Texas: New State-Sponsored Chargers Must Include Tesla Charging Standard

Chris Teague
by Chris Teague

Tesla sparks controversy at almost every turn, but the company’s genius occasionally shines through. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Tesla’s Supercharger network is not only its competitive advantage in the EV space but is a significant asset that will help it remain the company to beat. After Ford, GM, and Rivian signed on to use Tesla’s NACS charging standard, the automaker’s home state of Texas issued new rules requiring that state-sponsored charging stations carry its plugs.


Reuters reported the news, which includes a requirement for CCS charging plugs, the other popular standard. The Biden administration had worked with several companies in the industry, including Tesla, to bolster the national charging network. However, the moves made by some of America’s largest automakers all but guarantee Tesla’s NACS standard will be the charging setup going forward.


Texas’ move cements that concept, as it will likely drive other states to follow suit. Though the CCS connectors won’t go away immediately – thousands of EVs rely on them today – Tesla’s charging network is set to explode with growth. 


Love them or hate them, Tesla’s chargers are some of the best around. They’re frequently more reliable, easier to use, and more conveniently located than third-party charging brands. It also shows that Tesla’s value isn’t necessarily tied to its vehicles, though they will remain an important part of its business.


[Image: Tesla]


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Chris Teague
Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

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8 of 12 comments
  • ToolGuy ToolGuy on Jun 22, 2023

    What company offers the largest public charging network in North America?

    But this guy says that the T. plug is smaller and lighter, whatever.


  • SCE to AUX SCE to AUX on Jun 22, 2023

    This has been years in coming; it's only a surprise to people who have mocked Tesla for the last decade.


    "state-sponsored charging stations" - Ironic, given that Tesla is headquartered in Texas but still not permitted to operate a store there.

    • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Jun 22, 2023

      "still not permitted to operate a store there."

      Free uncensored Twitter access to all Texas politicians along with free podcasts.

      Give it time ;)


  • Inside Looking Out Inside Looking Out on Jun 22, 2023

    The early bird gets the worm.

    • Tassos Tassos on Jun 23, 2023


      Late risers counter that it is the second mouse that gets the cheese.


      So what do you prefer, a damned worm or some delicious cheese?

  • Tassos Tassos on Jun 23, 2023

    Texas has been TESLA COUNTRY

    ever since TESLA not only built its gigafactory there,

    but ALSO MOVED ITS HQ from the ungrateful DOGS of CA to TX.


    There is still progress that can be made. There is a whole lot of Dealers in TX that pay off the pols to forbid TESLA to open stores there. Sooner or later, this will be fixed too.


    I will be very curious to see what kind of sales the Cybertruck will have in this world capital of Pickups (TX). I have no idea.


    • See 1 previous
    • SCE to AUX SCE to AUX on Jun 23, 2023

      Any electric pickup that succeeds with real farmers and contractors will change the industry.

      But I don't think any of today's offerings (or the Cybertruck) will do that.

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