CCS vs NACS: The Complete EV Connector Guide
Understand the difference between CCS and NACS EV connectors — which cars use which, how adapters work, and the industry's transition to NACS as the standard.
Last updated: April 13, 2026
In This Guide
What Are CCS and NACS?
When you pull up to a DC fast charger, the connector — the physical plug — determines whether you can charge. In North America, there are two main DC fast charging connectors:
CCS (Combined Charging System)
CCS — specifically CCS1 (Combo 1) in North America — is a connector standard developed by SAE International. It combines a J1772 AC plug on top with two additional DC pins on the bottom, creating a large combo connector.
CCS was adopted by most non-Tesla automakers starting around 2013 and was the dominant DC fast charging connector in the US for nearly a decade.
NACS (North American Charging Standard)
NACS is the connector Tesla designed for its vehicles and Supercharger network. Originally proprietary (called the "Tesla connector"), Tesla published the NACS specification as an open standard in November 2022. SAE International adopted it as the SAE J3400 standard in 2023.
NACS is significantly smaller and lighter than CCS, supports both AC and DC charging through a single port, and is now being adopted by virtually every automaker for North American vehicles.
Key Differences
| Feature | CCS (CCS1 / Combo 1) | NACS (SAE J3400) |
|---|---|---|
| Connector Size | Large (two-part combo) | Small (single plug) |
| Weight | Heavy — awkward to handle | Light — easy one-handed use |
| Max DC Power | 350 kW (theoretical) | 350 kW (V4 Supercharger) |
| AC Charging | Separate J1772 port needed | Same port handles AC and DC |
| Pins | 7 (2 AC + 2 DC + 3 signal) | 5 (2 power + 2 signal + 1 ground) |
| Locking Mechanism | Motorized pin lock | Button release latch |
| Adoption Status | Legacy (being phased out) | New standard (adopted by all major OEMs) |
| Charging Network | Electrify America, ChargePoint, EVgo, Blink | Tesla Supercharger (+ growing at other networks) |
Why NACS Won
The connector itself is simply better designed — smaller, lighter, and easier to use with one hand. When Tesla opened the specification and the Supercharger network, it became clear that the industry would consolidate around NACS rather than continuing to maintain two incompatible standards.
Which Cars Use Which?
Vehicles with NACS Ports (native)
- Tesla: All models (Model S, 3, X, Y, Cybertruck, Semi) — always used NACS
- Ford: 2025+ models (Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, E-Transit)
- GM: 2025+ models (Chevy Equinox EV, Blazer EV, Silverado EV, Cadillac Lyriq)
- Rivian: 2025+ models (R1T, R1S, R2, R3)
- Hyundai/Kia/Genesis: 2025+ models (Ioniq 5/6/7/9, EV6/9, GV60/70)
- BMW: 2025+ US models
- Mercedes-Benz: 2025+ US models
- Volvo/Polestar: 2025+ US models
- Nissan: 2025+ Ariya and future models
- Honda: Prologue (2024+, NACS via GM platform)
- Toyota: bZ5X and future EVs
- Stellantis (Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram): 2025+ EVs
Vehicles with CCS Ports
- Most 2020–2024 non-Tesla EVs: Chevy Bolt, Ford Mustang Mach-E (pre-2025), Hyundai Ioniq 5 (pre-2025), VW ID.4, BMW iX, etc.
- Older EVs: Any non-Tesla EV sold before 2025 in the US uses CCS
Vehicles with CHAdeMO
- Nissan Leaf (all years)
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (older models)
- Some older Kia Soul EVs
The NACS Transition
The industry's shift to NACS is the biggest change in EV charging infrastructure since public fast charging began.
Timeline
- 2012–2022: Tesla uses its proprietary connector; everyone else uses CCS
- November 2022: Tesla publishes the NACS specification as an open standard
- 2023: Ford, GM, Rivian, Hyundai, and virtually every other automaker announce NACS adoption
- June 2023: SAE International adopts NACS as the SAE J3400 standard
- 2024–2025: First non-Tesla vehicles with native NACS ports begin shipping
- 2025–2026: NACS becomes the dominant connector for new EVs sold in the US
- 2026+: Charging networks complete the transition, adding NACS cables alongside or replacing CCS
What This Means for Charging Networks
- Tesla Supercharger: Already NACS; adding Magic Dock/CCS for backward compatibility
- Electrify America: Adding NACS connectors to stations alongside CCS
- ChargePoint: Deploying dual-cable (NACS + CCS) stations
- EVgo: Adding NACS to existing and new stations
- Blink: Transitioning to include NACS support
- NEVI (federal funding): All federally funded stations must include both CCS and NACS
What This Means for You
If you're buying a new EV in 2025 or later, it almost certainly has a NACS port. You'll have access to Tesla's Supercharger network natively, plus any other network that has added NACS connectors. If you have an older CCS vehicle, adapters are available.
Adapters: CCS to NACS and Back
NACS to CCS Adapter (for Tesla and 2025+ vehicles at CCS stations)
If your car has a NACS port and you need to charge at a CCS-only station:
- Tesla sells a CCS adapter (previously called CCS Combo 1 Adapter) for approximately $175–$250
- Third-party adapters from Lectron and others are available for $100–$200
- Supports up to 250 kW DC charging
- Good idea to keep one in your car for backup, especially in areas where NACS stations are sparse
CCS to NACS Adapter (for older EVs at Tesla Superchargers)
If your car has a CCS port and you want to use Tesla Superchargers:
- Magic Dock at Supercharger stalls provides the CCS adapter built into the station
- Standalone CCS-to-NACS adapters are available from third parties (Lectron, A2Z, etc.)
- Ford, GM, and others provided free NACS adapters to owners of 2024 and older CCS-equipped vehicles
- Performance varies — some adapters limit charging speed
Tips for Using Adapters
- Buy from reputable brands — cheap adapters can overheat or fail
- Check max power rating — make sure the adapter supports your vehicle's max DC charge rate
- Test before you need it — try the adapter at a local station before relying on it for a road trip
- Keep it in your car — throw it in the trunk or frunk so it's always available
What About CHAdeMO?
CHAdeMO is a DC fast charging standard developed in Japan, used primarily by the Nissan Leaf and a few other older EVs. It's being phased out in North America:
- No new vehicles sold in the US use CHAdeMO
- Charging stations are removing CHAdeMO connectors as they upgrade
- EVgo still has some CHAdeMO stations, but they're disappearing
- If you own a Nissan Leaf, plan for reduced CHAdeMO availability over time
CHAdeMO remains common in Japan but has no future in the North American market.
What Should You Do?
Buying a New EV
Make sure it has a NACS port. In 2025 and beyond, virtually all new EVs sold in the US will have NACS. This gives you access to Tesla Supercharger plus every other network adding NACS support.
Own a CCS Vehicle
- Get a CCS-to-NACS adapter to access Tesla Superchargers (check if your automaker provides one free)
- Use Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVgo — they'll continue supporting CCS for years
- Don't panic — CCS stations aren't going away immediately. The transition will take several years.
Own a CHAdeMO Vehicle (Nissan Leaf)
- Plan charging stops carefully — CHAdeMO availability is declining
- Use PlugShare to verify CHAdeMO stations are active before driving to them
- Consider upgrading when you're ready for a new vehicle — the charging experience with NACS is dramatically better
No matter which connector your car uses, home charging with a Level 2 charger eliminates connector confusion for 90% of your charging needs. And when it's time for a road trip, check out evtravelplanner.com for route-specific charging guides.