Tesla Expands Global Reach & Opens Superchargers in South Korea to All EVs
Tesla‘s recent expansion of its Non-Tesla Supercharger Pilot program to South Korea marks a huge step in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. This move opens about half of its Supercharger sites in the country, totalling around 80 locations, to other EVs. This development is noteworthy because South Korea’s EV market predominantly uses the CCS1 connector for DC fast charging, different from Tesla’s proprietary NACS connector used in the U.S. and Canada.
Tesla’s pilot program includes over 20 countries across NA, Europe and Asia Pacific
To accommodate this, Tesla has equipped its charging stations with built-in CCS1 adapters, known as Magic Docks. This adaptation signifies Tesla’s commitment to universal charging solutions, transcending brand exclusivity. The installation of the 1,000th charger in Incheon-Yeonsu highlights the rapid expansion of Tesla’s charging infrastructure in South Korea.
The broader implications of this move are significant. It raises questions about the future of charging standards in South Korea, particularly whether local manufacturers like the Hyundai Motor Group will continue with CCS1 or shift towards Tesla’s NACS. Additionally, it’s interesting to note Tesla’s growing role as an EV charging provider for other networks, with recent agreements to supply charging technology to BP Pulse in the U.S. and EG Group in Europe.
This expansion isn’t just limited to South Korea; Tesla’s pilot program now includes over 20 countries across North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The universal adoption of Tesla’s charging technology, combined with its efforts to adapt to local standards like CCS1 in South Korea and GB/T in China, indicates a strategic move towards a more interconnected and accessible global EV charging network.
Source:Tesla Expands Global Reach & Opens Superchargers in South Korea to All EVs – Gizmochina
