Texas Advances Tesla's Charging Standard With Funding Mandate

Texas greenlit its strategy to mandate the integration of Tesla's technology into electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for them to qualify for federal funding.

This decision comes despite requests for additional time to redesign and thoroughly assess the connectors.

This move by Texas, the largest beneficiary of a $5 billion initiative aimed at electrifying U.S. highways, is being closely monitored by other states. It marks a significant advancement for Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, in his ambition to establish Tesla's technology as the prevailing U.S. charging standard.

State Funding Initiatives Unveil Disparities

Tesla's initiatives face initial trials as certain states begin implementing the funding, according to Reuters. In Pennsylvania's initial funding round declared on Monday, the company secured numerous projects, yet none were secured last month in Ohio.

Federal regulations necessitate that companies provide the rival Combined Charging System (CCS) — a U.S. standard favored by the Biden administration — as a baseline criterion for accessing the funds.

Nevertheless, individual states can impose their own supplementary prerequisites on top of CCS before allocating federal funds within their jurisdiction.

EV Charging Landscape Shifts

The announcement made a little over two months ago by Ford Motor and General Motors, indicating their intention to adopt Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS), reverberated throughout the industry. This prompted multiple automakers and charging companies to embrace this technology.

Back in June, a Reuters report highlighted Texas' intention to require companies to incorporate Tesla's plugs. Other states like Washington have expressed similar intentions, while Kentucky has already made it mandatory.

Florida, a substantial recipient of the funding, recently adjusted its plans, stipulating that it would enforce NACS adoption one year after the standards body SAE International formally recognizes it, a move currently under review.

Texas Commission Faces Opposition

Several charging companies opposed the Texas Transportation Commission, contesting the requirement during the initial round of funds. They cited concerns about the supply chain and certification of Tesla's connectors, suggesting that this could jeopardize the successful rollout of EV chargers.

Consequently, Texas postponed voting on the plan twice to comprehend NACS and its implications better.

Eventually, the commission unanimously sanctioned the plan on Wednesday. Humberto Gonzalez, a director at Texas' Department of Transportation, presented the state's plan to the commissioners, asserting that the proposed two-connector approach would ensure coverage for a minimum of 97% of the existing over 168,000 electric vehicles with fast charge ports in the state.