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Volvo Signs Deal with Tesla for EV Charging Access in North America
Volvo Drivers will be Able to Access 12,000 Tesla Charging Stations
Swedish automaker Volvo has announced that it has entered into a deal with Tesla to allow its electric vehicles to charge at approximately 12,000 Tesla charging stations in North America. This agreement is similar to recent deals struck by other major automakers such as Ford, General Motors, and Rivian. However, Volvo is the first European electric vehicle manufacturer to sign up for the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging standard for its electric vehicles.
Volvo to Use Tesla-Designed Plugs
Under the new agreement, Volvo's electric vehicles will use Tesla-designed plugs, which they will include from 2025 onwards. The move aims to make life with an electric car more convenient and accessible as access to easy and convenient charging infrastructure is essential to encourage more people to switch to electric driving.
Adapter will Enable Volvo Drivers to Use Tesla Superchargers
Volvo drivers will be able to use Tesla's Superchargers with an adapter from the first half of 2024. Volvo will also add the location of Tesla charging stations to its proprietary app in the same period. This deal will make it easier for Volvo drivers to travel longer distances without the fear of running out of battery.
The North American Charging Standard designed by Tesla
The proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug system has previously been used only by Tesla vehicles. However, last year, Tesla published the technical details of its system and said that anyone could adopt its charging system. Volvo's announcement will make it easier for more people to access and use NACS stations, which are known to have higher reliability than other charging station networks, while being more convenient and accessible for all, particularly the elderly and disabled.
Other Companies Following Suit
Several companies in the EV charging industry have already announced plans to transition to NACS plugs, including charging networks such as EVgo and ChargePoint, and EV charger manufacturers including ABB and Blink Charging. The CCS charging stations have been a growing concern for the Detroit automakers, considering they show lower reliability than Tesla's network. Therefore, more companies supporting NACS will make charging more convenient and easier for all.
The recent deal between Volvo and Tesla to provide electric vehicle (EV) charging accessibility in North America marks an exciting development for the green energy transportation industry, which is rapidly expanding. As more and more automakers continue to invest in EV technology, the need for convenient charging options and standardized charging systems is becoming increasingly important. This partnership is likely to have significant implications for new businesses starting up in the EV industry, as it suggests that the adoption of standardized charging systems - such as the North American Charging Standard (NACS) - is gathering pace.
As a result of Volvo's decision to adopt the NACS charging standard, we can expect to see other EV manufacturers following suit, paving the way for the growth of a standardized charging network that will make electric charging more accessible and user-friendly for drivers. This standardization will likely be beneficial for startup businesses that provide EV charging solutions, as it will increase demand for their products and services, making it easier for them to attract new EV customers. Additionally, the agreement between Tesla and Volvo shows that collaboration between industry players can drive progress, encouraging more partnerships in the future, which is only good news for startups.