Tesla has secured the backing of other automakers for its battery charging network, known as “superchargers.” Ford was the first to announce a partnership with Elon Musk in late May, followed by General Motors earlier this month. Rivian, an electric vehicle (EV) company, has expressed a desire to form a similar alliance.
Such partnerships allow owners of rival-brand vehicles to use Tesla’s nationwide network. Mary Barra, CEO of GM, was enthusiastic about doubling the number of chargers available to her company’s vehicle owners. In addition, she expects Tesla’s system, known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), to be standardized across the continent, which would facilitate wider adoption.
Tesla’s network is considered reliable, while rival electric vehicle charging options have faced problems due to supply chain and logistical challenges. The backing from Detroit’s auto giants has led to a 40% rise in Tesla shares since Ford’s announcement.
However, some experts say it is too early to declare NACS the winner. Some automakers, such as Volkswagen and Hyundai, are still betting on the Combined Charging System (CCS). A single standard is expected to be established in the future, but it is unclear how long that process will take.
Concerns about the lack of sufficient electric vehicle chargers have led to a review of charging infrastructure programs in the states. Although the federal government’s NEVI program is still underway, contracts to build chargers have not yet been awarded. The industry faces challenges such as material shortages and negotiating affordable electricity contracts.
Despite Tesla’s progress and growing support, the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is considered an evolving process and is expected to take time before a unified solution is reached.