Texas has approved a plan that requires companies to include Tesla’s technology in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in order to be eligible for federal funds. This decision is significant because Texas is the largest recipient of a $5 billion program aimed at electrifying U.S. highways. It also aligns with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s goal of making its technology the U.S. charging standard. Despite federal rules requiring the rival Combined Charging System (CCS) to be offered by companies as a minimum for fund eligibility, individual states can implement additional requirements.
The move by Ford Motor and General Motors to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) a couple of months ago had a major impact on the industry, leading other automakers and charging companies to follow suit. In June, it was reported that Texas planned to mandate the inclusion of Tesla’s plugs in EV charging stations, with Washington state considering a similar plan and Kentucky already implementing it.
However, some charging companies expressed their opposition to the requirement in the first round of funds, citing concerns about the supply chain and certification of Tesla’s connectors. They argued that it could jeopardize the successful deployment of EV chargers. As a result, Texas deferred a vote on the plan twice in order to fully understand NACS and its implications.
Nevertheless, on Wednesday, the Texas Transportation Commission unanimously approved the plan. Humberto Gonzalez, a director at Texas’ Department of Transportation, presented the state’s plan to the commissioners, emphasizing that the two-connector approach proposed would ensure coverage for at least 97% of the over 168,000 electric vehicles with fast charge ports in the state.
This decision by Texas is being closely monitored by other states, as it sheds light on their potential flexibility in implementing additional requirements for federal funds at a local level. While CCS remains the minimum requirement at the federal level, Texas’s move showcases the possibility for states to incorporate specific technologies, such as Tesla’s, into their own charging infrastructure plans.
By approving this plan, Texas is taking a step towards becoming a leader in the adoption of EV charging technology. It sets a precedent for other states to follow and gives Tesla a stronger foothold in the charging market.
San Francisco-based reporter, Abhirup Roy, contributed to this article.
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
