Tired of confusing EV charging stations? The Omni Port promises to banish bulky adapters to the history books

ChargePoint Omni Port
(Image credit: ChargePoint)

ChargePoint, which has over 30,000 EV charging stations in the US, has just announced its latest solution for those confused, annoyed and fed up with the rampant incompatibility that plagues the public EV charging network.

Dubbed Omni Port, the upcoming charging stations will ensure that any EV can charge in any parking space, regardless of the connector type and without the faff of an expensive additional cable.

This mix of hardware and software requires the EV owner to punch in the details of their vehicle via the app, which will then talk to the Omni Port station and ensure the correct connector is provided every time the user approaches a station to charge.

But even those not using the ChargePoint app can benefit, as there will be an option to simply select the required connector type on-screen and then tap to pay with credit and debit cards.

The issue, according to ChargePoint, is that there are more than 5.5 million EVs on North American roads, of which more than half are equipped with J1772 or CCS1 charging ports. 

Despite most manufacturers attempting to align with Tesla’s NACS (North American Charging Standards) protocol, there are still many electric vehicles in regular use that either have to carry bulky connector adaptors to use a network - something Ford offered for free to its customers - or find alternative charging solutions.

Perhaps more importantly, ChargePoint’s clever connector-swapping tech also reduces bulk and will effectively do away with the gigantic charging cabinets we so often face that come complete with numerous cables that are often in awkward places and don’t reach the vehicle’s charging port.

ChargePoint says that Omni Port will start rolling out at the end of the year, with support for the fastest 800-volt charging architecture. It also says it can retrofit CP6000 and Express Plus Power Link 2000 stations with the Omni Port technology, helping to speed up the introduction.

Good news... unless you own CHAdeMO

Nissan Leaf

(Image credit: Nissan)

Although ChargePoint’s innovation will be a welcome addition to the EV armory, it isn’t the first time we’ve seen connector-swapping technology at play. 

In fact, Tesla unveiled its Magic Dock Supercharger system at the end of last year, which automatically adds a NACS to CCS or J177 adaptor when non-Tesla owners use the facilities.

The Omni Port system is essentially the same thing but in reverse – a fairly standard CCS connector that adds NACS, J1772 Level 2 and other AC and DC charging options at the point of charge.

However, owners of older electric vehicles, such as the first-generation Nissan Leaf, early Kia Soul EV models and some Mitsubishi pure electric and hybrids are being left in the dark, it seems.

The original CHAdeMO port, which was in a position to become an industry fast-charging standard in the very early days of EV adoption, is looking ever more likely to become extinct. 

The Omni Port system won’t support it, Electrify America said it won’t install stations with it any more and even Nissan is phasing out the Leaf model in 2025, perhaps the last bastion of the aging technology.

Unless cheap CHAdeMO adaptors become readily available, it could be bad news for owners of perfectly useable second-hand Nissans, Kia and Mitsubishis.

You might also like

Leon Poultney
EVs correspondent

Leon has been navigating a world where automotive and tech collide for almost 20 years, reporting on everything from in-car entertainment to robotised manufacturing plants. Currently, EVs are the focus of his attentions, but give it a few years and it will be electric vertical take-off and landing craft. Outside of work hours, he can be found tinkering with distinctly analogue motorcycles, because electric motors are no replacement for an old Honda inline four.

Read more
Tesla Supercharger V4
Tesla's Supercharger network gets faster charging speeds in the US, but not all owners are happy about it
The Volvo EX30 from the front in a yellow color
Finally! The Volvo EX30 has solved one of my biggest problems with modern cars
A man sitting in an Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 and a person holding a phone at an EV charging station.
I review EVs for a living – here are 5 ways I'm slashing my charging bills in 2025
Zeekr 7X SUV
Zeekr's new EV has a 'Golden Battery' that charges from 10-80% in just nine minutes – making it the world's fastest
CES 2025 Best EVs
Five CES 2025 EVs that make me excited for the future of transportation
Kia EV9
Exciting new EVs are coming in 2025: here’s what you need to know
Latest in Hybrid & Electric Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz CLA 2025
I’ve tried the new Mercedes-Benz Superscreen – and its Google Gemini-powered smarts push EV infotainment to the next level
The Toyota FT-Me Concept sitting in a car park
Toyota's self-charging concept EV could help you tackle the daily commute on solar power alone
Rivian R1T
Big Rivian update delivers hands-off driving to rival Tesla Autopilot – and a new 'Rally' mode
The Deepal EO7 from the side, an SUV and pick-up truck combo
I drove an electric SUV that transforms into a pick-up, and it’s as fun as it is functional
Tesla Model 3
Tesla's EV sales are plummeting – as used Model Y and Model 3 prices crash to bargain levels
Best EVs of 2025
I've test-driven more than 20 electric cars in the past year – here are my top 8 EVs of 2025 so far
Latest in News
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #1147)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #378)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough