Tesla Will Have Volex Manufacture NACS Charging Connectors

August 11, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

Tesla will have Volex produce NACS connectors

Tesla

A crucial aspect of electric vehicle adoption is efficient and standardized charging infrastructure availability. Tesla opened up its plug technology and smartly renamed it the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. Thankfully, legacy automakers, led by Ford, went all in on Tesla's technology. Now Tesla has further solidified its commitment to fostering industry-wide standardization by licensing UK-based power equipment manufacturer Volex to produce its NACS connector.

The Importance of the NACS Connector

By allowing other automakers and infrastructure suppliers to adopt this connector, the NACS connector is on track to become the most widespread charging standard in the world. Already outnumbering the Combined Charging System (CCS) two-to-one and boasting 60% more NACS posts, Tesla's Supercharging network is driving a cohesive strategy toward a unified charging system.

Tesla's license to Volex signifies an important step in making the NACS connector widely available. Volex is a recognized global leader in integrated manufacturing for performance-critical applications and a major supplier of power products. The company's expertise in cable assemblies, electric vehicles, and consumer electricals makes them an ideal partner for this endeavor.

The Executive Chairman of Volex, Nat Rothschild, underscored the significance of this partnership, stating, "As a selected supplier of the NACS coupler, this further validates that Volex continues to be the trusted manufacturing partner of Tesla's charging system technology to the world's leading EV manufacturing companies and suppliers who utilize the NACS EV Charging system."

NACS Adapters

Volex's readiness to supply the NACS connector to automakers makes this partnership even more compelling. While Tesla had announced the intention to provide adapters to automakers next year, Volex's preparedness accelerates the process.

The adoption of NACS has already begun to resonate across the industry, with Ford, GM, Rivian, Nissan, and other automakers announcing their commitment to this new standard. Including Volex in this ecosystem adds momentum to the standardization process and potentially paves the way for more robust and rapid expansion of the EV charging infrastructure.

The licensing agreement with Volex further emphasizes Tesla's willingness to share its technology and leadership for the greater good of the automotive industry. In a landscape often marked by intense competition and guarded intellectual property, this collaboration offers a refreshing perspective toward achieving a common goal: making electric mobility more accessible and convenient for everyone.

Norway Approves Tesla’s FSD Testing on Public Roads; Potential for Europe-Wide Deployment

April 26, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

According to filings found by Kees Roelandschap on X, Tesla has obtained a 2-year exemption from UNECE autonomy regulations to run FSD Supervised on public roads in Norway. This marks one of the first positive developments for regulations and autonomy in Europe — great news for European customers.

Previously, European transportation agencies stressed additional caution and requested more time to legislate, further delaying the widespread UNECE regulation changes for autonomous vehicles.

Norwegian FSD - Employees Only

Following the recent approval from the Norwegian Road Authority, Tesla will be permitted to use its Supervised vehicles on public roads in a testing capacity. This exemption does not yet apply to customers, so we will have to wait and see how testing progresses.

Tesla will specifically be allowed to run FSD V13 and its derivative builds (meaning AI4 vehicles only) with automated steering and speed controls on EU-registered and approved vehicles.

Tesla will also be required to have Tesla-trained drivers (employees) conduct the testing. There is no specific policy in place that enables the use of FSD for customers at this time. However, as testing is conducted and bureaucratic hurdles are overcome across various transportation departments, Tesla may be able to extend the offer to European customers. According to Tesla’s latest earnings call, the company still plans to release FSD in Europe by the end of the year.

Tesla has already begun testing in the Netherlands, showing off FSD’s capabilities in Amsterdam.

FSD Supervised in Europe, pending regulatory approval pic.twitter.com/PYkcATjSUN
— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) April 5, 2025

Article 39 Exemption

The UNECE can grant exemptions for innovative technologies that move faster than legislation under Article 39. However, Tesla requires the backing of a national ministry of transport to bring this to the UNECE’s attention. The next round of voting on critical issues is expected on May 12, 2025, which may not leave Tesla much time to present its findings to UNECE.

We don’t expect Tesla to receive authorization immediately. It may take several weeks or months of testing from the Netherlands or Norway teams before one of the two countries is willing to support Tesla’s exemption bid.

However, if Tesla achieves an Article 39 exemption, it could allow Tesla to roll out FSD to customers across Europe, provided there are no country-level exemptions.

Tesla Reintroduces FSD Transfers in North America

April 25, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Following customer requests, Tesla has once again returned FSD Transfers for North America. This comes after some new details we received on FSD Supervised and Unsupervised at the recent Q1 2025 Earnings Call.

Vox Populi, Vox Dei … FSD Transfer is back

All countries (in NA), all S3XY + @cybertruck (excl Foundation Series & Launch Series)
— Tesla North America (@tesla_na) April 25, 2025

FSD Transfers

This latest round of FSD transfers doesn’t have a specific time limit - so if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and were worried about transferring FSD from a HW3 vehicle - now is the best chance.

This transfer opportunity is applicable for any new vehicle purchases, including the Model S, 3, X, Y, as well as the Cybertruck. The only vehicles it doesn’t apply to are the Foundation-Series Cybertruck or a Launch-Series Model Y, which already come with FSD included.

If you’re conducting an FSD transfer, you’ll need to reach out to your Tesla delivery coordinator through the Tesla app to confirm you’re eligible and to get the process started.

Note that once you take delivery, FSD access is removed from your older vehicle, regardless if you plan to trade in your vehicle or keep it.

Canada and Mexico

For those in Canada and Mexico, there’s some good news. This opportunity is available for customers in those countries as well, however, new vehicle orders are currently paused in Canada and Mexico for unknown reasons.