Why CCS Chargers Are Still Key to the EV Charging Landscape

Why CCS Still Matters

Despite the transition to NACS, millions of CCS-enabled EVs remain on the road. CCS charging stations continue to be essential for non-Tesla drivers, and major charging networks like Electrify America and EVgo are maintaining CCS charging infrastructure to ensure accessibility.

Key Benefits of CCS Charging

Compatibility with Electric Vehicles

Most major EV manufacturers continue to support CCS chargers, ensuring broad charging network accessibility. Despite the transition to NACS, millions of CCS-equipped EVs remain on the road, making CCS charging stations a necessary part of the EV charging ecosystem.

CCS is supported by major automotive manufacturers, including:

• General Motors – Chevrolet Bolt and upcoming EVs.

• Mercedes-Benz – EQ models with CCS plugs.

• Nissan Leaf – Transitioning from CHAdeMO connectors to CCS connectors.

• Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, and BMW – Equipped with CCS compatibility.

• Tesla Superchargers – Now accessible to select CCS-equipped EVs via an adapter.

Ultra-Fast Charging Capabilities

CCS supports high-speed DC fast charging, allowing drivers to recharge quickly. Key benchmarks include:

• 50 kW: Adds ~75 miles in 30 minutes, ideal for lower-powered charging stations.

• 150 kW: Adds ~225 miles in 30 minutes, suitable for highway charging networks.

• 350 kW: Adds ~525 miles in 30 minutes, maximizing efficiency for long-distance travel.

These speeds make CCS chargers a convenient solution for both daily commutes and cross-country trips.

Future-Ready with Dual Standard Compatibility

To accommodate both CCS and NACS, many charging stations are integrating dual-standard chargers, ensuring continued support for CCS-enabled EVs. Benefits include:

• Tesla Supercharger access – Select Tesla Superchargers now support CCS charging via adapters, expanding charging options.

• Ongoing infrastructure investment – Networks like Electrify America and EVgo are ensuring CCS charging points remain available.

• Software upgrades – Enhancements to existing CCS chargers improve compatibility and charging efficiency.

While NACS adoption is growing, CCS chargers will continue to play an essential role in EV charging infrastructure, offering broad support and high-speed charging capabilities.

How to Use a CCS Charger

1. Locate a charging station using an EV charging app or the vehicle's onboard navigation system.

2. Park near the charger and ensure the charging cable can reach your vehicle coupler. Most CCS-equipped vehicles have the charging port positioned on the front or rear side, depending on the manufacturer.

3. Authenticate the charging session via an app, RFID card, or payment system. Some modern CCS chargers offer plug-and-play functionality, where authentication happens automatically.

4. Connect the CCS plug to your car's battery. EV chargers automatically detect the vehicle type and adjust the power level to match the car’s capabilities.

5. Monitor the charger's screen for charging progress. The screen will display the current charging rate, time remaining, and amount of power delivered.

6. Disconnect the CCS plug when charging is complete and return it to the charging station. Many CCS chargers automatically stop the charging session once the battery reaches full capacity.

CCS in a Shifting EV Landscape: The Rise of NACS

The transition from CCS charging to NACS is reshaping the EV charging ecosystem. Many automotive manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, Nissan, Lucid, and Mercedes-Benz, have announced plans to adopt Tesla’s NACS as their primary charging standard. This shift is driven by the widespread availability and reliability of Tesla’s Supercharger network.

While NACS adoption is increasing, CCS charging stations remain critical. Millions of EVs with CCS connectors will still need access to charging infrastructure, ensuring CCS chargers remain relevant for years to come.

Looming Challenges for CCS

• Infrastructure investment uncertainty – Governments and private networks must determine how to balance support between CCS and NACS charging stations.

• Decline in new CCS installations – As more automakers transition to NACS, fewer new EV models will feature CCS inlets.

• Compatibility concerns – Ensuring that existing CCS stations remain usable and can support both CCS and NACS-equipped vehicles.

• Charger reliability – Upgrading CCS charging stations to maintain usability, enhance uptime, and improve the overall charging process.

Adaptation Strategies

To address these challenges, charging networks and station manufacturers are implementing various solutions:

• Dual-standard charging stations – Networks like Electrify America and EVgo are equipping stations with both CCS and NACS connectors.

• CCS-to-NACS adapters – Tesla is upgrading the Supercharger network to accommodate CCS adapters, allowing CCS-equipped EVs to charge.

• Software and hardware updates – Upgrading existing CCS chargers to support multiple charging standards, ensuring longevity in the evolving EV charging ecosystem.

Render image of a Lucid Gravity with NACS port

The Future of CCS Charging

The future of CCS charging is evolving as more automakers transition to NACS. For EV drivers, the transition to NACS raises questions about long-term charging compatibility. While new vehicles will gradually adopt NACS, millions of CCS-equipped EVs will continue to rely on CCS chargers for years to come. The industry is working toward seamless charging experiences by ensuring that both CCS and NACS charging stations are accessible and reliable.

As technology advances, the future of EV charging infrastructure will likely be a blend of CCS chargers, NACS, and emerging charging technologies that prioritize efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.

FAQs

• Will CCS charging stations be phased out?

  No, even with the transition to NACS, CCS chargers will remain an important part of the EV charging infrastructure, supporting millions of existing EVs.