Charging stationoperator of the largest electric vehicle charging network in the US, is rolling out a new plug that the company says can be used by virtually any battery-powered car, as automakers quickly adopt connector standards developed by Tesla Inc.
The Omni Port combines the most commonly used connector types into one plug and will be available on both ChargePoint’s AC and DC ports. chargersthe company said in a statement on Thursday.
To quote ChargePoint’s announcement:
“Drivers can expect a frictionless charging experience when using Omni Port. They simply enter their vehicle make and model into the ChargePoint app, tap to charge, and let the charging station automatically release the correct connector type. For those not using the ChargePoint app, a driver simply selects the appropriate connector on the charger’s screen. Omni Port eliminates the hassle of carrying adapters and provides a simpler, more convenient charging experience. Omni Port was designed with all vehicle brands in mind, built into ChargePoint’s AC and DC charging architecture with cable management that reaches a charging port regardless of its location on the vehicle. There’s no need to download a special app if you prefer to pay by credit card, and Omni Port fully supports vehicles with 800-volt architecture — ensuring maximum charging speeds for longer periods of time.”
The move addresses a long-standing pet peeve of EV drivers: the lack of a single, standardized plug. Two now dominate electric vehicle charging in the U.S.: the Combined Charging Standard, or CCS, and Tesla’s North American Charging Standard, or NACS. Since last year, many automakers, including ford, General Motors And Rivian — have announced a switch from CCS to NACS, so that their customers can access Tesla’s charging network, which is widely seen as the most reliable. But many EVs on the road still use CCS.
“With Omni Port, ChargePoint has solved the challenges that come with a multi-connector environment, ensuring Tesla and non-Tesla drivers alike can continue to enjoy a world-class driving experience,” CEO Rick Wilmer said in the statement.