Tesla Calls for Car Makers to Use Its Internal Connector Standard

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Key Takeaways

  • Tesla has asked other EV makers and manufacturers to come together to agree on a new industry standard for connectors.
  • Some systems use more than 200 connections, Tesla uses just six.
  • The company will seek inspiration from its NACS charging port format, which is now a recognized standard.

Tesla has made its case for manufacturers and other brands to adopt its Low-Voltage Connector Standard (LVCS) in the name of sustainability and cost-cutting.

In a rare blog post from Elon Musk’s company, Tesla presented its push for standardization to reduce the complexity that is prevalent in the automotive world.

With many EVs using around 200 connections, the internals can appear convoluted. Tesla says it has streamlined the connectors inside its vehicles so that they use just six connectors.

LVCS System Also Used In Tesla’s Cybertruck

As mentioned, the simplified six-connector system reportedly contributes to efficiency. It also brings claimed savings in costs and production, with no significant consequences for performance. The system can deliver its power and signal requirements for the company for around 90% of typical electrical device applications, Tesla says.

The group of connectors used by the prominent EV brand is based on the same 48V architecture found in the Cybertruck.

An in-depth focus on the LVCS system described it as “the optimal long-term choice, requiring one-quarter of the current to deliver the same amount of power.”  The firm went on to describe how the system is designed to underpin “reliable autonomous vehicles” using robust single-wire sealing and independent secondary locking mechanisms.

Tesla has invited all device manufacturers and EV firms to get on board with the initiative, as well as seeking feedback on the proposal.

The Austin, Texas-based company didn’t disclose if it had yet received any support for its plans, but it will be interesting to gauge the reaction on this pertinent automotive issue.

For different reasons, various marques could be reluctant to fall in behind Musk and his way of doing things, such as having to give up proprietary technological advantages or repair methods.

It is an interesting debate, especially as Tesla has already succeeded in making its NACS charging format an official standard for EVs. Competitors like Ford and Rivian are either offering adapters or planning native NACS support on future cars. However, that’s a charging standard where there might be a clear incentive to adopt a more universal format; success there isn’t guaranteed to translate to LVCS.