The state of Kentucky is requiring electric vehicle charging companies to include Tesla’s plug if they want to be part of a state program to electrify highways using federal dollars.
Kentucky’s mandate took effect on June 30th, making it the first state to require Tesla’s charging technology, despite Texas and Washington’s announcement with similar plans.
According to Kentucky’s request for proposals (RFP) for the state’s EV charging program released on June 30th, in addition to federal regulations for the competing Combined Charging System (CCS), Kentucky mandates Tesla’s plug, known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), at charging stations.
On the other hand, Tesla, the leading American EV manufacturer, has recently won several victories for its charging technology, beginning with Ford’s decision to adopt NACS.
However, a group of EV charger manufacturers and operators is pushing back against Texas’ plan to mandate the inclusion of Tesla’s charging technology, saying it’s “premature.” In a letter to the Texas Transportation Commission, they stated that more time was required to adequately standardize, test, and certify the safety and interoperability of Tesla connectors across the industry.
In a letter to the Texas Transportation Commission, they stated that more time was required to adequately standardize, test, and certify the safety and interoperability of Tesla connectors across the industry.
The U.S. Department of Transportation stated earlier this year that for charging companies to be eligible for federal financing to install 500,000 EV chargers by 2030, they must offer CCS connectors.
It further stated that other connectors are permissible under the rule if the charging stations meet CCS, the national standard. In addition, states would get $5 billion from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI).
