access to reliable, fast charging. This agreement is the latest in our longstanding and continued effort to expand charging options for our customers as we continue on the road to electrification,” said Sebastian Mackensen, President & CEO, BMW of North America.
BMW says it will work with Tesla in the coming months to ensure that its EV owners will be able to “find and access available Superchargers on their vehicle’s display, and make payments through their respective vehicle’s brand app.
The German automaker also says that this agreement with Tesla does not alter their plans to build out their own charging network through a joint venture with six other automakers, including GM and Stellantis.
“This agreement is independent of BMW NA’s recently announced commitment, with six other automakers, to create a joint venture company that will build a new, high-powered electric vehicle charging network in North America. The new joint venture will build at least 30,000 new chargers in metropolitan areas and along major highways, which will be accessible to drivers of all battery electric vehicles from any automaker using CCS or NACS charging standards.”
