As automakers and charging networks move toward Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for fast charging of electric vehicles, ChargePoint is launching new devices that combine Tesla and non-Tesla connector types.
ChargePoint’s Omni port can accommodate NACS and Common Charging Standard (CCS) connectors, as well as the SAE J1772 AC charging connector that is typically incorporated into CCS ports. ChargePoint said in a press release that the Omni port will be integrated into new charging stations, and installed into some existing stations.
Multi-port charging point
Drivers simply enter their vehicle’s make and model into the ChargePoint app and tap to start charging. The charging station then automatically releases the correct connector for their vehicle. This is similar to what Tesla does with the Magic Dock, and could help eliminate the hassle of charging in locations with multiple types of connectors.
With all the necessary hardware permanently attached to each charging station, drivers won’t have to search for a parking spot that matches their vehicle’s connector type, or deal with adapters that can get lost or stolen. The Omni Port is also UL certified, so drivers won’t have to worry about cheap adapters that don’t meet safety standards.
Porsche Macan EV at a ChargePoint charging station
ChargePoint said the Omni Port connectors will start shipping by the end of 2024. The company will also install them on its existing CP6000 Level 2 Universal AC Charger and Express Plus Power Link 2000 DC Fast Charger at a nominal cost to carriers.
As of June 2024, ChargePoint has a total of 62,536 chargers across 34,569 locations, according to the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center. That includes 2,783 locations with DC fast charging and 31,789 locations with AC charging. Getting those stations to be reliable across different makes and models with different charging ports will be a challenge, but the streamlined hardware seems like a good start.
