Stellantis Adopts Tesla's Charging Plug, Last Major Automotive Manufacturer to do So

Feb 13, 2024 07:45 PM EST

A PARKED YELLOW DODGE CHARGER — (Photo : PEXELS/Kamshotthat )

Stellantis has declared that its brands in North America will be integrating a fast-charging connector, crafted by Tesla, for powering its electric vehicles. The SAE J3400 connector, now established as the industry standard for electric vehicle charging across the continent, will be featured in certain electric models from Stellantis starting in 2025.

Finally, It's a Yes from Stellantis, Adopts Tesla's Charging Plug

Stellantis has become the final major car manufacturer in North America to confirm its adoption of the J3400 connector. The announcement made on Monday enhances the IONNA charging network initiative, which Stellantis started with six other leading automakers. This alliance plans to create at least 30,000 fast-charging stations in North American cities by 2030. This venture also focuses on major highways.

According to the Windsor Star, Ricardo Stamatti, the Senior Vice-President of Global Energy and Charging at Stellantis, stated that the alignment of the industry on open standards is beneficial for customers. Furthermore, the report shared his statement that Stellantis is excited to support and integrate the SAE J3400 connector.

This endeavor is set to be significantly enhanced by IONNA, their joint public charging initiative with six other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Furthermore, the cooperation aims to improve high-power charging choices. It plans to make battery-electric vehicle charging available to all brands.

As per The Verge's report,Stellantis has announced that its initial electric vehicles equipped with the SAE J3400 connector, also referred to as Tesla's North American Charging Standard, are scheduled for release in 2025. Throughout this transition phase, Stellantis will offer adapters to those customers possessing electric vehicles with the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) connectors.

The company offers an array of plug-in hybrid vehicles and battery-electric models, with the majority being accessible in Europe. There's an ambitious lineup of forthcoming electric vehicles on the horizon, including entirely electric models from Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler slated for release over the next few years.

This strategy is expected to grant customers of Stellantis' electric vehicles the advantage of accessing Tesla's extensive and superior charging network. It also aims to reassure customers about the long-term prospects of electric vehicle charging in North America and elsewhere.

Notably, in Stellantis' official announcement, there is no direct mention of "Tesla." The communication instead uses the official standard name, SAE J3400, to refer to Tesla's electric vehicle charging plug designed for its future EVs.

The Plan

The SAE J3400 NACS is set to be introduced in 2024. As reported in Inside EVs Global, SAE International anticipates the standardization of the Tesla-devised NACS charging solution as the SAE J3400 by the end of 2024. This connector will replace the SAE J1772 Combo (also known as CCS1) for both AC and DC charging in upcoming electric vehicles.

Stellantis layout its blueprint for this transition. During such period, Stellantis plans to provide adapters for existing vehicles equipped with the Combined Charging System (CCS1) port.

The report stated there is no specific mention from Stellantis regarding plug-in hybrid vehicles, despite them being a significant part of the company's electrified lineup with sales exceeding 142,000 in 2023.

Nevertheless, it is expected that plug-in hybrids will eventually be equipped with Tesla's electric vehicle charging plug for its future EVs, incorporating the new SAE J3400 connector.