In a significant move to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) offerings, Japanese automaker Subaru has announced its plan to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, slated to roll out in 2025.
This strategic decision is set to shape Subaru’s EV landscape, as it aims to launch eight new battery-powered vehicles by 2026. Let’s delve into the details of this electrifying development.
Unlocking Tesla’s Charging Network
Subaru, known for producing the Solterra, its sole battery electric vehicle, is set to revolutionise the EV market by adopting Tesla’s NACS connector.
This transition means that all cars equipped with the CCS inlet, such as the Solterra, will gain access to Tesla’s extensive network of over 15,000 Superchargers across North America. This access will be facilitated through an adaptor, providing Subaru EV owners with enhanced charging options.
Furthermore, Subaru will debut “certain” new BEV models in 2025, which will come equipped with the NACS connector right from the factory. This marks a strategic step towards ensuring seamless charging experiences for its EV customers.
Following Toyota’s Lead
This decision aligns with Subaru’s close relationship with Toyota, as the latter manufactures Subaru’s sole EV at its factory in Motomachi, Japan, alongside its bZ4X cousin. Toyota and its luxury brand, Lexus, recently made a similar move by embracing the Tesla charging standard.
This demonstrates a collective commitment among Japanese automakers to streamline their EV charging infrastructure by adopting Tesla’s technology.
Subaru, in partnership with Toyota, is also set to introduce a three-row SUV as its first new electric vehicle in 2025. Both automakers will produce these vehicles at their Kentucky plant, coinciding with the year when in-house EV production will commence in Japan.
Ambitious EV Goals
Subaru has set ambitious targets for its EV sales in the coming years. By 2030, the company aims to make half of its global sales volume consist of battery electric vehicles, accounting for approximately 600,000 units out of an expected volume of 1.2 million.
In the United States, Subaru is targeting annual sales of 400,000 EVs by 2028. These goals emphasize Subaru’s commitment to electrification, aligning with the brand’s long-term vision.
The Reliability of Tesla’s Supercharger Network
Tesla’s Supercharger network stands out as one of the most reliable DC fast charging networks in North America, boasting an impressive uptime record of over 99 percent year after year. In contrast, other public charging stations have faced challenges, with nearly 40 percent of charging attempts resulting in failure, according to a J.D. Power survey conducted last year.
Subaru’s move to adopt Tesla’s NACS connector is not only a strategic business decision but also a nod to the dependability of Tesla’s charging infrastructure.
In conclusion, Subaru’s adoption of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard marks a significant step towards enhancing the accessibility and reliability of its EV charging solutions.
With ambitious EV goals and a growing partnership with Toyota, Subaru is poised to make a remarkable impact in the electric vehicle market.
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