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The Ultimate Guide to All EVs That Support NACS

The Ultimate Guide to All EVs That Support NACS

Quick Summary

NACS is becoming the standard: Tesla’s connector (SAE J3400) is now widely adopted, giving EVs access to faster charging, a more reliable Supercharger network, and stronger long-term resale value.

Native ports vs adapters: Some EVs now ship with native NACS ports, while many CCS vehicles can use approved NACS-to-CCS adapters—software authorization and automaker approval are just as important as hardware.

Quality adapters matter: High-power DC fast charging demands UL-certified, OEM-backed adapters like the Lectron Vortex series to ensure safe, stable, and reliable access to Tesla Superchargers during the transition.

Which models need adapters? Which ones have native NACS ports?

The electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape in North America is undergoing its most significant shift since the introduction of DC fast charging. What was once a fragmented ecosystem of competing plugs, networks, and standards is now rapidly converging around a single connector: NACS, or the North American Charging Standard.

Originally developed and used exclusively by Tesla, NACS has evolved into the industry’s dominant charging interface. With Tesla opening its Supercharger network and SAE formalizing the connector as SAE J3400, nearly every major automaker has committed to supporting NACS, either through native vehicle ports or approved adapters.

For EV buyers, this shift fundamentally changes how and where you can charge. It affects charging speed, road-trip reliability, resale value, and even which EV models make sense to buy today versus tomorrow.

Introduction: NACS Is Now the North American Standard

Tesla’s Supercharger network has long been considered the gold standard for public EV charging. Its ability to support both AC and DC fast charging made “fueling up” simpler for a relatively young EV market.

The Tesla plug and receptacle with the two main power pins prominently seen.

 

Tesla chargers use the same two main power pins for AC and DC power transfer, allowing multi-level charging with a single plug. This proved to be an attractive advantage over the then-more popular J1772 standard, which requires EVs to shuffle between the J1772 plug for Level 1 and Level 2 charging and the Combined Charging System (CCS) connector for DC charging.


The industry's clamor for a more inclusive EV charging infrastructure prompted Tesla to make a move: to establish a new North American Charging Standard. And the first step was to open-source its proprietary connector to third-party manufacturers. What followed was a domino effect, with Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen Group brands, and many others signing agreements to adopt Tesla’s connector

Why NACS Adoption Matters

  • Charging Speed: NACS supports high-power DC fast charging—up to 1,000 volts and 500 amps—enabling modern EVs to add significant range in minutes rather than hours.
  • Network Reliability: Tesla’s Supercharger network includes more than 23,500 V3 and V4 fast-charging stalls, many with higher uptime and simpler user experiences than legacy CCS networks.
  • Long-Term EV Resale Value: As NACS becomes the default, vehicles that support it are likely to retain stronger resale value and broader usability, either natively or through approved adapters.

Most importantly, NACS is no longer Tesla-only. Today, dozens of non-Tesla EVs can already access Superchargers, and many upcoming models will ship with NACS ports built directly into the vehicle.

What Counts as “NACS-Compatible”?

Not all NACS support is created equal. Understanding the difference between native NACS and adapter-enabled access is critical.

  • Native NACS: The vehicle is manufactured with an SAE J3400 port. No adapter is required to use Tesla Superchargers or other NACS chargers.

  • Adapter-Enabled NACS: The vehicle uses a CCS1 charge port but can access Tesla Superchargers using an approved NACS-to-CCS adapter.

Both approaches are valid, but they rely on different layers of compatibility.

The Role of Software Updates

Even with the correct hardware, Supercharger access depends on:

  • Automaker authorization

  • Vehicle firmware updates

  • Tesla network approval

A physical adapter alone does not grant access—the vehicle must be approved by its manufacturer.

EV Brands Using NACS via Approved Adapters

Ford Motor Company and General Motors were the first to announce their adoption of the NACS charge port in 2026 models. Other automakers followed suit, with Ford and Rivian releasing their respective branded NACS adapters that would allow their  CCS1-enabled EVs to fast charge at select v3 Superchargers. However, supply issues caused backlogs to both manufacturers, with some drivers being months away on the waitlist.

Lectron stepped in to fill this gap, ramping up production of its much-talked-about Vortex Plug.

Tesla also has a handful of Superchargers equipped with the Magic Dock, which is essentially a built-in adapter for CCS1 EVs not on the list.

Here are the EV models with Supercharger access via approved adapters [updated as of January 8, 2026]:

A Kia EV9 Supercharging with the Lectron Vortex Plug. Image courtesy of Sypnotix.

Manufacturer Approved Models (CCS1 Port) Access Status / Notes
Acura ZDX Access active since mid-2025.
Audi Q6 e-tron, A6 Sportback e-tron, e-tron GT Access active since late 2025.
BMW i4 (2022–26), i5 (2024–25), i7 (2023–26), iX (2022–25) Access active since late 2025.
Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit First to gain access (Feb 2024).
Cadillac Lyriq, Escalade IQ Access active since late 2024.
Chevrolet Silverado EV, Equinox EV, Blazer EV, Bolt EV / EUV Access active since late 2024.
GMC Sierra EV, Hummer EV (Pickup & SUV) Access active since late 2024.
Genesis GV60, Electrified GV70, Electrified G80 Access active since early 2025.
Honda Prologue Access active since mid-2025.
Hyundai Ioniq, Ioniq 5 (pre-2025), Ioniq 6, Kona Electric Access active since early 2025.
Jaguar I-Pace Access active since late 2025.
Kia Niro EV, EV6, EV9 Access active since early 2025.
Lucid Air, Gravity Access active since mid-2025.
Mercedes-Benz EQB, EQE (Sedan/SUV), EQS (Sedan/SUV) Access active since early 2025.
MINI Cooper SE, Countryman SE Access active since late 2025.
Nissan Ariya Access active since late 2024.
Polestar Polestar 2, 3, 4 Access active since late 2024.
Rivian R1S, R1T (2025 and older) Early adopter; access active since March 2024.
Toyota bZ4X (2023–25), bZ (2026) Access active since late 2025.
Volkswagen ID.4, ID. Buzz Access active since late 2025.
Volvo EX30, EX40, EC40, EX90 Access active since late 2024.

EV Brands With Native NACS

When SAE International officially standardized the North American Charging Standard, Hyundai was the first to fully commit, releasing the 2025 IONIQ 5 with a native NACS port. However, as is the case with early adopters, the IONIQ 5 initially charged slower at Superchargers compared to when plugged in at CCS chargers via the included CCS1-to-NACS adapter. This was largely due to older V3 Superchargers, which top at 250kW, not being able to deliver the voltage that Hyundai’s EVs built on its 800-volt E-GMP platform can accept. This changed with the rollout of V4 Superchargers, which can deliver up to 500kW.

Here are the EV models with a native NACS port [updated as of January 8, 2026]:

The 2026 Rivian R1T Quad with a native NACS port. Image courtesy of rivianupdates on Instagram.

Manufacturer Approved Models (Native NACS) Availability / Notes
Tesla All models (Model S, 3, X, Y, Cybertruck) Native since inception.
Cadillac Optiq, Optiq-V (2026) First GM models to feature the port natively.
Genesis Electrified GV70 (2026) First Genesis model with a factory-installed NACS port.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2025–26), Ioniq 9 (2026) 2025 Ioniq 5 was the first non-Tesla with a native port.
Kia EV6 (2025), EV9 (2026) 2025 EV6 (excluding GT) and all 2026 EV9 models.
Lucid Gravity (2025–26) Launched with native NACS; Air models currently use adapters.
Nissan Leaf (2026) Unique dual-port setup: J1772 for Level 2 and NACS for DC fast charging.
Rivian R1S, R1T (2026+) Refreshed 2026 models move the port to native NACS.
Subaru Solterra (2026) Follows Toyota’s platform update with native NACS.
Toyota Toyota bZ (2026) Renamed/updated bZ4X features a native port for 2026.

Lectron’s Vortex Plug Takes Center Stage

When Tesla opened its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs, demand for NACS adapters quickly exceeded supply. Tesla did not initially produce adapters at the scale automakers needed, creating a bottleneck during the industry’s transition to NACS. That gap was filled by Lectron, which evolved from an aftermarket EV accessory brand into an OEM supplier supporting major automakers including Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche.

Rather than building adapters from scratch, automakers turned to Lectron’s existing designs, manufacturing capacity, and real-world validation. This approach allowed faster deployment while meeting the durability and safety standards required for DC fast charging.

Built for High-Power DC Fast Charging

The Lectron Vortex Plug is engineered specifically for the demands of Tesla V3 and V4 Superchargers. Rated for up to 500 amps and 1,000 volts, it supports the high power levels needed for modern fast charging, enabling compatible EVs to add significant range in a short period of time under optimal conditions.

As an answer to growing concerns about safety, especially with handling extremely high voltage, Lectron released the Vortex Plus, which features a secure interlock mechanism designed to help maintain a stable connection during fast-charging sessions. It is the first publicly available NACS-to-CCS adapter certified under UL 2252, a standard focused on electrical, mechanical, and thermal safety for high-voltage EV charging equipment.

The Ford-branded, Lectron co-developed NACS adapter. Image courtesy of Ford.

Lectron’s role extends beyond consumer accessories. Ford and GM co-developed their branded NACS adapters with Lectron, while Mercedes-Benz and BMW recommend the Vortex Plus to their customers. Volkswagen Group brands, including Audi and Porsche, also rely on Lectron-built adapters.

Why Adapter Quality Matters for NACS Charging

DC fast charging pushes immense amounts of power through relatively compact hardware. At peak output, Tesla Superchargers can deliver hundreds of amps at high voltage, leaving little margin for error. When adapters are poorly designed or insufficiently tested, they can introduce issues that affect both charging performance and long-term reliability.

Poor-quality adapters may:

  • Overheat under sustained load, especially during longer fast-charging sessions

  • Fail communication handshakes between the vehicle and the Supercharger

  • Interrupt charging sessions due to unstable electrical or mechanical connections

  • Create long-term reliability risks, including accelerated wear on the adapter or vehicle charge port

High-quality adapters are designed to address these challenges directly by focusing on:

  • Thermal management, helping dissipate heat during high-current charging

  • Electrical stability, ensuring consistent power delivery throughout the session

  • Secure mechanical locking, reducing the risk of partial connections or unexpected disconnects

  • Protocol compatibility with Superchargers, enabling reliable communication across different charger generations

This is why automaker-backed, UL-certified adapters matter. Products like the Lectron Vortex series, which have undergone formal safety certification and OEM validation, are engineered to perform reliably under real-world DC fast-charging conditions rather than simply meeting minimum functional requirements.

What This Means for EV Buyers in 2026

For EV buyers in 2025, the shift to NACS does not mean you need to immediately replace your vehicle or wait for a model with a native NACS port. While native NACS is clearly the long-term direction, high-quality, approved adapters have effectively removed the urgency to switch right away.

Millions of CCS-equipped EVs are already on the road, and many of them can now access Tesla’s Supercharger network using approved NACS-to-CCS adapters. This means today’s EV owners can benefit from NACS infrastructure without changing vehicles.

With the right combination of vehicle support, software authorization, and an approved adapter, drivers can already enjoy:

  • Access to 25,000+ Tesla Superchargers across North America

  • Reliable DC fast charging on long road trips

  • More consistent charging experiences compared to many legacy CCS networks

  • Reduced charging anxiety, especially in areas with limited public infrastructure

Because adapter-based access delivers much of the same real-world convenience as native NACS, switching to a NACS-equipped EV is often a matter of timing rather than necessity. For many buyers, it makes sense to:

  • Keep a current CCS EV and use an approved adapter

  • Purchase a CCS EV today without worrying about immediate obsolescence

  • Wait for future vehicle refreshes or redesigns that include native NACS ports

Practicality-wise, adapter-based Supercharger access is already functionally close to native NACS, particularly when using automaker-approved, UL-certified solutions like the Lectron Vortex series. This flexibility allows buyers to focus on factors like vehicle range, price, and features, rather than feeling pressured to adopt new hardware immediately.

Native NACS will eventually become standard across most new EVs, but in 2026, adapters have made the transition far less disruptive, giving consumers time to move at their own pace while still enjoying the benefits of Tesla’s charging network.

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