Mazda has announced plans to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) Supercharger system in both the United States and its home market of Japan. This move positions Mazda among the first Japanese automakers to embrace NACS in Japan, following Sony Honda Mobility’s Afeela brand, and promises faster, more reliable charging for its electric vehicle (EV) customers.

Strategic Shift to NACS

Mazda’s decision marks a significant pivot for the Hiroshima-based company, especially in Japan, where the CHAdeMO fast-charging standard has long dominated. NACS, capable of delivering 150kW to 250kW, far outpaces CHAdeMO’s typical 50kW output. This means NACS can recharge EV batteries to 80% in about 20 minutes, while CHAdeMO often requires over an hour for the same charge. This transition will modernize Mazda’s charging infrastructure and align its vehicles with the emerging global standard.

Implications for Mazda’s EV Strategy

Mazda’s EV journey has been cautious. Its sole dedicated EV, the MX-30 SUV, launched in the U.S. in 2020 but was discontinued after two model years due to its limited 100-mile EPA-estimated range. Currently, Mazda does not offer fully electric models in the U.S., focusing instead on plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) like the CX-70 and CX-90. However, these PHEVs currently use Level 1 or Level 2 AC charging and are not compatible with DC fast charging via NACS. Mazda has introduced the electric EZ-6 sedan in China and plans to debut the new Mazda 6e in Europe in the near future, though details for U.S. EV launches remain unconfirmed until at least 2027.

Benefits for Mazda Drivers

For U.S. Mazda owners, the shift to NACS will unlock access to Tesla’s widespread and efficient Supercharger stations, a significant upgrade from the current reliance on partners like ChargePoint for home charging. According to Mazda’s U.S. website, ChargePoint’s Level 2 in-home chargers can fully charge a PHEV in about 1.5 hours. Public fast-charging via NACS will offer far greater convenience for future Mazda battery-electric vehicles, delivering high-power charging in minutes rather than hours. In Japan, transitioning from CHAdeMO to NACS will help Mazda align with global charging standards and enhance the appeal of its upcoming EVs.

Industry Trends and Regulatory Context

Mazda’s adoption of NACS reflects a broader industry trend as automakers converge on Tesla’s charging standard for its reliability and performance. In the U.S., the Supercharger network’s expansion and NACS’s open-standard status have made it the de facto choice for EVs. In Japan, where CHAdeMO’s slower speeds have limited its competitiveness, Mazda’s move could accelerate the phase-out of legacy systems. Regulatory factors, such as U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles, continue to impact Mazda’s EV production and sales strategies.

展望未来

Mazda’s adoption of Tesla’s NACS Superchargers in the U.S. and Japan signals a forward-thinking approach to EV infrastructure, promising faster charging and greater convenience for future drivers. While the company’s U.S. EV lineup remains limited until at least 2027, this strategic move positions Mazda to capitalize on growing demand for efficient, accessible charging. As the industry shifts toward unified standards, Mazda’s early adoption in Japan could set a precedent for other automakers, driving the global EV ecosystem toward greater interoperability.

Photos courtesy of Mazda