Image via Jaguar
Jaguar has announced a strategic partnership with Tesla, granting the British automaker access to Tesla's Supercharger network and committing to Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, Electrek reports.
Jaguar joins a growing list of automakers in North America, including Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, GM, and more in embracing the NACS standard.
The NACS Effect
The automotive industry is well aware of the NACS domino effect initiated by Ford and GM when they announced their adoption of the Tesla NACS standard.
This move set off a chain reaction, prompting other automakers to deal with Tesla, effectively securing access to the extensive Supercharger network as part of the transition to the NACS connector.
Read Also: Electrify America is Also Adopting Tesla NACS Chargers by 2025—Will it be the Standard Soon?
According to their press release, all new Jaguar vehicles sold in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 2025 onward will come equipped with the NACS connector, eliminating the need for adapters.
Additionally, Jaguar will source adapters from Tesla to support current I-PACE owners once they become available.
A Game-Changer for Jaguar EV Owners
Mark Camilleri, director of electrification services at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "Tesla has created a charging network across the globe that delivers fast, reliable, and convenient charging, and we are delighted to be working with them to provide access for Jaguar clients."
Under this agreement, Jaguar EV owners with NACS-equipped vehicles in North America will enjoy seamless access to Tesla's Supercharger network without the hassle of adapters.
This aligns with the approach taken by other automakers who have previously announced their adoption of NACS.
Jaguar's Electrification Course
Jaguar's foray into the EV market began with the I-PACE, a pioneering electric SUV that garnered attention upon its release in 2018.
Despite its initial success, the I-PACE faced challenges, primarily due to its higher price point and recalls concerning its batteries, making it a rare sight on North American roads.
The I-PACE got a minor update this year. However, Jaguar's electric car range was still pretty small.
In 2021, they had to cancel the electric version of the Jaguar XJ sedan at the last minute. Because of this, they came up with a new plan to make more electric cars, but they will not be ready until 2025. They want all their cars to be electric by 2030.
Optimizing Charging with Tesla
Ars Technica tells us that one noteworthy aspect of this partnership is Jaguar's commitment to optimizing charging rates on Tesla's v3 and v4 charger hardware using their in-house battery and power electronics.
This collaboration aims to enhance the charging experience for Jaguar's electric vehicle customers, emphasizing the importance of fast, reliable, and convenient charging, particularly when away from home.
What Lies Ahead
While existing I-PACE owners will not receive native NACS ports, Jaguar's commitment to providing adapters from Tesla ensures that these early adopters can still benefit from the Supercharger network.
Although no specific timeline has been mentioned, other automakers have projected adapter availability by mid-2024.
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