FYI: Tesla Ramps Up Production of NACS Adapters at Upstate New York Factory
In a recent post on social media platform X, Tesla’s official charging account revealed that the company’s upstate New York factory is accelerating the production of North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters. These adapters are crucial for enabling electric vehicles (EVs) from other manufacturers like Ford, General Motors (GM), and Hyundai to utilize Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network once approved by these automakers.
### Slow Rollout of NACS Adapters Sparks Concerns
The excitement around this development is palpable because in 2023, most major automakers in the U.S. announced an impending switch to Tesla’s NACS plug, which would begin with the production of adapters. However, as we edge closer to September 2024, it’s evident that the rollout has been sluggish. A significant delay in adapter production and the intricate behind-the-scenes agreements and software updates needed to allow charger access have been primary obstacles.
### Tesla’s Announcement
In a breaking update on X, the social media platform spearheaded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Tesla’s charging account announced efforts to ramp up adapter manufacturing at its Buffalo plant. Although the company shared no further specifics, the announcement signals a potential shift towards faster rollout and availability of these adapters.
Tesla, known for its strict no-comment policy with the media, did not disclose recent production numbers at the Buffalo factory. It also remains unclear which other suppliers might be involved with the automakers.
### Industry Frustrations and Setbacks
According to insiders who spoke to InsideEVs under anonymity, Tesla has been the significant roadblock in pushing out more chargers and allowing more EVs on the network. This delay can be partly attributed to Musk’s sweeping layoffs in the charging team earlier this year as Tesla pivots its focus towards robotaxis and artificial intelligence. The scaled-down workforce has hindered both adapter production and the crucial software updates necessary for non-Tesla EVs to function with the Supercharger network.
### Slow Recovery and Re-Hiring
Since the layoffs in the spring, Tesla has begun re-hiring in the charging division, including many of the employees initially let go. Opening up the charging network is expected to unlock billions in revenue and federal funding.
### Current Availability and Automaker Responses
To date, Rivian and Ford are the only automakers that have begun rolling out adapters to customers. Ford, for instance, has faced supply constraints, leaving many Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners waiting for months after placing reservations.
“The supply is constrained,” said Ford spokesperson Marty Gunsberg to The Detroit Free Press in June. “Sales are up, and customers continue to reserve their complimentary adapter. We keep getting reservations.”
On the other hand, GM’s EVs are yet to see significant adapter availability, although the company remains in ongoing negotiations with Tesla. “GM continues to work in good faith with Tesla to finalize an agreement that offers a seamless Supercharger Network experience for our customers,” a GM spokesperson told InsideEVs.
### Looking Ahead
Tesla’s latest announcement, if followed through, could signify a substantial improvement in charging options for a broader range of EVs. Other automakers are also expected to share more about their plans soon.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
