(The Center Square) – Kempower has introduced the North American Charging Standard connector to the market.

The company CEO says it “simplifies the charging experience for consumers.”

According to a release, the connector “is a standardized plug and socket configuration designed specifically for electric vehicle charging infrastructure within the North American market. It serves as the interface between the EV and the charging station, facilitating the transfer of electricity to recharge the vehicle’s battery.”

CEO Tomi Ristimaki said in the release, “For the North American market, the implementation of the NACS connector represents a significant step towards creating a robust and efficient EV charging ecosystem. It simplifies the charging experience for consumers, encourages the expansion of charging infrastructure, and accelerates the transition towards electric mobility, ultimately contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the promotion of sustainable transportation solutions.”

The alternative fuel vehicle industry is getting a significant push in North Carolina from the federal and state government through subsidies. Kempower, which has made a $41 million investment in its Durham location with plans for about 600 jobs, is among the winners chosen in that regard with $3 million across a dozen years.

Gov. Roy Cooper in 2018, when the state had just more than 10,000 of the vehicles, set a goal of 80,000 zero-emission autos registered before 2025 and hit it two years early. In 2022, he upped it to 1.25 million by 2030.

The second goal has 1.17 million to go and needs a monthly pace of 14,400 – higher than the annual average (13,000) since November 2018.