Kentucky mandates the use of Tesla's charging plug for all new public charging stations

Tesla has resisted calls to adopt a standardized plug.

Tesla's charging plug has been mandated in Kentucky, making it the latest US state to require the use of the electric vehicle manufacturer's proprietary charging standard. The state legislature passed the mandate as part of a package of measures aimed at promoting the adoption of EVs. Tesla's charging system, which uses a proprietary connector, has been the subject of controversy in the past. Industry groups have called for the use of a standardized system to avoid confusion for EV owners and allow for interoperability between different vehicles. Tesla has resisted calls to adopt a standardized plug. Arguing that doing so would compromise the performance and safety of its charging system. Kentucky's mandate requires all new public charging stations to be equipped with Tesla's charging plug, which is compatible with the company's Model S, X, and 3 vehicles. Existing charging stations are not affected by the mandate.

The move is significant for Tesla, which has entered into legal battles with other states over its charging system in the past. The company has argued that any attempt to force it to adopt a standard connector would be a violation of its intellectual property. Tesla's proprietary charging system continues to be a point of debate in the EV industry, and it remains to be seen whether other states will follow Kentucky's lead in mandating its use.