Lucid Motors has decided to adopt NACS as the standard charging plug for electric vehicles (EVs), bringing it one step closer to becoming the dominant EV connector in North America. Earlier this year, SAE International, a consortium of engineers responsible for setting standards in various industries including automotive, endorsed NACS over CCS as the preferred charging standard. Leading automakers like Ford, GM, and Subaru have also committed to using this plug. As more vehicles rely on NACS, it becomes more cost-effective to build additional charging stations nationwide. Additionally, NACS is seen as a more reliable standard compared to CCS, which could eventually fade away as NACS expands.
This development is particularly beneficial for Tesla, who originally created NACS for their EVs, citing its simple and efficient design. By making the charging connector open source for all vehicles, Tesla’s strategic move seems to be paying off, as even their strongest competitors, like Lucid Motors, are now adopting this plug. Lucid Motors, however, is not framing this change as a victory for Tesla, but rather as a triumph for the entire EV industry. Peter Rawlinson, CEO of Lucid Motors, believes that a unified charging standard, supported by the widespread deployment of high-voltage charging stations, will play a crucial role in encouraging American consumers to embrace electric vehicles.
The world is shifting to electric vehicles (EVs), but the pace of adoption varies across regions. While the United States has seen an increase in EV sales, the market share remains in single digits. In contrast, Europe has surpassed North America in EV sales, but it is China that has become the dominant force in the EV race. As a country with a massive market and the ability to produce EVs at a rapid pace, China’s adoption of EVs is widespread and quick. This article will explore how China came to be at the forefront of the EV race.
China, once known primarily for its low-cost labor, has become the world’s largest EV market with the most EV models. The country is home to over 100 EV companies that are relatively unknown. How did China come to dominate the EV race? Politics played a significant role. Until 2022, foreign automakers had to form joint ventures with Chinese automakers to operate in China. This requirement promoted technology sharing and helped China gain knowledge in building new cars.
While this policy may seem beneficial only to China, it also benefited foreign automakers, especially German brands. Volkswagen, for example, established its joint venture with SAIC and FAW in China and treated the country as its most significant market. By creating models tailored specifically to China, such as the Lavida, Volkswagen achieved great success in the Chinese market.
However, Chinese entrepreneurs and engineers realized that they were falling behind in internal combustion engine (ICE) technology compared to countries like Germany. To catch up, they decided to invest in EV technology instead. This move allowed Chinese automakers to innovate and establish their own legacy in the EV age. China’s government played a crucial role in promoting EV technology through subsidies, incentives, and tax breaks, resulting in over 6 million EVs sold in China in 2022.
China chose to invest in EV technology where other countries were still in the early stages. Instead of trying to catch up in ICE technology, Chinese automakers focused on establishing their presence in the EV industry. As early as 2001, EV technology became a priority in China’s economic plans. Subsidies and incentives were provided to companies for producing and developing electric cars. Thanks to these investments and government support, China has become a leader in global EV sales, surpassing other countries.
Establishing a local supply chain is crucial for developing a robust EV industry. China has excelled at this, innovating and reducing the cost of EV technology at a rapid pace. While Western companies favored lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries, Chinese companies focused on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are cheaper and safer. Chinese battery companies have narrowed the energy gap of LFP batteries while keeping costs low.
In addition to advancing battery technology, China also has control over the necessary materials for batteries, including nickel, cobalt, sulfate, lithium hydroxide, and graphite. The country has a well-established battery supply chain, giving it a significant advantage in the global battery market. CATL, one of China’s battery suppliers, dominates global battery supplies, accounting for 34% of worldwide EV batteries.
Tesla has also benefited from China’s cultivation of the EV industry. The company’s Shanghai Gigafactory enabled local production with a solid supply chain already established in China. Tesla’s success in China has pushed local brands to innovate and compete, leading to an ongoing “price war” in the country’s EV market. Furthermore, CATL, the dominant battery supplier in China, supplies batteries to Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory.
Tesla is even in talks with CATL to build a battery plant solely owned by Tesla, licensing the technology and chemistry from CATL. Ford has also partnered with CATL to build a battery plant in Michigan. Both of these moves have sparked political controversy.
It remains to be seen if other countries can replicate China’s success in the EV industry. The United States is making efforts to develop its own EV industry with initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act. Chinese EV startups are expanding to overseas markets, although they may face challenges in cracking the North American market due to politics and consumer perception. However, Chinese brands have found success in Europe by providing affordable EV options that cater to the aggressive EV push in the region.
The switch to bio-fuels and more efficient engines by airlines may give the impression of green initiatives, but drivers of electric vehicles using Heathrow Airport in the UK have been left stranded as the major charging network has been unexpectedly turned off. Neither the airport nor the charging company has provided an explanation for this sudden shutdown.
In order to cater to the growing number of electric car users at the airport, Heathrow had installed more than 25 chargers as part of its Pod Point network in the short-stay car parks. However, over the past few months, drivers have discovered that these chargers are no longer functional and have taken to social media to express their frustration.
Jonathan Whelan, owner of a Tesla Model 3, shared his disappointment, stating, “Looks permanently shut now. All powered down.” Another theory circulating is that Heathrow failed to renew its contract with Pod Point. However, neither Pod Point nor Heathrow provided a reason for the sudden shutdown, with Heathrow only mentioning that it is “developing plans to meet the growing demand.”
Although the Pod Point chargers at Heathrow have been deactivated, there are alternative charging options available for electric vehicle drivers. Networks such as BP Pulse and Polar offer chargers at various locations near the airport, including major hotels and some nearby car parks. Additionally, Tesla Supercharger sites are available at terminals 2, 3, and 5.
Furthermore, some valet parking services at Heathrow now offer EV charging. One of the first companies to do so is Park Giant UK, a meet-and-greet parking operator. They launched their EV charging service in January 2022 and currently charge around 40 cars per week. Charging is available through slow, three-pin sockets in their storage compound or, upon customer request, at the nearby Tesla Supercharge facility at the Hilton, Terminal 5.
Bob Gill, director of Park Giant UK, shared his satisfaction with the demand for EV charging services and expects it to increase further as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion takes effect and more people switch to electric vehicles.
Not only at Heathrow but also at airports across the UK, the provision of charger facilities is inconsistent, with many chargers available in car parks and hotels in an apparently ad hoc manner. Autocar contacted the UK’s 10 busiest airports for details on their charger provision, and only Luton and Gatwick responded. Luton confirmed the availability of 10 7kW chargers in Terminal Car Park 1, while Gatwick has 24 22kW charge points across its public car parks. Moreover, Gatwick will soon have a dedicated EV charging facility called the Gatwick Electric Forecourt, provided by Gridserve. It will be located on the approach to the airport’s South Terminal and feature 36 medium and high-power chargers. Newcastle is also set to have a dedicated EV forecourt with up to 12 charging bays in 2024, pending planning permission, through a partnership with charging operator Fastned.
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