Volkswagen Group, encompassing iconic brands like Audi and Porsche, has officially committed to adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for their electric vehicles (EVs). This significant decision follows in the footsteps of other major automakers, solidifying Tesla’s dominance in the EV charging infrastructure.
Volkswagen is actively working on an adapter solution to grant existing electric car owners access to Tesla’s renowned Supercharger network. By 2025, new VW electric vehicles will feature Tesla’s charging port as a standard inclusion. This strategic collaboration is expected to provide VW customers seamless access to over 15,000 Supercharger charging points across North America, as reported by The Verge.
The move comes after Tesla, in a surprising twist, opened up its charging technology in November 2022 and renamed it the North American Charging Standard. The initiative aimed to establish a unified charging protocol across the EV industry. Ford was the initial participant, followed by General Motors, and now the prestigious Volkswagen Group.
Tesla’s Supercharger network, boasting 45,000 charging stations globally, with 12,000 in the United States alone, has long been considered superior to other charging options. Previously exclusive to Tesla owners, the company pivoted its strategy, initially in Europe and then in the U.S., allowing access to electric cars from other manufacturers.
The Biden administration’s infrastructure bill played a pivotal role, making standardized charging a prerequisite for accessing a portion of the $7.5 billion allocated for EV charging. With Volkswagen Group joining the consortium, Tesla’s NACS standard gains even more prominence, offering a streamlined experience for EV users.
While VW embraces this shift, attention now turns to Stellantis, the latest “dodger” in Tesla’s pursuit of standardization. Stellantis, with a diverse portfolio of brands including Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, Dodge, Peugeot, and Fiat, remains a potential candidate for adopting Tesla’s charging standard as the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve.