Tesla to Power Nissans as Charger Integration Pushed by Network App – CleanTechnica

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Nissan expands it EV charging network plugging into Tesla Superchargers

When Tesla introduced the North American Charging Standard (NACS) in 2022, it opened what is the world’s largest electric vehicle charging network to adoption by other automakers and charging companies. It also promoted a unified charging standard for EVs in North America.

Ford was the first to plug in to the Supercharger network. Owners of the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit were able to access Tesla Superchargers through the use of an adapter and integrated software, with activation and payment seamlessly handled via FordPass or Ford Pro Intelligence.

Nissan last year announced that its Nissan Energy Charge Network would align to NACS to improve the ownership experience of drivers of the Nissan Ariya and its future EVs. Starting December 10, 2024, the MyNISSAN app will gain access to approximately 17,800 Tesla Superchargers within the Network.

The app enables users to locate charging stations, view real-time charger availability, and pay seamlessly with a stored default payment method. Charging sessions can be initiated with a simple tap, streamlining the process for EV owners. The service is already available and includes over 90,000 charging stations across the U.S., with major partners such as Electrify America, Shell Recharge, ChargePoint, and EVgo.

This expansion brings the total number of public chargers available to the Nissan Energy Charge Network to over 100,000 in the U.S. and 25,000 in Canada. To utilize Tesla Supercharger stations, Nissan EV owners will need a Nissan-provided NACS adapter kit, available for $235. Starting in 2025, Nissan plans to equip its EVs for the U.S. and Canadian markets with a standard NACS port.

This capability isn’t available to the Nissan LEAF.

A major reason why the Nissan Energy Charge Network isn’t available to the LEAF is the CHAdeMO charging standard, which is increasingly being phased out in favor of newer standards, including the Combined Charging System (CCS). Adapting the LEAF to align with these newer systems would require significant technological modifications, potentially involving costly adapters or upgrades.

Another challenge lies in the LEAF’s older technology. As one of the first mass-market EVs, its infrastructure and capabilities were cutting-edge over a decade ago but now lag behind the advanced systems integrated into newer models. The MyNISSAN app, which serves as the backbone of the NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network, incorporates features and capabilities tailored to more modern vehicles like the Nissan Ariya, further complicating the integration of the LEAF.

These developments align with Nissan’s broader sustainability goals under its Arc mid-term business plan, to which the Tesla Supercharger program is connected. It aims to launch 16 new electrified models globally by the end of fiscal year 2026. The Nissan Ariya, the company’s current flagship EV, exemplifies this commitment with its advanced features, including an EPA-estimated range of up to 304 miles (for the Venture+ trim) and the e-4ORCE dual-motor all-wheel drive taking a spot on the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list.