General Motors is taking a major step toward simplifying electric vehicle (EV) charging with the adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) — and at the heart of this transition is Sandra Monterosso, a veteran GM engineer leading the development of the company’s EV charging products.
Monterosso, based in Sterling Heights, Michigan, oversees the engineering of GM’s new charging adapters that bridge the CCS (Combined Charging System) and NACS standards. These adapters enable GM EV owners to charge at more public stations, significantly reducing charging anxiety and expanding access across North America.
We’re doing more than building new vehicles; we’re helping people feel confident about going electric, Monterosso said.
Monterosso’s journey with GM began right after high school as a GMI (now Kettering University) co-op student. Over the years, she has worked across several departments — including chassis, seating, and battery development — before moving into EV electrification.
Her latest role as Program Engineering Manager for the NACS transition has been the most rewarding chapter of her career. She describes holding the first finished GM NACS DC adapter as a defining moment: That was our gateway to thousands of fast chargers — a major step toward improving customer experience.
The transition to NACS involved a cross-functional “mega study” at GM that mapped every stakeholder and deliverable — from hardware and software development to mobile app integration and supplier coordination. Within a year, the team built new supplier relationships, upgraded infrastructure, and aligned with evolving certification standards.
Monterosso also emphasized that GM’s charging adapters are not afterthoughts. They underwent extensive validation and durability testing, including exposure to extreme weather and real-world wear-and-tear conditions, ensuring safety and reliability for every GM EV model.
Beyond engineering, Monterosso draws motivation from mentoring others: Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Embrace change, challenge assumptions, and don’t wait for someone else to lead.
GM’s shift to the NACS standard underscores the company’s commitment to customer convenience and interoperability as it accelerates toward an all-electric future.
