Mazda Announces its Adoption of the North American Charging Standard
January 04 2024,
Mazda has announced that its future electric vehicles will be compatible with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) from 2025. Here's what this means for those considering the purchase of a Mazda electric model in the next few years:
Compatibility and accessibility
Mazda's adoption of NACS enables compatibility with the Tesla supercharger network, giving Mazda electric vehicle owners access to over 15,000 charging stations in North America. This compatibility ensures greater flexibility and facilitates longer journeys, reducing range anxiety.
Fast, efficient charging
The NACS connector is designed to be compact and lightweight, while still allowing very rapid recharging. This means that drivers can recharge their vehicle in less time, which is particularly advantageous on long freeway journeys. What's more, Tesla's Supercharger stations are strategically located, whether in busy areas of large cities or along major highway corridors. This further enhances the user-friendliness of Mazda's future electric models by enabling drivers to find charging points without having to make detours.
Long-term strategy
Although Mazda is not yet a major player in fleet electrification, the adoption of NACS is a strategic decision that paves the way for the brand's future electric vehicles. It demonstrates Mazda's commitment to electrification and its determination to remain competitive in the market. In fact, the brand will introduce at least one new all-electric model by 2025.
User comfort
In addition to extended access to charging stations, NACS offers enhanced convenience thanks to its more advanced design than the CCS connector currently used by Mazda, enabling it to be smaller while still delivering high charging power. What's more, the cable used by the NACS connector is thinner and more flexible, making it easier to use, especially in cold weather.
Environmental commitment
Mazda's adoption of NACS is part of a broader commitment to environmental responsibility. By facilitating the use of electric vehicles, Mazda is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition to more sustainable mobility.
What's the current situation?
As you probably know, Mazda already offers an electric vehicle to Quebec drivers: the MX-30 EV. Although it does not yet feature NACS technology, the MX-30 remains an interesting product that is unique on the market. In fact, the 2024 Mazda MX-30 EV is a small, subcompact electric crossover that stands out from other models in its class for its bold styling, high level of driving pleasure, and unconventional features such as reverse-opening rear doors and the use of cork in the cabin. It's true that the Mazda MX-30 EV doesn't offer the longest range on the market, with up to 161 kilometres on a full charge, but this characteristic enables it to offer other advantages such as a shorter fast-charging time and more interesting driving dynamics.
Mazda's integration of the NACS charging system is a considerable step forward for future owners of the brand's electric vehicles. Not only does it offer improved accessibility and faster charging, it also positions Mazda as a proactive player in the evolution of electromobility. With initiatives like this, Mazda is reinforcing its commitment to its customers and the environment, while paving the way for the future of its electric vehicle range.
Contact us to find out more!