ChargePoint’s ‘Omni Port’ charges all EV Makes, Including Tesla

ChargePoint has come up with a solution to the EV charging problem with the introduction of its “Omni Port,” combining multiple EV charging plugs into a single port.

Now Tesla and non-Tesla drivers can charge their vehicles at any ChargePoint space, theoretically eliminating the need for model-specific spaces and adapters.

According to ChargePoint, there are over 5.5 million EVs on North America’s roads, with over half of those equipped with CCS1 or J1772 charging ports. The Omni Port combines J1772 and NACS ports, with the capability for CCS1 DC fast charging.

Drivers enter their vehicle make and model into the ChargePoint mobile app and the Omni Port-equipped station automatically deploys the correct connector and starts charging. Those who don’t want to use the app can manually select the appropriate EV plug on the charger’s screen.

ChargePoint’s Omni Port Solves EV Driver Headaches

Up until now, it has been confusing for drivers to figure out if a specific charger supports their make and model, and finding the right adapter poses another challenge. Rick Wilmer, ChargePoint CEO, claimed the company has “solved the challenges associated with a multiple connector environment” with the the first “universal” EV charging solution. 

The technology will roll out in new charging piles, but can also be installed on existing Express Plus Power Link 2000 and CP6000 models for a “nominal cost.” A ChargePoint representative said the company expects to start rolling out the technology by the end of this year, according to Electrek.

Though nearly all OEMs in the US have committed to transitioning to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), there are still plenty of EVs on the road today that feature a range of different ports for charging, like the Nissan Leaf, which is equipped with a CHAdeMo plug that’s almost obsolete on other vehicles. 

Leaf owners will be able to access CHAdeMo connectors for plugs on the Express Plus Power Link 2000 piles.

With a network of over one million EV charging plugs across North America and Europe, there’s no denying that ChargePoint is one of the largest EV charging brands out there. Now it looks like the company may have found a solution for one of the biggest headaches facing EV drivers worldwide.