Mazda is the latest automaker to support Tesla’s North American Charging Standard. In a press release, the company stated that the NACS charging station will be integrated into its future electric cars (EVs) in Japan beginning in 2027. This action represents a significant shift in Japan’s EV infrastructure.
While NACS will become the norm, Mazda confirmed that its EVs will continue to function with various charging methods. The company intends to employ adapters to ensure interoperability with non-Tesla chargers as well. This is particularly essential in Japan, where CHAdeMO remains the dominant charging format. This means that Mazda owners are not trapped in a single system, giving them more options.
NACS Integration Set for 2027
Mazda has officially announced its plan to equip new EV models with NACS ports starting in 2027. These models will launch in the Japanese market and support Tesla’s growing Supercharger network. By doing so, Mazda aims to enhance the convenience of EV ownership in Japan.
“Mazda adopted NACS to provide customers with greater convenience by a broader range of charging options,” the company said.
This shift will give Mazda customers access to one of the most reliable and fast-charging infrastructures available.
Tesla’s NACS Gains Global Momentum
Tesla’s NACS, originally built for North America, is now being used in other locations. Mazda’s decision comes after Sony Honda Mobility said last year that its AFEELA EVs would also include NACS ports. While AFEELA EVs will debut in the United States, they are also expected to reach Japan.
Tesla’s Director of Charging, Max de Zegher, shared optimism about this development. He believes the adoption of NACS in Japan and South Korea is inevitable.
“NACS becoming the standard in Japan (and South Korea) seems like only a matter of time now,” he stated.
He also highlighted how more charging networks are beginning to install NACS-compatible hardware, reinforcing the growing industry shift.
A Step Toward a Unified EV Future
Mazda’s agreement with Tesla reflects a larger trend toward standardization in EV infrastructure. Automakers are seeking charging solutions that offer wide access without the need for country-specific models. De Zegher emphasized this point:
“Vehicle manufacturers also don’t want to build market-specific variants—like CHAdeMO just for Japan or CCS1 just for South Korea.”
Mazda’s decision to embrace Tesla’s charging standard is a strategic one aimed at increasing convenience and keeping up with global EV trends. As more enterprises follow suit, Japan’s EV charging landscape will undergo considerable transformation.
