As most are well aware by now, the current state of EV charging infrastructure remains one of the biggest barriers to more widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Aside from simply not having enough chargers to keep up with the growing number of EVs on the roads, many existing units are experiencing reliability issues, and then there’s the matter of which type of connector one’s vehicle has, as not all chargers are equipped to handle every kind of port. However, ChargePoint has apparently come up with a unique solution to that latter problem.
EV charging company ChargePoint just revealed its new Omni Port connector, which reportedly ensures that any EV can charge in any parking space, regardless of its connector type, and without the need for an additional cable or adapter. It accomplishes this by combining various connector types into each charging port. ChargePoint notes that its new Omni Port will be incorporated into select AC and DC charging stations at no extra cost when it begins shipping later this year, and even better, those chargers will already know which type of connection a vehicle has, at least, for those that key that information into the ChargePoint app ahead of time – otherwise, users can select a connector type on the charger’s screen before starting a charging session.
“Across hardware and software, ChargePoint is bringing to market innovative solutions that ensure all drivers who need to charge are able to do so,” said Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint. “With Omni port, ChargePoint solved the challenges associated with a multiple connector environment, ensuring Tesla and non-Tesla drivers can continue to expect a world-class driver experience. We are giving drivers and site hosts assurance that ChargePoint will continue to meet all their charging needs now and in the future.”
This is certainly an interesting idea, and one that may very well prove to be a big benefit for EV owners. As Ford Authority recently reported, Ford EV owners have been facing a number of delays in receiving their CCS to NACS adapters that allow them to utilize Tesla’s Supercharger stations, though this new tech may help eliminate the need for such a piece, at least as it pertains to ChargePoint chargers.
We’ll have more on this new connector soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
Devil is in the details. This article doesn’t have any.
That’s because ChargePoint hasn’t provided any additional details.
From the picture, it looks like a NACS adapter tacked onto an old plug, but maybe that’s not the real connector. Not much of a ‘reveal’.
One of the strangest points of this epic EV pivot fail, was that all these engineers and other “smart” people couldn’t figure out ahead of time that a universal method for charging was needed BEFORE they started to roll these things out.
The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) did create a universal method over 15 years ago. Search and read the J1772 standard that every EV manufacturer accepted and use, except Tesla and Renault/Nissan (CHAdeMo). David, you are uneducated about EVs.
I said “universal” which means agreeing to just one type. Having a handful of types was (and still is) a major impediment to adoption.
Usa/North America has ccs1 and nacs (Tesla). Europe has ccs2 which Tesla has to confirm to. Those Leaf EV have different comnection in North America. Nacs actually arrived before Ccs1 but every major auto company agreed to this (ccs1). Now almost all North American vehicles are moving into nacs in 2025.