As car manufacturers and charging networks transition towards adopting the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) for rapid electric vehicle charging, ChargePoint is introducing innovative hardware that merges Tesla and non-Tesla connector varieties.
The versatile ChargePoint Omni Port has the capability to accommodate NACS, Combined Charging Standard (CCS), and the SAE J1772 connector for AC charging typically integrated into CCS ports. According to a press release from ChargePoint, the Omni Port will be integrated into new charging stations and upgraded onto certain existing stations.
ChargePoint Omni Port
Drivers are required to input their vehicle’s manufacturer and model into the ChargePoint application before initiating charging with a simple tap. Subsequently, the charging station will automatically dispense the appropriate connector for their vehicle. This functionality mirrors Tesla’s Magic Dock approach and has the potential to reduce the inconvenience associated with charging at locations offering multiple connector types.
By permanently affixing all necessary hardware to each charging station, drivers no longer need to search for a parking spot based on their vehicle’s connector type or use adapters that might be misplaced or stolen. Furthermore, Omni Port is UL-certified, alleviating concerns about substandard adapters that compromise safety.
Porsche Macan EV at ChargePoint charger
ChargePoint stated that the Omni Port connectors will commence delivery by the conclusion of 2024. Additionally, the company plans to update these connectors onto its CP6000 Level 2 AC public charger and Express Plus Power Link 2000 DC fast charger at a “reasonable fee” for operators.
As of June 2024, the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center reports that ChargePoint boasts a total of 62,536 chargers accessible at 34,569 sites. These figures encompass 2,783 locations featuring DC rapid charging and 31,789 offering AC charging. Ensuring reliable service at these stations across varying vehicle makes and models with distinct charge ports will pose a challenge, but the introduction of streamlined hardware appears to be a promising initiative.
