Kentucky Mandates NACS for EV Chargers

Kentucky will be requiring Tesla plugs to be included on state-funded EV chargers, Auto Blog reports.

According to documents reviewed by Reuters, Kentucky submitted a request for proposal for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program that outlines requirements for both Tesla plugs–referred to as the North American Charging Standard (NACS)–as well as plugs for the Combined Charging System (CCS) required by the federal government.

“Each port must be equipped with an SAE CCS 1 connector. Each port shall also be capable of connecting to and charging vehicles equipped with charging ports compliant with the North American Charging Standard (NACS),” the documents read.

Though Texas and Washington have shared plans to also mandate NACS connectors, Kentucky’s requirements were put into effect as of this past Friday, making it the first state to actually do so.

Though these states as well as several auto manufacturers have announced plans to adopt NACS connectors, some EV charger producers and operators have voiced concerns. A letter was recently submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation urging them to reconsider their commitment to NACS.

“Time is needed to properly standardize, test, and certify the safety and interoperability of Tesla connectors across the industry,” a letter obtained by Reuters stated.